Supreme Court: UPSC To Release Preliminary Exam Answer Key Immediately; Students Can Raise Objections

The Supreme Court has noted that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will provide candidates with the Preliminary Exam answer key immediately after the examination concludes.

This measure ensures that aspirants can review their responses and identify potential discrepancies without having to wait for the final results.

The UPSC has clarified that students will be able to submit objections regarding incorrect answers.

Candidates who wish to challenge any response must provide at least three authoritative references supporting their claim. This process aims to enhance transparency and fairness in the Civil Services Examination.

For years, aspirants have criticised the UPSC for releasing answer keys only after declaring the final results. This practice made it difficult for candidates to gauge their performance and plan for the Main Examination.

Each year, approximately five lakh candidates appear for the Preliminary Exam, with only 12,000 to 15,000 qualifying for the Main Exam.

Students have repeatedly argued that a delay in publishing the answer key prevented them from understanding their mistakes. They also stated that it hindered their ability to focus effectively on subsequent preparation.

Legal representatives highlighted that other prestigious institutions, including State Public Service Commissions, IITs, and IIMs, routinely release answer keys immediately after examinations. They emphasised that UPSC should follow a similar practice.

Legal Intervention and Supreme Court Hearing

During the Supreme Court hearing, counsel Rajiv Kumar Dubey argued that the UPSC should adopt the same practice as other institutions. He said this would ensure candidates have access to provisional answer keys immediately after the exam.

The Commission will implement this system, and students have welcomed the move.

With this change, aspirants will gain clarity on their performance soon after the Preliminary Exam. UPSC will continue to release the final answer key only after declaring the final results, following existing procedures.

The UPSC’s decision marks a significant improvement in the examination process, allowing candidates to proactively prepare for the Main Exam.

By providing the provisional answer key, the Commission addresses a crucial gap in transparency. It also introduces a structured objection mechanism to enhance accountability.

Students and coaching institutes have expressed satisfaction, noting that this reform will reduce uncertainty and help candidates focus on their preparation more efficiently. Experts expect this move to set a precedent for greater openness in competitive examinations across India.

The revised system ensures that candidates receive timely feedback on the Preliminary Exam and can make informed decisions regarding their preparation strategy for the Mains.

This move aligns with broader efforts to modernise examination practices and enhance transparency in one of the country’s most prestigious competitive exams.

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