IAS / IFS GS Paper 1 & CSAT Paper 2 Pre 2026 Answer Key Kab Aayega
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 for the Civil Services Examination (Prelims) held on 24 May 2026. A total of 8,19,372 applicants appeared in the exam, which consisted of GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2. Both the Answer Key and Response Sheet Status are now Released and available in Online mode. Candidates can check and download the Answer Key for GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in using their Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth.
If any candidate wishes to raise an objection on the Answer Key, the Challenge window will be open from June 2026 to June 2026, and the objection can be submitted in Online mode only. The official Answer Key Release Date is June 2026, so all candidates are advised to keep checking upsc.gov.in for the latest updates regarding the UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims Answer Key 2026.
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 Release Date Highlights
| Name Of The Organizations | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) |
| Name Of The Paper | GS Paper 1 & CSAT Paper 2 |
| Total Applicants | 8,19,372 |
| Type Of Article | Answer Key |
| Answer Key | GS Paper 1 & CSAT Paper 2 |
| Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | June 2026 |
| Raise Objection Date On Answer Key | June 2026 To June 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Released |
| Response Sheet Status | Released |
| Answer Key Mode | Online.l |
| Challenge Mode | Online |
| Requirment For Online Check | Registration Number & Password / Date Of Birth |
| Official Website | @upsc.gov.in |
Important Date – IAS / IFS GS Paper 1 & CSAT Paper 2 Pre 2026 Answer Key Release Date 2026
| Official Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Form Online Apply Starts | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Form Last Date To Apply | 27 February 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Date | AS Per Schedule |
| Exam City Intimation Slip Release Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Answer key Release Date | June 2026 |
| Raise Objection Date / Challenging Date | Announced Soon |
Marking Scheme For IAS / IFS GS Paper 1 & CSAT Paper 2 Pre 2026
GS Paper I (General Studies)
- Total Questions: 100 Question
- Total Marks: 200 Marks
- Marks per Correct Answer: +2 Marks
- Negative Marking (Incorrect Answer): -0.66 marks
GS Paper II (CSAT)
- Total Questions : 80 Question
- Total Marks : 200 Marks
- Marks per Correct Answer: +2.5 Marks
- Negative Marking (Incorrect Answer): -0.83 Marks
UPSC Prelims Cut Off Key 2026
| Name Of The Category | Cut Off Marks Expected |
|---|---|
| General | 90 To 100 Marks |
| EWS | 88 To 96 Marks |
| OBC | 89 To 98 Marks |
| SC | 80 To 88 Marks |
| ST | 78 To 85 Marks |
| PwBD-1 | 72 To 80 Marks |
| PwBD-2 | 55 To 65 Marks |
| PwBD-3 | 40 To 50 Marks |
UPSC Prelims Selection Procces 2026
- Pre Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview
How To Check & Download UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026
Follow these simple steps carefully to successfully download the IAS / IFS GS & CSAT 2026 Answer Key from the official portal without any difficulty.
- Step 1 — Open the Official Website
- Open any web browser on your mobile phone or computer and type the official website address https://upsc.gov.in/ in the address bar and press enter. Always use the official UPSC portal only. Avoid visiting any unofficial or third party websites as they may provide incorrect or manipulated answer key information to candidates.
- Step 2 — Find the Answer Key Link
- Once the official website homepage loads on your screen look carefully for the latest updates section or the notifications panel. Find the link that says “IAS / IFS GS & CSAT 2026 Answer Key ” or “Paper 1 and Paper 2 Answer Key 2026” and click on it to proceed to the next step of the download and verification process.
- Step 3 — Login to Your Account
- After clicking the answer key link a login page will appear on your screen. Enter your Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth carefully in the required fields. Make sure all the details you enter match exactly with the credentials you used at the time of your IAS / IFS GS & CSAT 2026 application registration.
- Step 4 — Click on Submit Button
- After filling in all the required login credentials correctly click on the Submit or Login button on the screen. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or incorrect entries in your registration number or password before clicking submit. Any wrong entry may result in a login error and you will need to try again.
- Step 5 — Access Your Response Sheet
- After successful login your personal response sheet will appear on the screen. The response sheet shows all the answers you marked during the IAS / IFS GS & CSAT Exam 2026 Answer Key . Go through your responses carefully and note down the answers you marked for each question before comparing with the official answer key.
- Step 6 — Download the Official Answer Key
- Now find and click on the “Download Answer Key” option available on the screen. The official Prelims Exam Answer Key 2026 will open on your screen. This answer key contains the correct answers to all questions as declared by UPSC . Download and save this PDF file on your device immediately.
- Step 7 — Calculate Your Expected Score
- After downloading the answer key compare your responses from the response sheet with the correct answers given in the official answer key. Calculate your expected score based on the official marking scheme. This will give you a clear idea of your performance in Prelims Answer Key 2026 before the official result is announced by UPSC .
- Step 8 — Raise Objection If Required
- If you find any error or discrepancy in the Prelims Exam Answer Key 2026 you can raise an online objection from 25 May 2026 to 26 May 2026 through the official portal https://upsc.gov.in/. Click on the “Challenge Answer Key” option, select the question you want to challenge, provide valid proof and submit your objection before the deadline ends.
Quick Links
| Download Paper 1 Answer Key | Link 1 || Link 2 |
| Download Paper 1 Answer Key | Link 1 || Link 2 |
| Raise Objection On Answer Key (Soon) | Link 1 || Link 2 |
| Download Answer Key Notice (Soon) | Link 1 || Link 2 |
| Official Website | Visit Now |
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FAQs
Q1.What is Prelims 2026 Answer Key?
The Prelims 2026 Answer Key is the official set of correct answers released by the Union Public Service Commission for the Civil Services Examination (Prelims) held on 24 May 2026. It covers both GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2, helping candidates estimate their scores.
Q2.On which date was the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 exam held?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2026 was conducted on 24 May 2026. It was organized by the Union Public Service Commission and included two papers — GS Paper 1 (General Studies) and CSAT Paper 2 — with a total of 8,19,372 applicants appearing in the exam.
Q3.When will the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 be officially released?
The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 is scheduled to be officially released in June 2026. The Union Public Service Commission will publish the answer key for GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 on the official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates should regularly check the portal for the exact release date.
Q4.How many candidates appeared in UPSC Prelims 2026?
A total of 8,19,372 candidates appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2026 held on 24 May 2026. This massive number reflects the high competition and importance of the UPSC Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission every year.
Q5.Which papers are covered in the Prelims 2026 Answer Key?
The Prelims 2026 Answer Key covers two papers — GS Paper 1 (General Studies Paper 1) and CSAT Paper 2 (Civil Services Aptitude Test). Both answer keys are released by UPSC on the official website upsc.gov.in for candidates to verify their responses and calculate expected scores.
Q6.What is the official website to download Prelims 2026 Answer Key?
The official website to download the Prelims 2026 Answer Key is upsc.gov.in. Candidates must visit this verified Union Public Service Commission portal to access the GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 answer keys, response sheets, and all related official notifications and updates.
Q7.What credentials are required to check Prelims 2026 Exam Answer Key online?
To check the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 online, candidates need their Registration Number along with either their Password or Date of Birth. These login credentials are used to access the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in and view or download the answer key and response sheet.
Q8.What is the current status of the Prelims Exam 2026 Answer Key?
The current status of the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 is Released. Additionally, the Response Sheet Status is also Released. Candidates can visit the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in and log in using their Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth to access both documents online.
Q9.What is UPSC Response Sheet and how is it different from the Answer Key?
The UPSC Response Sheet shows the individual candidate’s marked answers during the exam, while the Answer Key contains the officially correct answers released by UPSC. By comparing both, candidates can calculate their actual score for GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 of Prelims 2026.
Q10.How can I raise an objection on the Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can raise objections on the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 through Online mode only by visiting upsc.gov.in. The objection window is open from June 2026 to June 2026. Candidates must submit their challenges with valid proof during this specified period to get their objections considered by UPSC.
Q11.What is the mode to download UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026?
The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 can be downloaded in Online mode only. There is no offline provision. Candidates must visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in, log in with their Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth, and download the GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 answer keys.
Q12.What is the full form of CSAT in UPSC Prelims 2026?
CSAT stands for Civil Services Aptitude Test. It is Paper 2 of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims). CSAT is a qualifying paper and tests candidates on reasoning, comprehension, and basic numeracy. The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 includes official answers for CSAT Paper 2 as well.
Q13.Can I challenge more than one question in the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Yes, candidates can challenge multiple questions in the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 during the objection window open in June 2026. Each challenge must be submitted online at upsc.gov.in with supporting evidence. UPSC reviews all valid objections before releasing the final confirmed answer key.
Q14.What happens after the objection window closes for UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026?
After the objection window closes, UPSC will review all submitted challenges and release the Final Answer Key for Prelims 2026. Based on the final answer key, the official result and cut-off scores will be determined. Candidates should keep checking upsc.gov.in for result and merit list updates.
Q15.Is the UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key the same for all sets?
UPSC releases a separate answer key for each question paper set used in Prelims 2026. However, all sets carry the same difficulty level and marks. Candidates should download the answer key corresponding to their specific paper set code mentioned on the UPSC Prelims 2026 admit card or response sheet.
Q16.How can I calculate my score using UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Download your Response Sheet and the Answer Key for GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 from upsc.gov.in. Compare your marked answers with the official key. Award 2 marks for each correct answer and deduct 0.66 marks for each wrong answer in GS Paper 1 to estimate your total score.
Q17.What is the marking scheme for UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026?
In UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026, GS Paper 1 carries 200 marks with 100 questions, awarding 2 marks per correct answer and a negative marking of 0.66 marks per wrong answer. CSAT Paper 2 is qualifying in nature. UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 helps verify scores based on this scheme.
Q18.What is the full form of UPSC and what exam does it conduct?
UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. It is India’s central recruitment authority that conducts the Civil Services Examination every year to select candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other top government services. The UPSC Prelims 2026 was held on 24 May 2026 with 8,19,372 applicants.
Q19.Will UPSC release a separate final answer key after reviewing objections for Prelims 2026?
Yes, after reviewing all valid objections raised during June 2026, UPSC will release a Final Answer Key for Civil Services Prelims 2026. This final key will be used to calculate official scores and determine the cut-off for the Mains examination. It will be published on upsc.gov.in officially.
Q20.Where can I get the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 Direct Link?
The direct link for UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 will be available on the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in once released in June 2026. Candidates can log in using their Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth to access the GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 answer keys instantly.