UPSC Prelims answer key is one of the critical instrument to analyse your mistake and now prelims answer key 2024 is out. In this article we will guide you through the UPSC prelims answer key. Let’s dive into the Civil Services Examination details.
Answer Keys Released
The Union Public Service Commission released the official UPSC answer key. You can download the official UPSC keys for General Studies Paper 1 and 2.

Visit the official sites—upsc.gov.in or upsconline.gov.in. Exciting, right? However, three questions were dropped from General Studies Paper 1. This affects all sets—A, B, C, and D. No questions were dropped from Paper 2. The commission didn’t explain why. But, it’s standard for ambiguous questions in the question paper.
Exam and Final Result Timeline
The UPSC CSE prelims exam was held on June 16, 2024. UPSC civil services mains followed on September 20–29. Then, 2,845 candidates advanced to interviews. These ran from January 7 to April 17, 2025. The final result was declared on April 22. Shakti Dubey secured Rank 1 , Harshita Goyal secured Rank 2 and Dongre Archit Parag secured Rank 3. A total of 1,009 candidates were recommended for IAS, IFS, IPS, and other services. Impressive, isn’t it?
Why Check the Prelims 2024 Answer Key?
It helps you calculate your score if you have attempted UPSC Prelims 2024. Each correct answer in General Studies Paper 1 gives 2 marks. Paper 2 offers 2.5 marks per correct answer. But, beware! A wrong answer deducts 1/3rd of the marks. So, use the answer key PDF wisely. The official UPSC prelims answer key also helps you learn from mistakes. It’s perfect for previous year analysis.
Prep for UPSC CSE 2025
For UPSC CSE 2025 aspirants, note this. The civil service preliminary examination is on May 25. Around 979 posts are available. To qualify for the Mains, you must clear the Prelims exam cut-off. The Main Examination will commence on August 22, 2025. Hall tickets for prelims is out.Download now if you have not download it till now. In case your admit card has issues, email uscsp-upsc@nic.in. Include your name, roll number, and registration ID. During the prelims exam bring a photo ID and two passport-size photos if your photo is unclear.

Analyze and Improve
Analyzing the UPSC prelims 2024 answer key is important step for improving over preparation strategy. It highlights your strengths and weaknesses. Plus, it’s a reality check for your prep.
Unofficial keys for the civil service preliminary examination prelims exam 2025 will be available after the exam. These cover General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT for all sets. They’re great for early insights. But, the official UPSC answer key is final. However Answer keys released post-recruitment , hence for better analysis of previous year paper, visit the official UPSC site often for answer key.
CSAT Insights
For CSAT, it’s qualifying. It had 80 MCQs on June 16, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Download the answer key PDF for sets A, B, C, and D. Check your answers. Learn from errors. This boosts confidence for 2025.
Final Tips
Stay focused. The UPSC civil services journey is tough but rewarding. Use the prelims 2024 answer key to refine your strategy. Prep smart, and you’ll shine. Good luck!