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UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Answer Key: Download Official PDF & Objection Process
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
📍
Location
All India
📅
Last Date
31 May 2026
💼
Salary
As per 7th Pay Commission

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Answer Key: Download Official PDF & Objection Process

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — Department of Personnel and Training

DJ
By Deepak Joshi • 25 Jun 2026
Answer Key 📍 All India
Official Answer Key & Question Paper (Archive)
Status Updated: 01 Jul 2026

📌 Quick Information Overview

Organization / University Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam / Course Name Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
Update Category Answer Key & Objections
Status ARCHIVED
Release Date 01 Jul 2026
Official Portal https://upsc.gov.in
📌

Executive Summary & Key Facts

Verified Fact Sheet

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the provisional Answer Key along with the question paper and response sheets for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (All India). Candidates who appeared in the test can cross-check their marked responses with the official key to compute their estimated scores. In case of any discrepancies, candidates may submit online objections within the stipulated challenge window accompanied by prescribed proof. Detailed instructions and direct objection links are available below.

Official Notification Verified
Cross-checked against official board announcement & verified by ApplySarkariJob Editorial Board. Sourced from upsc.gov.in ↗

📅 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination - Important Dates & Schedule

Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination Schedule & Deadlines
Exam Date24 May 2026
Result Date01 Jul 2026

📝 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination - Detailed Notification Guide

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Answer Key Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the provisional answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. Candidates who appeared for the exam on 24th May 2026 can now verify their responses against the official key. This document is crucial for candidates to estimate their performance and determine their eligibility for the Main Examination.

Key Highlights

  • Exam Name: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
  • Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Answer Key Status: Provisional Released
  • Objection Deadline: 31st May 2026 (6:00 PM)

Important Dates

EventDate
Exam Date24 May 2026
Answer Key Release27 May 2026
Last Date for Objections31 May 2026

How to Calculate Your UPSC CSE Score

To estimate your score, refer to the official marking scheme provided by the UPSC:

  • General Studies (Paper I): Each correct answer carries +2 marks, while a wrong answer attracts a penalty of -0.66 marks.
  • CSAT (Paper II): Each correct answer carries +2.5 marks, with a penalty of -0.83 marks for incorrect responses.

Formula: Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers x Marks per Question) - (Number of Wrong Answers x Negative Marking)

Steps to Raise Objections

If you identify any discrepancies in the provisional answer key, follow these steps to file an objection:

  1. Log in to the official UPSC QPRep portal using your registration credentials.
  2. Navigate to the 'Challenge/Objection' section.
  3. Select the specific question paper and question number you wish to challenge.
  4. Upload credible, standard references to support your claim.
  5. Submit your challenge before the 31st May 2026, 6:00 PM deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Is the released answer key final?
    A: No, this is the provisional key. A final answer key will be released after reviewing all candidate objections.
  • Q: Can I submit objections via email?
    A: No, all objections must be submitted exclusively through the official UPSC online portal.
  • Q: What happens if I miss the objection deadline?
    A: The commission will not consider any objections or representations submitted after the prescribed deadline.
  • Q: Where can I find the official answer key PDFs?
    A: You can download them directly from the official UPSC website under the 'What's New' section.
  • Q: Does the cut-off change after the final answer key?
    A: Yes, the final answer key may lead to minor adjustments in the scoring, which in turn influences the official cut-off marks.

📝 How to Apply for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination

Visit upsc.gov.in, navigate to the Answer Key section, log in with your credentials, and download the PDF.

❓ Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

The last date to submit online application forms for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is 31 May 2026. Candidates are advised to submit applications before the closing date.

How many vacancies are available in Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination recruitment?

A total of 933 vacancies have been officially announced for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination across various categories.

What is the educational qualification required for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

Candidates must possess: Graduate Degree as specified in the official notification.

What is the age limit for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

The prescribed age limit is 21-32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories). Category-wise age relaxations apply as per government rules.

What is the salary or pay scale for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

The pay scale for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is As per 7th Pay Commission along with applicable allowances as per organizational guidelines.

How can I apply online for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

Eligible candidates can apply online by visiting https://upsc.gov.in or clicking the direct Apply Online link provided on this page, completing the registration, and uploading the required documents.

Explore More Opportunities

🔗 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination - Official Notification & Quick Links

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
DJ
Deepak Joshi
SSC & Police Recruitment Specialist

Monitors daily recruitment announcements, application timelines, and eligibility updates for Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and state police recruitments.

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