NEW DELHI: In a historic first, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026. Candidates who appeared for the screening test on May 24, 2026, can download the provisional keys for both General Studies Paper I and Paper II (CSAT) via the official website at upsc.gov.in.
This initiative marks a major shift in the commission’s policy, aiming to ensure greater transparency and fairness by allowing immediate verification rather than waiting until the entire exam cycle concludes.
Important dates and objection guidelines:
- Objection Deadline: Candidates can challenge the provisional answers through the online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) at
upsconline.nic.inuntil May 31, 2026 (6:00 PM). - Submission Criteria: To raise an objection, candidates must submit a brief explanation and upload supporting documents from at least three authentic reference sources.
- Final Evaluation: Teams of subject-matter experts will thoroughly review all feedback before finalizing the evaluation framework. The final modified answer key will be released publicly alongside the declaration of the final recruitment results.
Nearly 5.49 lakh candidates appeared across various nationwide centers for the preliminary stage this year, competing for an estimated 933 administrative vacancies.
