The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Exam on May 24, 2026, comprising two papers: General Studies Paper I from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and CSAT Paper II from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Following the exam, candidates can download the unofficial answer key from various leading coaching institutes, which will assist them in evaluating their performance and estimating their scores. The total marks for the exam are 400, with each paper contributing 200 marks. Candidates should be aware of the negative marking scheme, where 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for incorrect answers. This year, the UPSC plans to release the official answer key prior to the results, providing candidates with a reliable resource for their assessments. Notable coaching institutes like Drishti IAS, Vision IAS, and Vajiram and Ravi IAS will publish their answer keys to aid aspirants in their preparation and performance analysis.