UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key
UPSC Prelims 2026Answer Key
PrepAiro will publish AI-verified, set-wise answer keys for both GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 — with detailed explanations, subject-wise breakdown, and a score calculator — within hours of the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam.
No spam. One email the moment the key is live.
Answer Key — GS Paper 1
| Q. No | Set A | Set B | Set C | Set D | Subject | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
| 2 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
| 3 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 100 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
Answer Key — CSAT (Paper 2)
| Q. No | Set A | Set B | Set C | Set D | Topic | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
| 2 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
| 3 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 80 | — | — | — | — | — | Updated on May 25 |
What's New: Official Provisional Answer Key 2026
For the first time ever, UPSC will release an official provisional answer key for CSE Prelims 2026.
What Changed?
Previously, UPSC never released official answer keys. Candidates had to rely on coaching institutes, which often disagreed on 2–5 questions. Starting 2026, UPSC will publish a provisional key and allow objections.
Timeline
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam | May 25, 2026 |
| PrepAiro Answer Key (AI-Verified) | May 25, 2026 (within hours) |
| Coaching Institute Answer Keys | May 25–26, 2026 |
| UPSC Provisional Answer Key | June 2026 (1–2 weeks post-exam) |
| Objection Window | 3–5 days after provisional key |
| UPSC Final Answer Key | Before results |
| Prelims Result | June–July 2026 |
How the Objection Process Works
- 1UPSC releases the provisional answer key on its official website
- 2Candidates can challenge answers by submitting evidence (NCERT references, expert opinions)
- 3UPSC reviews all objections
- 4Final answer key is published — this is used for marking
- 5Results are declared based on the final key
How PrepAiro's Answer Key Is Different
Expected Cut Off
Category-wise expected cutoffs vs. past years (out of 200)
| Category | Expected 2026 | 2024 Actual | 2023 Actual | 2022 Actual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 95–105 | 98 | 85.00 | 86.66 |
| OBC | 90–100 | 92 | 78.33 | 79.99 |
| SC | 78–88 | 82 | 72.00 | 69.33 |
| ST | 72–82 | 77 | 65.00 | 63.33 |
| EWS | 88–98 | 90 | 77.33 | 79.99 |
| PwBD-1 | 65–75 | 68 | 55.67 | 55.33 |
| PwBD-2 | 55–65 | 57 | 48.67 | 49.33 |
| PwBD-3 | 48–58 | 53 | 42.33 | 41.33 |
Cutoff Trends — What to Expect
The UPSC Prelims cutoff depends on three factors:
- Difficulty level of the paper
- Number of candidates who appeared
- Number of vacancies advertised
In 2024, the cutoff jumped significantly due to a relatively easier paper. If the 2026 paper follows the recent trend of moderate-to-tough difficulty, expect cutoffs in the range shown above.
Score Calculator
After the exam, use our interactive score calculator:
- Enter your answers question-by-question
- Get your estimated score instantly
- See where you stand against expected cutoffs for your category
- Compare your performance across subjects
Interactive tool unlocks the moment the exam ends.
Key Exam Details
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Date | May 25, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Paper 1 (GS) | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (2 hours, 100 questions) |
| Paper 2 (CSAT) | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM (2 hours, 80 questions) |
| Marking Scheme | +2 correct, −0.67 wrong (1/3 negative marking) |
| Total Marks | GS: 200, CSAT: 200 (qualifying — 33% minimum) |
| Official Answer Key | Expected 1–2 weeks post-exam (first time ever) |
| Result Expected | June–July 2026 |
How to Use the Answer Key
Note Your Answers
During the exam, mark your answers on the question paper itself (not just the OMR sheet). This is your only record.
Identify Your Set
Check your booklet series — Set A, B, C, or D — printed on the front page of your question paper.
Match Your Answers
Use the set-wise answer key table above to check each answer.
Calculate Your Score
Use this formula: Score = (+2 × Correct) − (0.67 × Wrong). Leave unattempted questions out of the calculation.
Compare With Cutoff
Use our score calculator and cutoff table to see where you stand for your category.
Don’t Panic
Coaching institute answer keys can differ by 2–5 questions. Wait for UPSC’s provisional key for the final picture. Start Mains preparation regardless if you’re in the ballpark.
Subject-Wise Analysis
Based on trends from 2021–2025
| Subject | Expected 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History & Culture | 15–18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 |
| Geography | 12–15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 |
| Polity & Governance | 12–15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 |
| Economy | 12–15 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 |
| Environment & Ecology | 10–14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Science & Technology | 8–12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Current Affairs | 15–20 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 17 |
| International Relations | 3–5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 |