UPSC Prelims Official Answer Key [2026-2013]
Download the official UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 PDF for all sets of General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT Paper.
Historically, the UPSC withheld the official answer key until the entire examination process—including final interviews—concluded, forcing candidates to endure a prolonged period of uncertainty without official clarity.
Starting with the 2026 exam cycle, UPSC is releasing a provisional key just days after the Prelims. More importantly, candidates will have the opportunity to submit representations or objections regarding any contested questions through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep).
Important Deadline: According to official communications, the window to submit representations for the 2026 Prelims will close on May 31, 2026, at 6:00 PM. All objections will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts before the final answer key and Prelims results are published.
Download Official Provisional Answer Keys for GS and CSAT Papers
Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on May 13, 2026. Click on the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2024 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on May 21, 2025. Click on the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on May 9, 2024. Click on the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2022 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on July 4, 2023. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2021 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on May 30, 2022. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2020 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on November 10, 2021. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2019 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers on 10/08/2020. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2018 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2017 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2016 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2015 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2014 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2013 for the GS-I and GS-II (CSAT) papers. Visit the linked button to download the official answer keys.
Steps to Check UPSC IAS 2024 Answer Key on the Official Website
All the candidates will be able to check the UPSC IAS Exam Answer Key on the official website of UPSC by downloading the PDF. Once released, the candidates will be able to check their UPSC IAS Answer Key from the official website by performing the following steps:
- Step 1: First of all, visit the official website of the UPSC. (www.upsc.gov.in)
- Step 2: On the UPSC Homepage, find and click on the Examination Tab.
- Step 3: Go to the Answer Key Section.
- Step 4: The Answer Key is available for all the UPSC Exams. Select to download Civil Services Examination Answer Key [Year]”
- Step 5: UPSC IAS [Year] Answer Key will be displayed on your screen, download and save it for calculating your expected marks.
UPSC Prelims Answer Key – Marking Scheme
The aspirants can calculate their marks in the Preliminary Exam with the help of the UPSC Answer Key as per the marking scheme decided by the Union Public Service Commission. UPSC CSE exam consists of 400 marks scoring 2 marks each for the correct answer in Paper-1 & 2.5 marks in Paper-2. There will be a penalty of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer. The marking scheme is discussed below.
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +2 | +2.5 |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.33 | -0.83 |
| Unanswered | 0 | 0 |
| No. of Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
More UPSC Preparation Articles
UPSC Prelims PYQs Subject-wise Solutions
Download (PDF)
Download exam-ready UPSC Complete Notes and eBooks in PDF format. Structured, syllabus-mapped resources designed for revision, clarity, and answer writing.