The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will, for the first time, release the provisional answer key of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 shortly after the conduct of the exam, marking a significant step towards greater transparency in the examination process.
Calling the move a “new beginning,” UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar said the initiative aims to make the system more open, responsive and candidate-friendly while maintaining the integrity and merit-based nature of the examination.
Under the new system, candidates will be able to view the provisional answer key soon after the prelims and submit objections, if any, through the dedicated Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) until May 31, 2026. Applicants can support their representations with explanations and references from credible sources, which will then be reviewed by subject experts before finalisation of the answer key.
UPSC said the reform addresses long-standing demands from aspirants for early access to answer keys and is intended to strengthen trust, accountability and transparency in the examination system. The Commission added that expert panels will carefully examine all submissions before finalising the final answer key after due consideration of candidate feedback.
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