The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services Preliminary Examination on 16 June 2024. This prestigious exam is the gateway for candidates aspiring to join various administrative services in India, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
The preliminary examination is the first step in the selection process, and it tests the general knowledge and aptitude of the candidates. Following the examination, candidates eagerly await the release of the UPSC Prelims Answer Key to assess their performance and estimate their chances of progressing to the next stage.
UPSC Civil Services Prelims Answer Key 2024
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | 16 June 2024 |
| Type of Exam | Preliminary Examination |
| Purpose | Selection for various administrative services in India |
| Total Vacancies | |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Answer Key Status | to be released |
| Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC released a notification for the Civil Services Exam in February 2024. The application registration process for various vacancies started on 14 January, and the last date to submit the filled application form was 05 March 2024.
Preliminary Exam Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination was divided into two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT). Each paper is of 200 marks, and the duration for each paper was two hours. Paper I primarily focused on subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, and Current Affairs. Paper II tests the candidates’ aptitude through questions on Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Decision Making.
The examination is highly competitive, and candidates need to score above the cut-off marks in Paper I to qualify for the Mains Examination, while Paper II is of a qualifying nature, requiring a minimum of 33% marks to be eligible.
Answer Key Objection Process
Usually, the answer key for an exam is released in two phases. First, a provisional answer key is released on the website. Once the UPSC releases the preliminary answer key, candidates can raise objections if they find discrepancies or incorrect answers. This objection process is crucial as it ensures the accuracy and fairness of the examination.
Candidates must submit their objections within the stipulated time frame, usually a week from the release of the answer key. While submitting an objection form, candidates are asked to attach a valid documentary proof of correct answer.
UPSC reviews these objections and makes necessary corrections. Thereafter, the final answer key is published on the website. The written test result is prepared based on this final answer key.
How to download the UPSC CSE Prelims Answer Key 2024?
Downloading the answer key is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to access the answer key and evaluate your performance:
- Visit the Official Website at UPSC website i.e. www.upsc.gov.in.
- Find and click on the ‘Examinations’ tab on the homepage.
- Look for the link titled ‘UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024 Answer Key’.
- Choose the paper (General Studies Paper-I or Paper-II) for which you want to download the answer key.
- Click on the link to download the answer key in PDF format.
- Carefully match your answers with the answer key to estimate your score.
