UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Paper-Wise PDF Download Soon

UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 has not been uploaded on the UPSC website as of now. The Engineering Services Examination (ESE) Prelims is a highly competitive examination conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The release of the answer key is a critical step for all candidates, allowing them to assess their performance and estimate their probable scores before official results are declared.

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 Answer Key 2026 Direct Link

The UPSC ESE Prelims 2026 exam will take place on February 8, 2026. UPSC typically publishes the official answer key after the full selection process, or sometimes not until later stages.  The official answer key will be provided shortly as soon as it is released. The unofficial answer key will be updated here based on students’ reactions post the exam.

Check: UPSC ESE Prelims Question Paper 2026

UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026 Branche-Wise List (By PW)

Along with memory-based question papers, the unofficial Answer Key prepared by PW subject experts will also be shared shift-wise. These solutions are based on recalled questions and student inputs and help candidates estimate expected scores.

Once UPSC officially releases the UPSC ESE Prelims Answer Key 2026, the official solution PDFs will be updated on this page. Till than, you can find the unofficial Answer key of several branches in the table below.

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, Chemical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Data Science, Civil, etc. Aspirants can check the branch-wise UPSC ESE Prelims answer key 2026 PDF download links provided in the table below:

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:

• Go to the UPSC official website: upsc.gov.in.

• Click on the "Answer Key" tab in the header menu.

• Select "Engineer Services Examination - ESE (Prelims) Examination, 2026" from the list.

• Choose your paper set (A, B, C, or D) to open the PDF window.

• 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-

• 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.

• Gather your responses: Use your OMR copy or memory to mark your attempted answers next to the key.​

• 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).​

• Check accuracy rate: Divide correct by attempted (aim >75% for qualifying). Note negatives impact.​

• Subject-wise breakdown: Tally scores in GS topics (Current Affairs, Ethics) for Paper 1; core subjects (Civil/Mech/Elec) for Paper 2.​

• Compare with trends: Match against previous cut-offs (e.g., 2025: ~250–300 for GS).

• Identify weak areas: List topics with low scores for the main focus.​

• Simulate cut-off: Add buffer for normalisation; if > expected, plan main strategy.

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