At least 27 questions in the 2026 UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary test have come under dispute, with candidates raising objections to the provisional answer key released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Candidates Challenge Multiple Answers
Aspirants have claimed that some answers marked in the provisional key are incorrect, while other questions allegedly have no clearly correct option. Candidates have also argued that certain questions could have more than one valid answer.
The disputed questions reportedly span both the General Studies Paper-I and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).
Why the Dispute Matters
The controversy is significant because even a small change in the answer key can affect a candidate's score and, consequently, their qualification for the UPSC CSE Mains examination. Candidates have therefore been seeking a review of the questions and answers before the final key is prepared.
UPSC Yet to Issue Final Key
The current objections relate to the provisional answer key. UPSC's final answer key can differ from the provisional version after objections and internal review. The commission will ultimately determine which answers are accepted for evaluation.
Aspirants Await Final Decision
For thousands of candidates, the final answer key is closely watched as they calculate their expected scores and assess their chances of moving to the next stage of the examination.
The dispute over at least 27 questions has now put the focus on accuracy, question-setting and the answer-key review process in this year's UPSC Prelims.