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Analysing the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 enables candidates to verify their correct and incorrect responses and calculate their estimated scores for the Preliminary Examination. The official UPSC Answer Key 2025 will be made available on the UPSC website once the recruitment cycle for 2025 is fully completed. Until then, aspirants can access the unofficial UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 PDFs for both General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT prepared by our expert faculties.
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025
The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 is an indispensable resource for aspirants who want to assess their performance after the exam. By carefully checking their answers against the key, candidates can estimate scores, identify strong and weak areas, and better plan their preparation strategy for the UPSC Mains exam.
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 Overview
The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 is a vital resource that helps candidates evaluate their performance in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination held on 16th June 2025. This overview table summarises the important details about the UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 and the answer key.
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 Overview | |
| Parameter | Details |
| Exam Date | 25th May, 2025 |
| Papers | GS Paper 1 & CSAT (Paper 2) |
| Number of Questions | 100 (GS Paper 1), 80 (CSAT) |
| Total Marks | 200 (GS Paper 1), 200 (CSAT) |
| Marking Scheme | +2 marks for correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -0.66 marks for wrong answer |
| Qualifying Marks for CSAT | 33% or 66.67 marks (minimum) |
| Official Answer Key Release | After recruitment process ends |
| Availability of Unofficial Answer Key | Within 2-3 days after exam |
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 GS Paper 1
Download the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 PDF for all sets of General Studies Paper 1, designed to help candidates who appeared for the exam or those preparing for upcoming sessions. These answer keys cover all question paper sets for effective self-assessment.
UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Answer Keys for All Sets | |
| Set | Download Link (PDF) |
| Set A | UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Answer Key 2025 (Set A) |
| Set B | UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Answer Key 2025 (Set B) |
| Set C | UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Answer Key 2025 (Set C) |
| Set D | UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Answer Key 2025 (Set D) |
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 – CSAT GS Paper 2
The CSAT paper, qualifying in nature, consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and was held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM on exam day. Candidates can download the CSAT Answer Key 2025 PDF for all sets to cross-check answers and ensure they meet the minimum qualifying marks.
UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper Answer Keys by Set | |
| Set | Download Link (PDF) |
| Set A | UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key 2025 (Set A) |
| Set B | UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key 2025 (Set B) |
| Set C | UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key 2025 (Set C) |
| Set D | UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key 2025 (Set D) |
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025: Marking Scheme
Candidates can calculate their tentative scores in the Preliminary Exam by applying the UPSC’s official marking scheme to the answers verified via the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025. The total exam consists of two papers, each with 200 marks. For each correct answer, 2 marks are awarded, and a penalty of one-third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 Marking Scheme | ||
| Parameter | Paper 1 (GS) | Paper 2 (CSAT) |
| Correct Answer | +2 marks | +2 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.66 marks | -0.66 marks |
| Unattempted Question | 0 | 0 |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
Steps to Download UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025
To access the official or unofficial answer keys, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the UPSC official website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the “Examinations” section, then select “Answer Keys.”
- Find the link labeled “Civil Services Preliminary Examination Answer Key 2025.”
- Click to open and download the answer key PDF for your respective paper and set.
FAQs on UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025
When will the UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 be available?
Unofficial answer keys are generally published within 2-3 days after the exam (16th June 2025). Official keys are released after the recruitment process is complete.
Does UPSC publish an official answer key?
UPSC usually does not release an official answer key for prelims; aspirants rely on reputed coaching institutes for accurate keys.
How to calculate marks using the answer key?
Add 2 marks for each correct answer and subtract 0.66 marks for each incorrect response.
Is the CSAT paper qualifying?
Yes, candidates must score at least 33% marks in CSAT to qualify.
Can I challenge the answer key?
Since there is no official answer key, there is no formal objection or challenge mechanism.
How reliable are the unofficial answer keys?
Most reputed coaching centers provide highly accurate keys based on expert analysis.
How important is the answer key for preparation?
Reviewing the answer key helps identify mistakes and improves preparation for the Mains exam.
