The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) expects to release the Provisional Answer Keys for the PCS Prelims 2025 examination by the third week of October 2025. The preliminary exam took place on October 12, 2025 , at designated centres across the state. This release is a key step for candidates to assess their performance and estimate potential scores before official results.
The UPPSC Provincial Civil Services (PCS) examination is a competitive process for various administrative and executive positions within the Uttar Pradesh state government. The preliminary stage, comprising two objective-type papers, screens candidates for the main examination.
Expected Answer Key Release Dates
Historically, UPPSC publishes provisional answer keys within 3 to 4 days post-examination. For the 2025 cycle, a slight delay is anticipated. The Commission projects the answer key release to occur between October 17 and October 26, 2025 .
| Event | Expected Date Range |
|---|---|
| Release of Provisional Answer Keys | October 17 to October 26, 2025 |
Specific release times often vary. Candidates should monitor the official UPPSC website for current updates. The provisional key enables early score estimation before final results are published.
How to Download UPPSC PCS Prelims Answer Key 2025
Candidates can download the UPPSC PCS Prelims 2025 answer key from the official website using these steps:
- Visit the official Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission website: uppsc.up.nic.in .
- On the homepage, locate and click the “View Answer Key” section or relevant link for latest keys.
- Select the link titled “Question Booklet with Answer – General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2.” This provides answers for both preliminary papers.
- The official answer key will display as a PDF file.
- Download and save the PDF. Printing a copy is advisable for comparison with personal responses.
Using the Provisional Answer Key for Score Estimation
The provisional answer key provides official correct answers for all questions in both General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates must compare their marked responses with these keys.
To calculate an estimated score, candidates apply the official UPPSC marking scheme. This includes awarding positive marks for correct answers and deducting negative marks for incorrect responses. Unattempted questions receive no marks or deductions. This self-assessment provides a preliminary score, indicating performance against expected cut-off marks.
Raising Objections to the Provisional Key
As keys are provisional, UPPSC typically provides a specific window for candidates to raise objections against potential errors. If a candidate believes a Commission answer is incorrect, they can submit a formal representation with supporting evidence.
The Commission reviews all submitted representations. If objections are valid, UPPSC may revise the provisional answer key. A final answer key, incorporating changes, is subsequently released, usually alongside official preliminary results. This process ensures fairness and accuracy.
Next Steps for Candidates
Following score estimation, candidates can plan their next actions. Those anticipating qualification should begin intensive preparation for the UPPSC PCS Mains 2025 examination. The Mains exam is a subjective test and a significant part of the selection process.
Candidates whose estimated scores do not meet expectations can analyze their performance to identify weaker areas. This analysis allows for targeted improvement in preparation for future exam attempts. The answer key release is a critical milestone in the UPPSC examination cycle.