HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Official PDF (Paper 1 & 2)

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has published the official answer key for the 2026 Preliminary Examination. Available in PDF format, the document provides the correct solutions mapped to the master question paper. Candidates are encouraged to download the key to evaluate their performance and estimate their scores ahead of the official result announcement.

HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 Out

The HPSC HCS answer keys for both General Studies (Paper 1) and CSAT (Paper 2) are now accessible at www.hpsc.gov.in. Candidates may submit formal objections against the provisional answer key until 30th April 2026 (5 PM), subject to a processing fee of Rs. 250 per challenge.

HPSC HCS Prelims Result and Marks 2026 Out - Check Your Status Here

Official Answer Key Notice

HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 PDF (Paper 1 & 2)

The HPSC officially released the answer keys on 28th April 2026. Aspirants who appeared for the examination on 26th April can retrieve the master key PDFs for both GS and CSAT papers using the direct links provided on the official website, www.hpsc.gov.in.

How to Download HPSC HCS Answer Key 2026?

Candidates who participated in the HPSC HCS Prelims Exam on 26th April 2026 can download their respective answer sheets by following these simple steps:

1. Browse the official website of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) www.hpsc.gov.in.
2. In the notification centre, click on “Answer Key”.
3. Then click on “HCS (Ex. Br.) & Other Allied Services Preliminary Examination -2026 Master Answer key, Paper – 1 and Paper -2”.
4. The HPSC HCS Answer Key and Response Sheet PDF appear on the screen.
5. Download the answer key with correct responses and calculate the marks to be scored by you in the exam.

HPSC HCS Prelims Exam Marking Scheme

The HPSC HCS Prelims consists of two objective-type papers. Please note that negative marking applies to incorrect answers and unattempted questions where option 'E' was not correctly selected.

• Total Papers: Two (Paper I – General Studies, Paper II – CSAT).
• Duration: 2 hours each.
• Total Marks per Paper: 100 Marks.
• Total Questions per Paper: 100 MCQs.
• Correct Answer: 1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks.
• Unattempted/Blank Question: -0.25 marks (if the fifth bubble ‘E’ is not shaded).
  Option E: If a question is not attempted, candidates must shade the fifth bubble ‘E’ to avoid negative marks.

How to Calculate Your Score using the HPSC Answer Key?

While the scoring process seems straightforward, many candidates overlook a critical marking rule.

The Standard Marking Formula:

Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 0.25)

Understanding the 'E' Circle Rule

The HCS OMR sheet includes five options (A, B, C, D, and E). Selecting option 'E' indicates you have chosen not to attempt the question. Failure to mark an option for a question can result in negative marking; ensure you understand this requirement to calculate your marks accurately.

• If you darkened A, B, C, or D, it is marked as attempted, right or wrong.
• If you darkened E — no marks deducted, treated as skipped.
• If you darkened none of the five circles, it is treated as a wrong answer and 0.25 marks are deducted.

HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key Raise Objection Process

Alongside the release of the answer key, HPSC provides a facility for candidates to challenge any discrepancies. The objection portal is open for a limited period, after which the commission will review all submissions and release the final, definitive answer key.

Submit Objections for HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 (Active Link)

Steps to Raise Objections Against the HPSC HCS Answer Key

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to www.hpsc.gov.in.
2. Find the Link: Look for “Answer Key / Objection” link or “Latest Notifications” for the HCS Prelims exam.
3. Log In: Enter your Application Form / Registration Number and Password/Date of Birth.
4. Select Questions: Identify the question(s) you wish to challenge based on the official Master Question Booklet provided by HPSC.
5. Submit Evidence: Upload authentic supporting documents or proof for each objection.
6. Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed objection fee (Rs. 250/-) for each question challenged.
7. Submit & Save: Submit the form and download/print the confirmation receipt for future reference.

Download HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026