UPSC CSE Pre Exam Answer Key 2026 Out (Download PDF)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the Provisional Answer Key for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (CSE) 2026. The recruitment process aims to fill 1013 vacancies across the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (IFS). Candidates who participated in the preliminary exam on 24 May 2026 can now verify their answers and calculate their tentative scores using the official links provided below.
- Notification Released: 04 February 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
- Application Last Date: 24 February 2026
- Fee Payment Last Date: 24 February 2026
- Admit Card Released: 15 May 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Answer Key Release Date: 27 May 2026 (Released)
- SC / ST / Female / PwBD: Rs. 0/- (Exempted)
- All Other Candidates: Rs. 100/-
- Payment Mode: Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.
- Age relaxation is applicable as per government regulations.
- Civil Services Examination (CSE): A Bachelor's degree from any recognized university or institution.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS): A Bachelor's degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
- Candidates currently appearing in their final year exams are also eligible to apply.
- Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Stage II: Main Examination (Written Descriptive Test)
- Stage III: Personality Test / Interview Round
Vacancies distributed across CSE & IFS Services
UPSC 2026 Post-wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Exam Name | Total Vacancy Count |
|---|---|
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination CSE 2026 | 933 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 | 80 |
| Total Vacancies | 1013 |
Candidates can download the answer key from the official website by following the steps outlined below:
- Go to the official Union Public Service Commission portal at upsc.gov.in.
- Look for the "What's New" section on the homepage.
- Select the link titled "Answer Key: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026".
- Choose the relevant paper link (General Studies Paper-I or Paper-II CSAT).
- The Answer Key PDF will open on your screen. Download and save the file to verify your answers.
UPSC CSE & IFS 2026 Important Links
1. When was the UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam 2026 conducted?
The preliminary phase of the examination took place on 24 May 2026.
2. How can I download the official UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026?
You can access and download the provisional answer key PDF using the direct download link listed above or via the official website upsc.gov.in.
3. What is the minimum educational eligibility for CSE 2026?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from any recognized board or university to apply for the Civil Services Examination.
4. Are final year graduation students eligible to apply?
Yes, candidates currently appearing in their qualifying degree exams are eligible to apply for both the CSE and IFS examinations.
5. How many total vacancies are announced under UPSC CSE & IFS 2026?
A total of 1013 vacancies have been advertised, with 933 positions allocated for CSE and 80 positions allocated for the Indian Forest Service.
