New Delhi: Twenty-eight-year-old Shyam Sharma is preparing to appear in the upcoming Civil Services Examination for the second year in a row. Last year, his biggest disappointment was not failing to clear the exam. Instead, it’s the year-long wait to evaluate his mistakes that frustrated him, as the UPSC did not release the answer key for the preliminary examination.
With CSE 2026, UPSC will release the Provisional Answer Key shortly after the exam to enhance transparency and uphold the highest standards for the conduct of the examination.
“This was the demand of all students for many years. We had to be dependent on the coaching institute’s answer key to match our answers, which is not always accurate. But with this, we can be sure and at peace. Even if the score is not written, we will know,” said Sharma, who is preparing for UPSC in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It’s the first time the UPSC will release a provisional answer key.
“This initiative reflects the Commission’s ongoing endeavour to bring greater transparency, responsiveness, and timely communication with candidates,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, Chairman of UPSC.
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Making CSE more transparent
Candidates can now challenge the answer key if their answer is marked as wrong. The candidate will have to provide the answer they think is correct, along with a short explanation, and upload the proof from three reliable sources.
“After the release of provisional answer key, candidates of the Civil services examination, can submit their representations, if any, till May 31, 2026, 6 PM, through a dedicated online portal,” read a PIB release.
This will help applicants check their expected scores early and give them enough time to raise objections.
According to the UPSC, objections raised by candidates will be checked by subject experts. These experts will review the explanations and supporting documents before deciding if the answer in the answer key needs to be changed. The final answer key will be prepared only after all objections are considered.
According to the Commission, this step will make the exam process more transparent, accountable, and trustworthy for candidates.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)