UPSC CSP 2026: How to Check Preliminary Answer Key and Submit Declaration; key dates to remember

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Provisional Answer Key for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2026. This is the first time in the history of the exam that UPSC has released the answer key immediately after the exam. The test was successfully conducted across India on Sunday 24th May.

Candidates who applied for CSP 2026 can now check the provisional answers. They can also submit a statement if they disagree with any answer. The deadline for filing objections is May 31 at 6 p.m. The declarations must be submitted through the dedicated Online Questionnaire Representation Portal (QPRep) available at upsconline.nic.in.

How to Check UPSC CSP Provisional Answer Key 2026

Follow these simple steps to access answer key online.

Step 1: Open your browser and visit the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in. This is the only official portal to access answer keys.

Step 2: On the home page, look for the link titled “Provisional Answer Key: CSP 2026”. It may also be listed under Exams or Announcements.

Step 3: Click the link to open the QPRep portal. You will be asked to login using your registered credentials.

Step 4: Enter your number and other required details to access the personalized response control panel.

Step 5: Check the provisional answers for each question in both papers. Answer keys of GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 are available for checking.

Step 6: Carefully compare each answer with your own answers. Note any questions for which you believe the official answer is incorrect.

How to file a representation

If you believe any official response is incorrect, you can formally challenge it through QPRep. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Login to the QPRep portal at upsconline.nic.in using your registered credentials.

Step 2: Select the specific question you want to challenge. Give your correct answer according to your understanding.

Step 3: Provide a brief but clear explanation to support your answer. Be specific and to the point in your reasoning.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents from three authentic sources. UPSC requires all statements to be supported by credible academic or official references.

Step 5: Submit your submission by May 31 at 6:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Key dates to remember

The Pre-Challenge Key Response window closes on May 31 at 6:00 p.m. The civil services main exam is scheduled to begin on August 21.

It will take five days. Personality tests and interviews are expected from February to March 2027.

CSP 2026

CSP 2026 was held at more than 2,000 venues in 83 cities across the country. Out of 8,19,372 registered candidates, around 5.49 lakh actually appeared. Around 933 vacancies are available under IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS services. For the first time, real-time facial verification has been deployed at all locations to prevent impersonation.

Expert consensus from leading coaching platforms suggests that candidates scoring around 80 (±5) in Paper 1 are well placed. These candidates should start preparing for the main examination immediately without waiting for the official declaration of termination.