UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 is now available on the official UPSC portal. Candidates who took the examination on 24th May 2026 can access their provisional answer key and recorded response sheets immediately. The Union Public Service Commission released the key to allow aspirants to evaluate their performance and file objections if they identify any errors in the official solutions.
This recruitment process aims to fill a total of 933 vacancies across various civil service positions. Aspirants have until 31st May 2026 at 6:00 PM to submit their objection requests against any questions they believe contain incorrect answers. The official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in serves as the sole authentic source for all updates, downloadable materials, and submission portals.
UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Civil Service Examination (CSE) – Preliminary Stage |
| Examination Date | 24th May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 |
| Answer Key Status | Released |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination Held | 24th May 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 27th May 2026 |
| Objection Submission Deadline | 31st May 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Final Answer Key Release | Early June 2026 |
| Result Announcement (Expected) | July 2026 |
How to Download the UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026
Click the official download links below or visit https://upsc.gov.in to access your answer key.
Expert Advice for Candidates
Before raising any objection, carefully compare your responses against the provisional answer key and cross-check your understanding with standard reference materials and the official UPSC syllabus. Many candidates overlook the marking scheme. Note that incorrect answers in GS Paper I attract a penalty of 0.66 marks, while CSAT questions deduct 0.83 marks per wrong response. If you are genuinely confident that an official answer contains an error, submit your objection with supporting documentation (such as relevant textbook excerpts or government notifications) through the QPRep Portal before the deadline. Remember that frivolous objections may not be entertained by the commission, so ensure your challenge is well-reasoned and backed by credible sources.
How to Raise Objections Against the Provisional Answer Key
If you believe any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, you can file an objection through the official portal. Log in to your UPSC candidate account on https://upsc.gov.in and navigate to the “Challenge/Objection” section (QPRep Portal). Select the specific questions you wish to contest and attach relevant supporting materials. The final deadline for submitting objections is 31st May 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Score Calculation Using UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2026
You can estimate your preliminary examination score using this calculation method:
Total Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Question) − (Wrong Answers × Penalty per Question)
Marking Scheme Details:
- General Studies Paper I: +2 marks for correct response, −0.66 marks for incorrect response
- CSAT (General Studies Paper II): +2.5 marks for correct response, −0.83 marks for incorrect response
- Unattempted questions: Zero marks awarded
Expected Cut-Off Marks by Category
| Category | Expected Cut-Off Range |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) | 90 to 100 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 85 to 95 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 75 to 85 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 75 to 85 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 85 to 95 |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 60 to 75 |
Note: These are anticipated cut-off ranges derived from previous examination cycles. The actual qualifying cut-off will be officially published along with the final results.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Download UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key (GS Paper I) | Download Here |
| Download UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key (CSAT Paper II) | Download Here |
| Official Notification and Details | View Notification |
| Official Website | Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When did UPSC release the CSE Prelims Answer Key for 2026?
Ans. The provisional answer key went live on May 27, 2026. This was just a few days after the May 24 exam date.
Q2. Where do I get the official UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Answer Key?
Ans. You can download the PDF straight from the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in. Just head over to the answer key section and log in to get your copy.
Q3. What’s the last date to challenge the provisional answer key?
Ans. You have until 6:00 PM on May 31, 2026, to submit any objections. Make sure to file them through the official portal before the window closes.
Q4. What is the difference between the provisional and final answer keys?
Ans. The provisional key is released first to let candidates check their answers and raise concerns. Once all objections are reviewed, the commission publishes the final, updated answer key.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026?
Ans. Yes. For GS Paper I, you lose 0.66 marks for every wrong answer. In the CSAT paper, incorrect responses cost you 0.83 marks. Blank answers don’t carry any penalty.
Q6. How do I calculate my estimated prelims score?
Ans. You can easily estimate your total by adding up the marks for your correct answers and then subtracting the negative marks for any incorrect ones based on the official marking scheme.
Q7. What if I spot a mistake in the official answer key?
Ans. If you find an error, log into the UPSC candidate portal and use the objection feature. You’ll need to select the question, upload solid proof supporting your claim, and submit the challenge before the deadline.
