UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Answer Key 2026 Out
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the preliminary provisional answer key on its official website for the recruitment of Civil Services and Forest Service (IAS / IFS) Examination 2026. The preliminary examination was successfully conducted on 24 May 2026. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now view and download the Paper-I and Paper-II provisional answer keys using the direct links provided below. (Advt. No. 05/2026).
- Application Start: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 27 February 2026 (Extended)
- Pre Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Admit Card Released: 15 May 2026
- Answer Key Declared: 27 May 2026
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 100/-
- SC / ST / PH: ₹ 0/- (Nil)
- All Female Candidates: ₹ 0/- (Nil)
- Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, Wallet, UPI)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Born Between: 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005
- Age Relaxation: Applicable as per official UPSC rules
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Stage 2: Mains Examination (Written/Descriptive)
- Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
| Post Name | Total Posts | Educational Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 933 | Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university in India. |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree with at least one subject among Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or equivalent qualifications. |
Follow these simple steps to download the provisional exam keys:
- Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission: upsc.gov.in.
- Look for the "Answer Key" tab or check the "Active Examinations" section.
- Select the link for "Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, 2026 / Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Exam, 2026".
- Click on the separate PDF links for General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).
- Alternatively, download directly using the quick links provided in the table below.
- Save and match your responses with the keys to assess your tentative score.
UPSC Pre Answer Key 2026 Important Links
1. When was the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 conducted?
The preliminary written examination was conducted on 24 May 2026.
2. When was the UPSC IAS/IFS Pre provisional answer key released?
The preliminary provisional answer key was released on 27 May 2026.
3. Where can I find the direct link to the UPSC answer key?
You can download the PDFs directly from the links in the Important Links table above or by visiting upsc.gov.in.
4. What are the selection criteria for the IAS and IFS posts?
The selection process comprises three main stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains Written Examination, and the Interview/Personality Test.
5. What should I do if there are errors or discrepancies on my Admit Card?
You should immediately get in touch with the UPSC Helpdesk or authority to get it corrected before any upcoming exam stages.
