UPSC CSE prelims 2025 answer key out at upsc.gov.in; steps to download

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) preliminary exam answer keys on the official websites of UPSC at upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in. The UPSC prelims exam 2025 was conducted on May 25, 2025 in nationwide exam centres.

The UPSC CSE mains 2025 was conducted between August 22 and August 31. Candidates who qualified in the written examination were shortlisted for the interview and personality test stage, which took place from January to April 2026. The final UPSC CSE 2025 results were announced on March 6, 2026.

The UPSC prelims 2025 marking scheme awards +2 marks for every correct answer in paper 1 and +2.5 marks for each correct response in paper 2. For incorrect answers, 0.66 marks are deducted in paper 1, while 0.83 marks are deducted in paper 2. No marks are awarded or deducted for unanswered questions.

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UPSC CSE prelim answer key 2025: Steps to download

To download the UPSC CSE 2025 pre answer key, candidates need to follow the steps given below:

• Visit the official websites of UPSC at upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in
• On the homepage, go to ‘Examination’ and then choose ‘Answer Keys’ from drop down menu
• Click on the general studies paper-I and general studies paper-II link
• The answer key will appear on the screen
• Download the answer keys and take a printout for future reference

UPSC CSE 2025: Statistics

As per data shared by the UPSC, around 9.37 lakh candidates registered for the CSE 2025, out of which 5.76 lakh appeared for the preliminary examination. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for the main examination, while 2,736 candidates were shortlisted for the personality test and interview round.

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Following the completion of all stages, the commission recommended 958 candidates for appointment to various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Central Services under Group A and Group B. The final recommended list comprises 659 men and 299 women candidates.