My take on CSP 2011 Cutoff

I have hesitated somewhat before bringing myself to write this post. The temptation is alluring but the need felt is scarce. After all What is bound to happen will happen. And my pensiveness won't yield much (period). However I write this as I have seen people around perturbed about the expected high range cut-offs and losing hope to endeavor to start preparing for mains. This time is a crucial one and it is this period which will seperate the scorers from the wailers in the mains.

Here is my take on the Cut-off ranges:-

(1) Dismiss all bogus claims and estimations that the cut-off would be in range of 230-240. Don't even hyperventilate on scores around 200-220. Cut off is going to be far lesser than that.

(2) There are many of us who have done well on Paper II (ranging from exceptional to above avg.) but have failed somewhat to strike a chord with Paper I. And this is the genesis of all the sectional cut-off talks. There are people who have scored as high as 170-180 in Paper II but there marks in Paper I linger around 45-50. As per my opinion there is less hope for such candidates as the test here is not to check ur ability to quick solving and reading passages. It is more than that and GS is an instrumental key that unlocks the portal for the mains. So what should be a logical explanation here?

(3) Hypothetically if a person scores 200/200 in Paper II (Don't sweat. There would be no one in that category) and scores 50 in Paper I, his ratio of paper I to paper II would be 1:4. To me thats quite an irrational ratio and defeats the entire idea of bringing forth analytical and rational minds for the top job. As per my estimation this ratio would be 1:3 (max. possible). For instance:- If cut off is 200 (hypothetical) and a person scores 50 in GS and 150 in CSAT he is through. On the other hand a candidate who scores 30 in GS and 180 in CSAT should be held back as his ratio is 1:6. (However I can't commit that this would be the strategy employed by UPSC. To me it sounds rational and logical).

(4) Coming to sectional cut-offs, let us assume that the topper of prelims gets a score of 130 in paper I (65 ques. correct), then the individual cutoffs shoule be around 1/4th to 1/3rd of the topper's marks. So there is no possible need to fret on the issue. Sectional cutoffs are quite low and are only the minimum benchmark criteria. I have heard of people qualifying with 36/150 in GS last year in General category i.e. 24% of the total marks.

(5) On a rough estimation sectional cut-off should be around 40-45 for GS and 70-80 for CSAT. Anyone with marks above that should stop worrying about the sectional stuff.

(6) Coming to cumulative cutoffs, last year it was as low as 33%. Considering paper was easier this time (CSAT) and more time was on hand (GS) but keeping in mind extremely analytical questions in GS the cut-off should hover around 33-37% i.e. 132-150. Anyone with a score above 150 has a very good chance to make it and shall concentrate fully on the mains preps. Also cut-offs for SC, ST and OBC shouldn't be really down as in 10-15 marks below the General category. It would be 2-5 marks lesser than the General Category. (Also the people with reservation category who are worrying if there is reservation is prelims and have seen the Delhi HC judgment in this regard shall be relieved that a stay has been obtained on the same).

Concluding my estimation for cut-off is 132-150. And all people who have a genuine expectation of attaining the same shall stop any more meanderings, quit with checking answer keys and brooding over the missed and silly mistakes. It is time to rise and shine and get on a rollercoaster mode for the mains. Wish you all happy studying.

A lot of anxiety - CSP 2011

The fated day was 12th June. As I tried to sleep at a conveniently early hour on the night of 11th, my mind was zipping through a lot many thoughts and with every surge my sleep wandered far off and I was cast in a sea of anxiety. What would be it like? Would the preps. I've put in for past 6 months since I quit my job would see a shore and whether I was good enough? I tried failingly to get a decent sleep and it was when the clock ticked three, I could ward off all the nebulous fears and take some rest before the big day.

As i trudged out of the examination hall at 11:30 A.M, my mind was in a total chaos. I was dumbstruck. I didn't know how I fared and I had no clue what would be my score. I tried to flush out the imbroglio as the battle was not over and the respite of 3 hours was not to be wasted in calculations and speculations. I was relatively feeling a lot better at 4:30 P.M and the hope had returned. But yes there was a big question mark.

I tried to restrain myself from going on blogs and discussing probable cut-offs but the tempation was endearing and unmistakingly led to a nadir. All forums had posted a cut-off hovering around 230-250. I was crest fallen and weak in my mind and soul.

As the days have passed and things have eventually settled with the dust with time, there is a dawn of realization that what is done is done. It is a thing of past and brooding and meditating over it won't change a thing. The cut offs have also come down reasonably.

A battle always leaves its wounds and scars. It always leaves a few indelible imprints on one's mind. What is important is to get beyond them. It is a test for the stuff one is made of. So after all these tiring days of speculation and plus minus gamble, I have come to the conclusion that dwelling over such shaky lands won't lead me anywhere.

It is time to rise to the occassion and plan and dedicate myself to the gruelling regime of the mains preps. And without much ado and further procrastination, I have started walking down the path, hoping to attain a brisk speed soon.

My purpose of this blog is to log on my experience through these testing days. A rational and introspective sight of mind can be a possible catharsis in the days to come. So believing and placing my faith in God, hard work and an ability to fight, I hereby begin my journey with one singular motto.

THE RACE IS NOT OVER AS I HAVE NOT WON YET.

Wishing all fellow aspirants best.