UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026: Download Links & Score Calculator

Navigating the post-examination phase of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) evaluation process requires precision and timely access to official resources. Following the conclusion of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, candidates eagerly look forward to verifying their responses. The publication of official evaluation documents provides the benchmark needed to gauge performance accurately before the final results are announced.

Overview of the 2026 Examination Schedule

The Union Public Service Commission successfully administered the Civil Services Preliminary Examination on 24th May 2026. Shortly after, the official UPSC Prelims Answer Key for 2026 was published on 28th May 2026. This assessment covers two critical components: General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT.

How to download the official UPSC Answer Key 2026?

To access and cross-verify your answers against the official responses provided by the Union Public Service Commission, follow this comprehensive download guide:

1. Open the official UPSC website in your internet browser (www.upsc.gov.in).
2. On the homepage, click on “Provisional Answer Key: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026” in What’s New section.
3. Then, you are redirected to a new page, where you have to click on “General Studies Paper – I (98.24 KB) and General Studies Paper – II (84.5 KB)”
4. The answer key PDF with correct answers to all questions appears on the screen.
5. Download and cross-check with what you have answered.

Official Answer Key File References

You can directly access the official PDF documents for your evaluation through the links below:

• UPSC General Studies Paper 1 Answer Key 2026 PDF
• UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key 2026 PDF

Official Answer Key PDFs
UPSC General Studies Paper 1 Answer Key 2026 PDF
UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key 2026 PDF

Marking Scheme & Score Calculation Formulas

Calculating your estimated score requires applying the designated negative marking criteria established by the Union Public Service Commission for both papers:

• GS Paper 1 Formula: Estimated Score = (Correct Answers × 2) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.66)
• CSAT Formula: Estimated Score = (Correct Answers × 2.5) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.833)

Score Calculation Example (GS Paper 1) Details

To understand how the formula works in practice, examine the following candidate response breakdown:

• Correct answers: 60
• Wrong answers: 10
• Unattempted: 5

Using the formula: (60 × 2) – (10 × 0.66) = 120 – 6.6 = 113.4 marks. Thus, the estimated score in this scenario is 113.4 marks.

Next Steps for Candidates

Once you have finished calculating your preliminary scores using the answer keys, keep track of upcoming announcements. You can check the latest updates regarding performance outcomes by visiting UPSC Prelims Result 2026 Released - Click Here to View. Ensure you keep your registration credentials handy for checking official results and preparing for the subsequent mains preparation stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was the official UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 published?

The official UPSC Prelims Answer Key for 2026 was published on 28th May 2026.

When was the Civil Services Preliminary Examination conducted in 2026?

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination was held on 24th May 2026.

What subjects are covered in the UPSC preliminary examination?

The preliminary examination covers General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT.

What is the marking formula for GS Paper 1?

For GS Paper 1, the marking formula is: Estimated Score = (Correct Answers × 2) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.66).

What is the marking formula for the CSAT paper?

For CSAT, the marking formula is: Estimated Score = (Correct Answers × 2.5) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.833).