The UPSC Provisional Answer Key 2026 has been officially released on upsc.gov.in for both GS Paper I and CSAT Paper II of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination held on May 24, 2026. Candidates can now download the PDF, calculate their estimated scores, and raise objections before the window closes on May 31, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
📋 UPSC Prelims 2026 Marking Scheme
Understanding the official marking scheme is essential before calculating your score. Here is the complete breakdown for both papers:
| Particulars |
GS Paper I |
CSAT Paper II |
| Correct Answer |
+2 Marks |
+2.5 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer |
−0.667 Marks |
−0.833 Marks |
| Unanswered Question |
0 Marks |
0 Marks |
| Total Questions |
100 |
80 |
| Maximum Marks |
200 |
200 |
Official Score Formula
Estimated Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Question) − (Incorrect Answers × Negative Marks)
⚠️ Note for CSAT: CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score a minimum of 33% (66 out of 200 marks) to be considered for GS Paper I evaluation. Only GS Paper I marks count toward the Prelims merit list.
🧮 How to Calculate Your UPSC Prelims Score 2026
Follow these steps to accurately estimate your score using the official answer key:
1
Download the Answer Key PDF — Get the set-wise provisional answer key for both GS Paper I and CSAT Paper II from the official UPSC website or the direct links above.
2
Count Correct Answers — Match each of your responses against the answer key and count all correct answers separately for both papers.
3
Count Incorrect Answers — Note every wrong response as negative marking applies. Do not include unattempted questions here.
4
Apply GS Paper I Formula — Add 2 marks per correct answer and deduct 0.667 marks per wrong answer.
5
Apply CSAT Formula — Add 2.5 marks per correct answer and deduct 0.833 marks per wrong answer. Verify you have crossed the 66-mark qualifying threshold.
6
Calculate Final Estimated Score — Use the formula: Score = (Correct × Marks) − (Incorrect × Negative Marks). Compare with expected cutoffs to gauge your Mains chances.
📥 How to Download UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026
Candidates can access the official provisional answer key directly from the UPSC website. Here are the steps:
1
Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2
Click on the "Examinations" tab in the top navigation menu.
3
Select "Answer Keys" from the dropdown menu.
4
Search for "UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026" and click on the GS Paper I or CSAT PDF link.
5
The PDF opens in a new tab — download and save it for future reference and score calculation.
📝 UPSC Answer Key 2026 — Objection Window Details
If you notice any discrepancy or incorrect answer in the provisional answer key, you can raise an objection through the official UPSC QPRep portal before the deadline:
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 |
| Objection Status | ✅ Active |
| Objection Mode | Online |
| Objection Portal | UPSC QPRep Portal |
| Last Date to Object | May 31, 2026 — 6:00 PM |
| Documents Required | Three authentic supporting source documents |
| Review Process | Expert panel examines all objections before final key |
| Objection Link | upsconline.nic.in |
How to Raise an Objection — Step by Step
1
Visit upsconline.nic.in and open the "QPRep" link.
2
Enter your question paper set, question number, and all required details accurately.
3
Upload three valid supporting references — NCERT textbooks, standard reference books, or official government sources are accepted.
4
Recheck all entered information carefully and submit the objection form.
5
Approved corrections are incorporated into the final answer key published after the objection review period.
💡 Why the UPSC Answer Key 2026 Matters
The provisional answer key is far more than a result preview — it is a strategic tool for every serious aspirant:
📊
Score Estimation
Calculate your probable marks before the official result and gauge your Mains qualification chances.
🔍
Identify Weak Areas
Analyse wrong answers to spot conceptual gaps in History, Polity, Economy, Geography, and Current Affairs.
🚀
Head-Start on Mains
Candidates scoring near the expected cutoff can begin Mains preparation immediately — every day counts.
📈
Understand Exam Trends
Reviewing the answer key reveals question patterns, difficulty shifts, and important topic weightage for next year.
✅
CSAT Qualification Check
Confirm you have crossed the 33% minimum qualifying marks in CSAT before the official declaration.
🧘
Reduce Anxiety
Knowing your estimated score gives clarity and reduces the uncertainty of waiting for official results.
⬇️ Direct Download Links — UPSC Answer Key 2026
Access the official provisional answer key PDFs directly from the UPSC server:
