Until 2017, you could see exactly how top scorers performed in each GS paper, optional subject, and even the Personality Test. Then, in 2018, that data vanished; with no official reason given. The CIC just called it out. No memo. No policy. No explanation. Just silence. Now, the DoPT has been ordered to hand over the missing marks (2018–2023) and restore full paper-wise disclosures going forward. Why? Because without knowing how top candidates scored paper-by-paper, aspirants are flying blind; choosing optional subjects based on hearsay, not data. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about fairness. About giving every serious UPSC candidate a real shot at understanding the game; not just playing it by guesswork. The biggest win? Transparency is now back on the table. And that’s something every aspirant should celebrate.