UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key & Solutions
The UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key & Solutions are now one of the most searched resources among Civil Services aspirants. Candidates who appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 can use the answer key to estimate their scores, analyze their performance, and plan their next steps for the Mains examination.
The Union Public Service Commission conducted the UPSC Prelims 2026 on 24 May 2026. The examination consisted of General Studies Paper-I (GS) and CSAT Paper-II. The provisional answer key has been released, allowing candidates to raise objections through the representation portal.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key PDF (All Sets)
Candidates can check the UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key & Solutions for all four sets:
- Set A Answer Key
- Set B Answer Key
- Set C Answer Key
- Set D Answer Key
Since the questions remain the same across all sets, only the sequence changes.
UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper Analysis
The UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper was widely considered to be moderate to difficult in terms of overall difficulty level. Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs played a significant role in the paper.
Subject-wise Distribution
History & Culture
- Ancient History
- Art & Culture
- Freedom Struggle
- Colonial Economy
Geography
- Indian Rivers
- Climate
- National Parks
- International Geography
Environment & Ecology
- Mangroves
- Western Hoolock Gibbons
- REDD+ Projects
- Climate Change Initiatives
Science & Technology
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Green Hydrogen
- National Quantum Mission
- Genome India Project
- Deep Ocean Mission
Economy
- UPI and Digital Rupee
- ONDC
- Financial Inclusion
- Sustainability Bonds
Set A — Answer Key
For the full per-question Set A ↔ Set D cross-reference (with correct answer text per Q), see the dedicated Set A page.
| Q range | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | D | A | C | B | B | A | D | A | C | C |
| 11-20 | D | A | C | B | B | C | A | D | D | B |
| 21-30 | * | B | D | D | C | C | A | D | C | B |
| 31-40 | A | B | B | B | B | B | C | B | B | C |
| 41-50 | C | B | C | B | B | C | B | B | C | B |
| 51-60 | C | A | B | D | B | B | A | C | D | B |
| 61-70 | D | * | D | * | D | A | C | A | C | A |
| 71-80 | B | B | D | B | C | C | B | B | C | C |
| 81-90 | C | C | C | A | A | C | A | C | C | D |
| 91-100 | A | C | B | B | A | C | C | B | A | A |
Set B — Answer Key
For the full per-question Set B ↔ Set D cross-reference (with correct answer text per Q), see the dedicated Set B page.
| Q range | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | * | B | D | D | C | C | A | D | C | B |
| 11-20 | A | B | B | B | B | B | C | B | B | C |
| 21-30 | D | A | C | B | B | A | D | A | C | C |
| 31-40 | D | A | C | B | B | C | A | D | D | B |
| 41-50 | C | A | B | D | B | B | A | C | D | B |
| 51-60 | D | * | D | * | D | A | C | A | C | A |
| 61-70 | B | B | D | B | C | C | B | B | C | C |
| 71-80 | C | C | C | A | A | C | A | C | C | D |
| 81-90 | A | C | B | B | A | C | C | B | A | A |
| 91-100 | C | B | C | B | B | C | B | B | C | B |
Set C — Answer Key
For the full per-question Set C ↔ Set D cross-reference (with correct answer text per Q), see the dedicated Set C page.
| Q range | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | A | B | B | B | B | B | C | B | B | C |
| 11-20 | * | B | D | D | C | C | A | D | C | B |
| 21-30 | D | A | C | B | B | C | A | D | D | B |
| 31-40 | D | A | C | B | B | A | D | A | C | C |
| 41-50 | C | A | C | C | D | A | C | B | B | A |
| 51-60 | C | C | B | A | A | C | B | C | B | B |
| 61-70 | C | B | B | C | B | C | A | B | D | B |
| 71-80 | B | A | C | D | B | D | * | D | * | D |
| 81-90 | A | C | A | C | A | B | B | D | B | C |
| 91-100 | C | B | B | C | C | C | C | C | A | A |
Set D — Answer Key (canonical)
This is the canonical set used throughout the detailed solutions below.
| Q range | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | D | A | C | B | B | C | A | D | D | B |
| 11-20 | D | A | C | B | B | A | D | A | C | C |
| 21-30 | A | B | B | B | B | B | C | B | B | C |
| 31-40 | * | B | D | D | C | C | A | D | C | B |
| 41-50 | C | B | B | C | C | C | C | C | A | A |
| 51-60 | C | A | C | C | D | A | C | B | B | A |
| 61-70 | C | C | B | A | A | C | B | C | B | B |
| 71-80 | C | B | B | C | B | C | A | B | D | B |
| 81-90 | B | A | C | D | B | D | * | D | * | D |
| 91-100 | A | B | A | C | A | B | C | D | B | C |
How to Calculate UPSC Prelims 2026 Score?
Use the following marking scheme:
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +2 |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.66 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
Formula
Expected Score = (Correct Answers × 2) – (Wrong Answers × 0.66)
Why Are UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key & Solutions Important?
The UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key & Solutions help candidates:
- Estimate their probable score.
- Identify strong and weak areas.
- Decide whether to start Mains preparation.
- Improve their approach for future attempts.
- Understand UPSC’s changing question pattern.
Key Trends in UPSC Prelims 2026
1. Conceptual Understanding Was Tested
UPSC moved away from purely factual questions.
2. Current Affairs Integration Increased
Static topics were linked with recent developments.
3. Elimination Techniques Became Crucial
Smart guessing strategies proved beneficial.
4. Interdisciplinary Questions Continued
Questions combined concepts from multiple subjects.
Official UPSC Answer Key
The official answer key can be accessed through the UPSC website after the examination process. UPSC has also introduced a provisional answer key system, allowing candidates to submit representations against disputed questions.
FAQs
Is the UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key official?
Yes. UPSC has released the provisional answer key, and candidates can raise objections before the final key is published.
Are all four sets different?
No. The questions are identical; only the sequence varies.
How can I calculate my UPSC Prelims marks?
Use the formula:
(Correct Answers × 2) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.66)
Can I rely on coaching institute answer keys?
Coaching institute keys are useful for initial analysis, but the final authority remains UPSC.
Conclusion
The UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key & Solutions provide aspirants with a valuable opportunity to assess their performance and plan effectively for the next stage of the examination. Candidates should carefully review their responses, analyze mistakes, and begin focused preparation for the Mains examination if they are likely to clear the cutoff.
Consistent analysis of previous year papers and answer keys remains one of the most effective strategies for success in the Civil Services Examination.