UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 Provisional Answer Key on the official website upsc.gov.in on 27th May 2026. Candidates who appeared in the examination held on 24th May 2026 can now download the answer key for both General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II from the official website. The Answer Key will help them in calculating their scores by matching their recorded responses.
Candidates can download the official answer key PDF, check the series-wise answers, and understand the next steps regarding the objection process. Read below to know more about the UPSC Prelims answer key, steps to download, and the objection window.
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UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Out
The UPSC CSE Prelims Provisional Answer Key 2026 has been released on the official website @upsc.gov.in. Candidates who appeared for the exam on 24 May 2026 can now check their responses and estimate their expected scores before the final result. The answer key is currently available for GS Paper I (Series A) and CSAT Paper II. Candidates can check the question-wise answers and calculate their raw score.
Download UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Answer Key 2026 PDF
Download UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper II Answer Key 2026 PDF
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 Overview
The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 is now available for candidates who appeared in the exam. It helps in checking correct answers, estimating probable scores, and understanding the chances of qualifying for the Mains examination. Candidates can refer to the following table for key highlights.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (Preliminary) |
| Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | 27 May 2026 |
| Papers | GS Paper I (General Studies) & CSAT Paper II |
| Total Questions | 100 in GS Paper I, 80 in CSAT Paper II |
| Maximum Marks | 200 Marks Each |
| Question Type | Objective Type MCQs |
| Status | Released (Provisional) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Details Inside the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026
As per the official PDF released, the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 Provisional Answer Key contains the following details:
- Paper: General Studies Paper – I
- Series: A
- Total Questions: 100
- Maximum Marks: 200
- No. of Questions Dropped: 1 (if any)
- No. of Questions taken for Scoring: 99 (if one question is dropped)
Also Read: Rajasthan RPSC RAS Recruitment 2026 Notification and Online Form OUT for 607 Vacancies
How to Download UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can download the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Answer Key 2026 from the official website. It is available in PDF format under the “What’s New” or “Examinations” section. Candidates can follow the steps given below.
- Visit the official website of UPSC: upsc.gov.in.
- On the homepage, look for the “What’s New” section.
- Click on the link that reads: “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 – Provisional Answer Keys”.
- You will find separate links for General Studies Paper – I (98.24 KB) and General Studies Paper – II (84.5 KB).
- Click on the desired paper link.
- The Provisional Answer Key PDF will open on your screen.
- Download the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 and save it for future reference.
How to Raise an Objection Against UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Candidates who are not satisfied with any answer in the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 can raise objections through the official online channel. The Commission provides a specific window for challenges. Candidates must submit valid proof (standard textbooks/references) along with their objection within the stipulated time. It is to be noted that objections submitted after the deadline or without supporting documents will be rejected. Candidates can follow the process below:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Answer Key Challenge” link (active from 27 May to 2 June 2026).
- Enter your Registration ID and Password to log in.
- Select the question paper (GS I or CSAT) and the question number.
- Select the answer option you believe is correct and provide a valid reason.
- Upload supporting documents (scanned copies from standard books/references).
- Pay the prescribed fee (usually ₹100 per question) online.
- Submit the objection and keep a printout of the acknowledgement.
Note: If the objection is found valid, the fee is refunded, and the answer key is revised accordingly.
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UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 FAQs
Q1. When was the UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 released?
Ans. The UPSC Prelims Provisional Answer Key 2026 was released on 27th May 2026 on the official website.
Q2. Where can I download the UPSC CSE Answer Key 2026?
Ans. Candidates can download the answer key from the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in.
Q3. Can I raise objections against the UPSC Provisional Answer Key?
Ans. Yes, candidates can raise objections online within the stipulated time window, typically one week after the answer key release.
Q4. Is the UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key final?
Ans. No, the released answer key is provisional. The final answer key is published after considering all valid objections.
Q5. Will there be a separate answer key for CSAT Paper II?
Ans. Yes, UPSC has released separate provisional answer keys for General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II.
