UPSC Answer Keys & Cutoffs: When They’re Released
This is the part many aspirants get wrong: UPSC releases the official answer keys and category-wise cutoffs only after the final result of the entire cycle is declared — not right after Prelims or Mains.
Use unofficial keys carefully: Coaching institutes publish unofficial answer keys soon after Prelims. They are useful for a rough self-assessment, but they differ from each other and from the official key. Do not make big decisions on an unofficial key alone.
The practical takeaway: after Prelims, estimate your score from a couple of trusted unofficial keys, and if you are anywhere near the expected cutoff, start Mains preparation immediately rather than waiting for official confirmation.