UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Conducted Today — 8.19 Lakh Appeared, Answer Key Soon, Result in June
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims 2026 was conducted today, May 24, 2026 (Sunday), at exam centres across India. Over 8.19 lakh candidates appeared for this year's exam — the first stage of the selection process for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.
| Detail | Information |
| Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Candidates Appeared | 8.19 lakh+ |
| GS Paper 1 Timing | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| CSAT Paper 2 Timing | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Total Vacancies (2026 cycle) | 933 posts |
| GS Paper 1 Marks | 200 marks (100 MCQs, 2 marks each) |
| CSAT Paper 2 (qualifying) | 200 marks — minimum 33% required |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Provisional Answer Key | Expected — candidates can challenge by May 31 |
| Prelims Result Expected | Mid-June to early July 2026 (based on past trends) |
| Mains Exam Date | August 21, 2026 |
| Expected Cutoff (General) | ~85 marks (estimated, based on past trends) |
What happened today: The exam was conducted in two sessions. GS Paper 1 (General Studies) from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM determined qualifying marks. CSAT Paper 2 (Civil Services Aptitude Test) from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM is qualifying in nature — candidates must score minimum 33% (66 out of 200). Candidates needed to arrive at least 30 minutes before exam start and carry their admit card and photo ID.
Provisional answer key: Coaching institutes including Vajiram & Ravi and Legacy IAS have released unofficial answer keys. The official provisional answer key from UPSC will be released on upsconline.nic.in. Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key online via the QPRep portal by May 31 till 6:00 PM. Each challenge must be backed with proof and is subject to a fee.
Expected cutoff 2026: Based on past trends and vacancy count — the 2025 General category cutoff was 92.66 marks. With 933 vacancies in 2026 (slightly fewer than 2025), and depending on paper difficulty, the expected General category cutoff is estimated at approximately 85 marks or slightly higher. Candidates scoring 80 and above should begin Mains preparation without waiting for the official result.
What happens next: UPSC will release the official Prelims Result 2026 typically 15–20 days after the exam, putting it in mid-June to early July 2026. Shortlisted candidates will then appear for Mains, starting August 21, 2026. The result comes as a PDF with roll numbers — no scores are disclosed. Approximately 12–13 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for Mains.
Check our complete UPSC CSE exam guide covering full syllabus, strategy, and preparation resources. Also see NDA exam guide for defence service aspirants.
💡Scored 80+? Start Mains Prep Now
Don't wait for the official Prelims result. If you attempted 85+ questions with reasonable accuracy in GS Paper 1, begin your Mains preparation immediately. UPSC Mains 2026 starts August 21 — you have under 90 days.
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Published: 2026-05-24 • Source: Official government press releases and notifications.