UPSC Introduces Provisional Answer Key for Civil Services Preliminary Exam

In an unprecedented move, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released a provisional answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, inviting candidate feedback via an online portal until May 31, reflecting the Commission's commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken a remarkable step in promoting transparency by issuing a provisional answer key for the 2026 Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Candidates can now provide feedback on the answers until May 31 through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) at upsconline.nic.in.

The provisional release is designed to invite constructive candidate participation. Representations must highlight the correct answer in comparison to UPSC's key, supported by a concise explanation and three authentic sources. UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar emphasized the aim to alleviate concerns over the exam's difficulty and foster clarity.

He encouraged candidates to submit representations if discrepancies are identified, using standard references typically consulted by aspirants such as textbooks, press releases, and credible news sources. The preliminary exam conducted on May 24 involved candidates vying for 933 civil services and 80 Indian Forest Service positions, underlining the examination's competitive nature.

Review teams comprising domain experts will scrutinize all submissions to refine the answer key, ensuring accurate evaluation. The final key will be published post-results announcement, consistent with the UPSC's established procedures.