Are you preparing for the upcoming UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Prelims 2026? If so, staying updated with the answer key, response sheets, and important exam dates is essential for assessing your performance and planning your next steps. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information regarding the UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026, including how to download it, important dates, and tips on estimating your scores.
UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Answer Key and Important Information
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Preliminary Examination for the Engineering Services Exam (ESE) 2026, aimed at selecting suitable candidates for 474 engineering vacancies across various disciplines. The official answer key is expected to be available soon on the UPSC website, upsc.gov.in. This key helps candidates cross-verify their answers and estimate their scores before the official results are announced.
Overview of the Recruitment Drive
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 474 |
| Exam Conducted On | February 8, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Expected Soon |
| Mains Exam Date | June 21, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Expected in March 2026 (Tentative) |
How to Download the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Answer Key
Once the official answer key is released, follow these straightforward steps to access and download your response sheets:
Step-by-Step Download Guide
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the menu and select the “Examinations” section.
- Click on “Answer Keys” or similar link provided for recent exams.
- Look for the link titled “Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 Answer Key.”
- Click on the link to view and download the PDF files for Paper I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude) and Paper II (Discipline-specific).
- Save the PDFs on your device for future reference and comparison.
Important Links
For quick access, ensure to regularly check the official UPSC site or relevant links for updates, especially regarding answer key releases and results.
Raising Objections Against the Answer Key
Typically, UPSC does not release an preliminary answer key for the ESE Prelims with an objection facility. The final official answer key is issued only after the completion of the entire selection process, including the Mains exam. Therefore, candidates should use unofficial answer keys for initial estimation of their scores and performance analysis. In case of discrepancies in the official documents, candidates can follow the official objection process, which will be notified on the UPSC website once the provisional answer key is released.
Important Dates to Remember
Key Dates for UPSC ESE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination (Prelims) | February 8, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | Expected Soon |
| Mains Examination | June 21, 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Prelims) | March 2026 (Tentative) |
Calculating Your Score Using the Answer Key
After downloading the answer key, you can estimate your potential score with the following method:
Scoring Formula
Total Score = Number of Correct Answers × 1 mark
Note that there is no negative marking for wrong answers, so even guesses can be beneficial. Use the official answer key to compare your responses and calculate your approximate score.
Marking Scheme for UPSC ESE Prelims
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | 0 marks |
| Unattempted | 0 marks |
Summary
The UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 is a significant milestone for engineering aspirants aiming to join prestigious public sector positions. Keep a close watch on official updates regarding answer key releases, carefully analyze your responses, and estimate your scores to gauge your chances for the subsequent stages. Remember, the official answer key and results are the final benchmarks; therefore, accurate cross-verification is essential for a clear understanding of your performance.
Stay prepared, review the official notifications regularly, and best of luck in your examination journey!