The UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 examination was conducted on 8 February 2026, and the unofficial answer key has now been released. These provisional keys help candidates cross-check their responses, estimate probable scores, and analyse performance. The official UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 will be released later by UPSC after the completion of the selection process.
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Paper-Wise PDF Download Soon
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 for Paper-I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude) and Paper-II (Technical) will be released soon. The examination has been conducted on February 08, 2026. The official answer key will be provided shortly as soon as it is released, meanwhile unofficial answer key will be updated here based on students’ reactions post the exam.
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UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 has been released for the Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination. The answer key is an important resource for candidates, as it helps them verify their responses, calculate probable scores, and assess overall performance. It also allows aspirants to analyse accuracy and understand their chances of qualifying for the ESE Mains before the official UPSC results are announced.
UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Overview
The Union Public Service Commission administers the UPSC ESE Prelims examination for aspiring engineers across various disciplines. Understanding these key details is vital for all candidates navigating the examination process and evaluating their performance using the released answer key.
| UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Prelims 2026 |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Answer Key (Unofficial) Status | Released |
| Exam Date | 8 Feb, 2026 |
| Session/Term | 2026 |
Read: UPSC ESE Exam Analysis 2026
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Direct Link
Check: UPSC ESE Prelims Question Paper 2026
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Branche-Wise List (By PW)
Along with the memory-based question papers, the branch-wise unofficial UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 has been released on the official page. Prepared by PW faculty, these shift-wise solutions are based on recalled questions and student feedback, helping candidates estimate expected scores. The official UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 will be updated here once released by UPSC.
| UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Branche-Wise List (By PW) | |
| Branches | UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Answer Key (Unofficial) |
| Civil Engineering | Click Here |
| Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering | Click Here |
| Electrical Engineering | Click Here |
| Mechanical Engineering | Click Here |
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Release Date (Expected)
The provisional UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 answer key will appear after the completion of all stages. Candidates should regularly check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the most accurate and official UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026.
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 PDF
The conducting authority will officially release the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 Answer Key for all the engineering disciplines, such as Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Civil, etc. Aspirants can check the branch-wise UPSC ESE Prelims answer key 2026 PDF download links provided in the table below:
| UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 PDF Links | |
| Branches | Answer Key Link |
| Civil Engineering | To Be Updated |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | To Be Updated |
| Electrical Engineering | To Be Updated |
| Mechanical Engineering | To Be Updated |
How To Download UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026
Follow these simple steps to get the UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 from the official site:
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Go to the UPSC official website: upsc.gov.in.
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Click on the "Answer Key" tab in the header menu.
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Select "Engineer Services Examination - ESE (Prelims) Examination, 2026" from the list.
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Choose your paper set (A, B, C, or D) to open the PDF window.
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Download and save the PDF file on your device.
How To Analyse UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026
To analyse the UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026, use an official key to estimate your score accurately before the mains. This step-by-step process helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and cut-off trends.
Step-by-Step Analysis Guide is provided below-
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Download the correct set: Get Paper 1 (GS & EA) and Paper 2 (discipline-specific) keys for your booklet (A/B/C/D) from upsc.gov.in.
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Gather your responses: Use your OMR copy or memory to mark your attempted answers next to the key.
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Calculate raw score: For each correct answer, add marks (Paper 1: 1 mark/question; Paper 2: 1 mark/question). Deduct 1/3 for wrongs. Total: Paper 1 (200 marks) + Paper 2 (300 marks).
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Check accuracy rate: Divide correct by attempted (aim >75% for qualifying). Note negatives impact.
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Subject-wise breakdown: Tally scores in GS topics (Current Affairs, Ethics) for Paper 1; core subjects (Civil/Mech/Elec) for Paper 2.
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Compare with trends: Match against previous cut-offs (e.g., 2025: ~250–300 for GS).
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Identify weak areas: List topics with low scores for the main focus.
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Simulate cut-off: Add buffer for normalisation; if > expected, plan main strategy.
Excel your UPSC ESE 2026 preparation journey with PW’s UPSC ESE Online Coaching. The Physics Wallah offers well-structured study material, mock tests, e-books, and more to scale up the aspirant's preparation.
UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 FAQs
When was the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 exam conducted?
The UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 examination has been conducted on June 08, 2025.
Is the UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 officially released?
No, the provisional answer key for the UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 has not been released by the Union Public Service Commission.
Where can I find the official UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Candidates should regularly check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the most accurate and official UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026.
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