UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026, Release Date And Official PDF

UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026: UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also called IES, opens doors to Group A and B engineering posts in government services. Civil Engineering (CE) aspirants wait eagerly for the prelims answer key to gauge their performance right after the exam. 

UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Overview

Stay ahead by knowing the basics now, so you're ready when the key drops. Here's a quick table of key details for UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026:

UPSC ESE Prelims  Answer Key 2026 Release Date (Expected)

The provisional UPSC ESE Prelims  2026 answer key will appear first after the completion of all stages, followed by a challenge window and then the final UPSC ESE Prelims answer key.

Read: UPSC ESE CE Exam Analysis 2026

UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Direct Link

UPSC ESE CE Prelims 2026 Answer Key will be available once it is released. Unofficial will be updated here based on students' feedback post the exam. For the convenience of students, we are providing a direct link to download the answer key. Click the button below-

UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Direct Link (Active Soon)

How to Download UPSC ESE CE Prelims Answer Key 2026

Downloading is straightforward once UPSC activates the link; no login is needed for the final PDF. Follow these steps post-release:

• Head to upsc.gov.in and check the "Examinations" or "Answer Keys" tab.

• Spot the "UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Answer Key" link under Engineering Services.

• Click to open the PDF for Paper I (GS & Aptitude) and Paper II (CE)—sets A, B, C, D included.

• Save the file and match your responses right away.
  The key releases in PDF format after the full process ends, so patience is key.

Check: UPSC ESE CE Prelims Question Paper 2026

UPSC ESE CE Prelims Question Papers and Sets

ESE prelims uses multiple sets (A, B, C, D) to keep things fair. The official key covers all sets with question IDs matching your OMR sheet. Unofficial keys from coaching might pop up on exam day, but stick to UPSC's final version for reliability. Save your question booklet post-exam for cross-checking.

Tips to Use the UPSC ESE CE Prelims 2026 Answer Key Effectively

Once downloaded:

• Match set-wise to avoid errors.

• Calculate raw score: (Correct answers) x 1.

• Compare with prior cutoffs for mains prep planning.

• Analyse weak topics in CE (like structural analysis or geotech) for targeted revision.
  Print and annotate for future mocks.

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