Understanding the UPSC CGL 2019 Mains: Minimum Marks for ASO CSS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019 Mains is a critical component for aspirants striving for a position in the Administrative Services of the Union (ASO) and the Combined Statistical Service (CSS). Navigating through the intricacies of the examination can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the minimum marks required to qualify for these prestigious posts. This article aims to provide clarity on the minimum requirements for clearing the Mains Examination with a focus on the ASO and CSS positions.

Overview of the UPSC CGL 2019 Mains Structure

The UPSC CGL 2019 Mains Examination comprises four papers, each of 200 marks, resulting in a total of 800 marks. However, it is essential to understand the Tier 3 requirement for ASO CSS as it significantly influences the overall success.

For the general category candidates, the Tier 3 requirement is a minimum of 525 marks across the two tiers. This translates to a minimum of 350 marks in the Mains Examination.

Minimum Marks for the Mains Examination

Let's break down the scoring structure to understand the minimum marks required:

Consolidated Tier 1, 2, and 3 Scores

As mentioned, the consolidated Tier 1 and Tier 2 together should score 525 marks, which means:

Minimum 350 marks in Tier 2 (Mains) Minimum 175 marks in Tier 1

This framework ensures that candidates have a balanced performance across all sections. However, the Mains section, being the most crucial, plays a significant role in your overall score.

Why Focus on the Mains Section?

The Mains section is a comprehensive evaluation of your knowledge, analytical skills, and writing abilities. While Tier 1 and Tier 2 might set an initial benchmark, the Mains section will determine whether you are fully prepared for the rigors of the ASO and CSS posts. Specifically, the Mains section includes:

Essay Subjective papers Interview (for selected candidates) Substantive Marks (up to 600 marks)

To secure a place in the ASO and CSS, you must achieve a minimum of 350 marks in the Mains Examination. This ensures that your overall score in Tier 1 and Tier 2 does not fall short of the required 525 marks.

Key Strategies for Achieving the Required Marks

Scoring 350 marks in the Mains section requires a well-thought-out strategy. Here are some tips to help you achieve the desired score:

Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the Mains Examination, including the format of the questions and the total marks allocated to each section. Work on Essay Writing: The essay is a critical component of the Mains Examination. Practice writing essays on a variety of topics to improve your analytical and writing skills. Subjective Papers: Prepare thoroughly for the objective and subjective papers. Ensure you have a good understanding of the subject matter and can answer questions clearly and concisely. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is key to retaining information and ensuring that you have a strong grasp of the concepts covered in the Mains Examination. Practice Mock Tests: Taking part in mock tests will help you gauge your performance and identify areas where you need to improve.

Conclusion

Securing the minimum marks required for the ASO CSS position in the UPSC CGL 2019 Mains is a critical step towards your career aspirations. By understanding the importance of the Mains section and implementing a well-planned strategy, you can increase your chances of achieving the desired score. Keeping in mind the need for a minimum of 350 marks in the Mains, focus on your preparation to ensure you are fully equipped to tackle the challenges of the examination.