UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) Answer Key 2026
After the UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) 2026 exam, the conducting body releases the provisional answer key (and usually your response sheet) and opens a short objection window. Prelims: late May or early June (both Paper I GS and Paper II CSAT on the same day — forenoon and afternoon slots). Mains: mid-September (over 5-6 consecutive days). Personality Test (Interview): January to April of the following calendar year at UPSC Bhawan, Dholpur House, New Delhi. Here is how to check it and challenge a wrong key.
How to check the UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) answer key & raise objections
- Open the official website. Go to the official UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) website (linked below) and open the "Answer Key" / "Response Sheet" link for the current cycle.
- Log in and download your response sheet. Log in with your credentials to download the provisional answer key and your recorded responses.
- Calculate your expected score. Match your responses against the key and apply the exam's marking scheme (including negative marking) for an expected score.
- Raise objections within the window. If a key looks wrong, submit an objection with supporting proof within the official window (usually a few days, often with a per-question fee that is refunded if upheld).
Official UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) links
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UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) answer key — FAQs
How do I raise an objection on the UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) answer key?
Log in to the official UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) website during the objection window, select the disputed question, submit your justification with proof, and pay the per-question fee (refunded if your objection is upheld).
Where do I download the UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) official answer key?
The provisional UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) answer key and response sheet are released on the official website after the exam. Download links and steps are above; watch the live updates below for the release.
While you wait for the dates — keep practising.
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