UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Out now

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 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.

UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Overview

• Exam Date: 24 May 2026
• Answer Key Release Date: 27 May 2026
• Last Date to Raise Objections: 31 May 2026 (6:00 PM)
• Over 8 lakh candidates appeared for the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

How to Download UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026

1. Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in
2. Go to Examinations → Answer Keys
3. Click on Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026
4. Download General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) PDFs

Direct Download Links (Official):

Download UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Answer Key 2026 PDF

Download UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper II Answer Key 2026 PDF

How to Calculate Your UPSC Prelims Score

Marking Scheme:

• GS Paper 1: +2 marks for every correct answer | -0.66 marks for incorrect answer
• CSAT Paper 2: +2.5 marks for every correct answer | -0.83 marks for incorrect answer
• Note: CSAT is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required)

Formula: (Number of correct answers × Marks per question) – (Number of incorrect answers × Negative marks)

SSC CGL 2026 NOTIFICATION

Next Steps After Answer Key

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:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “Answer Key Challenge” link (active from 27 May to 2 June 2026).
3. Enter your Registration ID and Password to log in.
4. Select the question paper (GS I or CSAT) and the question number.
5. Select the answer option you believe is correct and provide a valid reason.
6. Upload supporting documents (scanned copies from standard books/references).
7. Pay the prescribed fee (usually ₹100 per question) online.
8. 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.