UPSC Civil Services IAS, IFS, IPS Prelims Exam Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Now
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Advt No. : 05/2026-CSE
UPSC Civil Services IAS, IFS, IPS Prelims Exam Answer Key 2026 has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). You can download the answer key from the official link provided in the Important Links Section.
Also Read: UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Exam Date | 24-05-2026 |
| Prelims Provisional Answer Key | 27-05-2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 21-08-2026 |
Age Limit
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 21-32 Years |
| The Age Limit as on | 01/08/2026 |
| Born Between | 02/08/1994 To 01/08/2005 |
Note: Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules.
UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 – Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for UPSC Civil Services 2026 is as follows:
| Post Name | Total Post | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Service (IAS, IPS, etc.) | 933 | Any Bachelor Degree. |
UPSC Civil Services – Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC Civil Services inludes varioius posts including IAS, IPS. Here is the exam pattern for these posts
UPSC Civil Cervices – Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
It will be a screening test for Mains Exam. Prelims exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: General Studies
- Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). It is to assess the candidate’s Reasoning & Aptitude abilities.
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Total Marks | Duration | Nature | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 200 | 2 Hours | Merit-based (for cutoff) | 1/3rd per wrong answer |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | 200 | 2 Hours | Qualifying (33% minimum) | 1/3rd per wrong answer |
UPSC Civil Services – Mains Exam Pattern
This exam includes 9 papers to assess candidate’s analysis, comprehension, and expression ability. Here is the exam pattern for all these papers.
Qualifying Papers
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Selected Indian Language | Descriptive | 300 |
| Paper B | English | Descriptive | 300 |
Papers to be counted for Merit List
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Essay | Merit | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography) | Merit | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Governance, Polity, International Relations) | Merit | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economy, Environment, Security) | Merit | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | Merit | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | Merit | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | Merit | 250 |
Check Complete UPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
How To Download UPSC CSE Prelims Admit Card 2026
Here is a step-by-step guide for “How to Download UPSC CSE Prelims Admit Card 2026”:
- Click on the direct link in the Important Links Section.
- Log-in using the credentials (Mobile No. / E-EMail & Password / OTP)
- Head to the Admit Card Download section and download the admit card.
- Take the print out of the admit card for UPSC CSE Prelims Admit Card 2026
Important Links:
| Content Type | Content Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC CSE Answer Key 2026 | Check Here |
| Official Notification | Notification |
| UPSC Official Website | Click-Here |
| Join Telegram | Join-Telegram |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join-WhatsApp |
FAQs
What is the selection process for UPSC Civil Services Psots?
The Selection process includes: Prelims Written Exam, Mains Written Exam, Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
What is UPSC Civil Services Exam Date 2026?
The exam has been scheduled on 24 May 2026.