UPSC Introduces Provisional Answer Key for 2026 Civil Services Exam
UPSC releases provisional answer key, drops one question
The Indian Express
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released a provisional answer key for the 2026 Civil Services Preliminary Examination, marking a significant change in its process. Candidates can challenge the answers until May 31, with one question dropped from the exam.
- 01This is the first time UPSC has released a provisional answer key before the final results.
- 02Candidates can submit representations regarding the answers until 6 PM on May 31, 2026.
- 03A total of 5.49 lakh candidates participated in the examination for 933 Civil Services and 90 Indian Forest Service positions.
- 04Candidates must provide a brief explanation and supporting documents from three authentic sources when submitting representations.
- 05The final answer key will be released only after the declaration of the final exam results.
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On Wednesday, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) made a notable change by releasing the provisional answer key for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026, which took place on Sunday. Historically, the UPSC has only released answer keys after final results, typically a year later. This new approach allows candidates to contest the answers provided in the key, with one question being dropped from the original 100. Candidates are invited to submit their representations by 6 PM on May 31, 2026, indicating their understanding of the correct answers and providing supporting documents from three credible sources. The UPSC stated that all representations will be reviewed by subject experts. However, the final answer key will still be released only after the final results are declared, adhering to the Commission's established practices. This year, approximately 5.49 lakh candidates appeared for the examination, competing for 933 Civil Services positions and 90 Indian Forest Service posts, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process.
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The release of the provisional answer key allows candidates to engage in the examination process more actively, potentially influencing the final results.
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