UPSC IAS Answer Key 2025 - Check UPSC CSE Prelims Solution key PDFs

UPSC IAS Answer Key 2025 - Check UPSC CSE Prelims Solution key PDFs

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Sep 16, 2024 03:18 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
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The unofficial prelims UPSC IAS 2025 Answer key for GS and CSAT will be available in the form of PDF files here after conclusion of exam. Many notable coaching institutes release the unofficial versions of the IAS answer key for prelims. The UPSC IAS answer key 2025 will enable candidates to make an estimate of the score they might receive in the prelims exam, the different types of question papers the difficulty of the exam and much more. The Commission will also release the official IAS Answer key after the declaration of the final IAS result 2025.

The IAS Answer Key 2025 will be made available for download for all sets. The Official IAS 2025 Answer Key will have the correct answer listed next to the question number. For further information about the IAS Answer Key 2025, and for materials like past answer key PDFs, candidates can consult the material below.

IAS Answer Key 2025 for Prelims

Candidates can check the IAS Answer Key 2025 dates for prelims released by various coaching institutes on this page.

IAS 2025 Answer Key Release Dates

Events

Dates

Date of CSE prelims exam 2025

May 25, 2025

Release of IAS Answer Key 2025 (unofficial)

To be announced

UPSC mains 2025 exam date

August 22, 2025

Release of IAS 2025 answer key for mains (unofficial)

To be announced

UPSC Civil Services answer key 2025 (official)

To be announced

IAS Answer Key - Prelims Previous Years

Here, candidates can download the IAS Prelims Answer Key PDF files from previous years.

UPSC IAS Answer Key and Question Paper 2024 - Paper 1

Subject
Download Link (Unofficial)
Paper 1 - General Studies
SET A
SET B
SET C
SET D
Paper 2
SET A
SET B
SET C
SET D

How to Download UPSC IAS 2025 Answer Key?

Candidates can follow the detailed steps below to download the IAS Answer Key 2025.

  • Visit the official website - www.upsc.gov.in.

  • Click on the Exam tab and choose the Answer Key option from the drop-down menu.

  • Click on the UPSC IAS answer key 2025 on the web page.

  • UPSC IAS 2025 PDF file will open.

  • Download the PDF file for future reference.

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What will Be the release date of the IAS 2025 Answer Key?

Based on the past years' trends of IAS answer key release dates, we can extrapolate that UPSE will release the IAS Answer Key 2025 after the release of the final result. However, the UPSC IAS official answer key release date has not been announced yet. Go through the table below to know the previous year’s trends of the IAS answer key release dates.

IAS Answer Key Release Dates - Previous Year's Trends

Year

IAS exam date 2025

Answer key release date

2025May 25, 2025To be announced
2024June 16, 2024To be announced
2023June 12, 2023May 9, 2024

2022

June 5, 2022

July 04, 2023

2021

October 10, 2021

May 30, 2022

2020

October 4, 2020

November 9, 2021

2019

June 2, 2019

August 10, 2020

2018

June 3, 2018

April 16, 2019

IAS Answer Key 2025 - Advantages

Candidates can go through the answer key of the IAS exam 2025 to get a rough idea of which questions they answered correctly and calculate their scores. Some coaching institutes released their own unofficial versions of the IAS answer key on the same day of the examination. Candidates will also be able to use the IAS 2025 answer key to calculate the expected cut off.

How to Calculate Score With IAS Answer Key 2025 (Prelims)?

To get an estimate of their scores, candidates will have to cross-check the answers they gave in the exam against those mentioned in the IAS Answer Key 2025. Candidates will be able to calculate their scores based on the number of correct and incorrect answers

Candidates can calculate their tentative scores based on the number of correct and incorrect responses provided in the UPSC IAS exam . To be able to do this, candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the marking scheme of the IAS 2025 exam. You can find details about the marking scheme in the table below.

IAS 2025 Marking Scheme

Candidates can calculate their probable IAS scores by using the UPSC CSE marking scheme. The marking scheme should be used along with the IAS Answer Key 2025 to arrive at a tentative score.

Particulars

Marking Scheme

Correct response


  • For every correct answer in GS Paper 1, candidates will be awarded 2 marks

  • For a correct answer in Paper 2, candidates will be allotted 2.5 marks

Negative marking

Negative marking is applicable for both papers and 1/3 of marks will be deducted for every wrong answer

Marks reduced in Paper I

0.33 marks

Marks reduced in Paper II

0.33 marks

Total marks (prelims)

400 marks

  • Paper I - 200 marks

  • Paper II - 200 marks

Paper 1 score

Correct responses out of 100 X 2 marks and 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer

Paper 2 score

Correct responses out of 80 X 2.5 marks and 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer

Aggregate score

(Correct answers in Paper 1 x 2) + (Correct responses in Paper 2 x 2.5) – (No. of incorrect response x marks reduced for each wrong answer)

IAS Question Papers

The IAS question paper for the prelims exam 2025 will be made available at upsc.gov.in. similar to the IAS Answer key, the commission releases the UPSC CSE question papers after the conclusion of the exam. In previous years, it was seen that the IAS question paper was uploaded a few days after the examination was conducted. Candidates will be able to download the question papers as a PDF file and can find out about the difficulty level of the IAS exam 2025 and the types of questions asked.

IAS Cut off 2025

Union Public Services Commission will release the IAS cut off for all stages of the exam - prelims, mains and final cut-off. The cut off of the exam for all the stages will be published after the completion of the selection process, that is, after the declaration of the final IAS result 2025.

Quick Link:

The UPSC IAS 2025 cut off is the minimum mark that candidates must secure in each exam stage to be shortlisted for the next phase of the exam. Apart from the official UPSC IAS 2025 cut off, various coaching institutes will also try to predict the expected cut off for the examination. The previous years’ cut off of the IAS exam is given in the table below.

UPSC IAS Cut Off - Previous years’

Categories

Cut off

General

92-96

EWS

90-14

OBC

91-95

SC

82-89

ST

75-81

PwBD-1

52-62

PwBD-2

42-62

PwBD-3

57-67

PwBD-5

57-67

IAS 2025 Answer Key by Coaching Institutes

IAS Result 2025

Union Public Service Commission will release the IAS prelims 2025 results online on upsc.gov.in. The results of the IAS exam are released by the conducting body after the successful completion of the written exam. The UPSC IAS 2025 results will be published as a PDF file having the names and roll numbers of all qualified candidates. The final results will be released by UPSC after the completion of the IAS mains and interview rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the official UPSC IAS answer key be released?

The answer key of UPSC IAS will be published after the completion of the recruitment process.

2. What is the UPSC IAS answer key?

The IAS answer key comprises all correct answers to the questions asked in the exam. The UPSC answer key will be released officially in a PDF file only on the official website after the conclusion of the exam.

3. What are the benefits of UPSC IAS answer key?

The UPSC IAS answer key will help the students predict the probable score by using the marking scheme.

4. How to download the UPSC CSE answer key?

Candidates can download the answer key of IAS as a PDF file.

5. Can the candidates challenge the UPSC IAS answer key?

No, UPSC doesn't provide any chance to challenge the UPSC IAS answer key.

6. Is there any negative marking in the IAS UPSC exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks out of the total in the CSE prelims exam 2025.

7. When will the UPSC release the IAS 2025 cutoff?

The commission will release the UPSC CSE 2025 cut off on the official website after the declaration of the final result.

8. What will be the UPSC IAS cut-off for the prelims exam?

According to the previous years' trends, the CSE prelims exam 2025 expected cut off for the general category will be 92 to 96 marks.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

Steps to become an IAS officer


Graduation


You should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a known university

Arts: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

Commerce: Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies

Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination:


Study the Syllabus: Learn the syllabus for Preliminary and Main exams.

Choose Elective Subjects: Take elective subjects that you enjoy and have expertise in

Study Material: Reference textbooks, handouts distributed during the coaching and internet resources.

Practice: Previous years' question paper, mock tests, etc

Coaching Institutes: Join a good coaching institute for formal guidance 3. UPSC Civil Services Examination:

Prelims Exam: An objective-type qualifying test that will make you eligible to appear in the Main examination.

Main Exam: Very subjective test which includes all subjects.

Interview: Personality test by a panel of experts.

Important Tips:


Start Early: Better preparation starts early.

Time Management: Manage your time very efficiently.

Consistency: Follow a regular study routine.

Stay Updated: Current affairs and news.

Seek Guidance: Who have an experience can be consulted upon for guidance.

Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's paper and mock tests.

Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and work hard.

Hence, with these steps and dedication and perseverance, you're sure to achieve your end as an IAS officer.

Hello,

Yes, while IAS (Indian Administrative Services) preparation requires a graduation degree, here are steps you can take to start your IAS journey after completing your 11th standard (BiPC):

  1. Focus on Graduation : Choose a stream for your higher studies that aligns with your interest. Graduation is a mandatory qualification for IAS eligibility.
  2. Early Preparation : Start building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science, which are part of the IAS syllabus.
  3. Develop General Knowledge : Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs magazines to stay updated with national and international news.
  4. Improve Language Skills : Enhance your proficiency in English and one Indian language as per the Civil Services syllabus.
  5. Join Study Circles or Coaching : Enroll in pre-IAS foundation courses available for school students for a head start.
  6. Time Management : Create a balanced study schedule alongside your schoolwork to gradually prepare for the IAS exam.
  7. Participate in Competitions : Engage in essay writing and debates to boost your analytical skills and confidence.

To get more help, you can visit : https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer

Hope it helps 1

Hello there,

Becoming both an IAS officer and a doctor is achievable but requires dedication and clear planning, as each career has distinct educational and examination paths. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve both:

1. Complete Your MBBS to Become a Doctor

  • Enroll in an MBBS Program : First, you need to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission to a medical college.

  • Complete Your Medical Degree : The MBBS program typically takes 5.5 years, including an internship.

  • Gain Experience (Optional) : You may choose to practice medicine for a few years to gain clinical experience, but it’s not mandatory if your goal is to pursue IAS right after MBBS.

    2. Prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

  • Understand the UPSC Exam Structure : The UPSC CSE has three stages—Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. You can start preparing while in medical school or after completing MBBS.

  • Choose Your Optional Subject : As a doctor, you may consider taking medical science as your optional subject, though it’s not mandatory.

  • Develop a Study Plan : Balance your medical studies or job with UPSC preparation. Many doctors manage both by allocating dedicated study time each day.

  • Appear for the Exam : With a systematic approach, crack the UPSC exam and qualify for the IAS position.

    3. Career Path as a Doctor-IAS

  • IAS Training and Posting : After clearing UPSC, complete your training and take up your role as an IAS officer. You’ll have a broad scope to influence healthcare, public policy, and social development.

  • Consider Government Health Roles : In administrative roles, you could use your medical background to work in health-related departments, where your knowledge of medicine would be a unique asset.

    Additional Pathways

  • Alternative Approach : You could also join as a doctor in a government hospital and then transition to administration by appearing for the UPSC exam when ready.

  • Health Policy and Administration : Use your medical background in policy formulation or in roles within the Ministry of Health, combining both careers for impactful healthcare reforms.

This dual career path is ambitious but can be very rewarding, allowing you to serve in both the medical and administrative fields.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant, The answer to this question is no. Both of these areas require your complete commitment and dedication. You can not manage both of these together. Also it is not allowed to do any other profession while performing duties as a IAS officer. If you want to practice medical profession then you have to leave your job.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello,

When choosing an IAS coaching institute, it's important to consider factors such as faculty quality, study materials, success rate, infrastructure, fees, and student support. Here are some highly regarded IAS coaching institutes in India:

1. Vajiram & Ravi

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, high success rate.
  • Cons: Relatively expensive.

2. ALS IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in various cities.
  • Pros: Good faculty, structured programs, and regular tests.
  • Cons: Can be costly, and the quality may vary across branches.

3. Vision IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Detailed study materials, current affairs updates, regular mock tests.
  • Cons: Some students find the pace fast.

4. Sriram IAS

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Strong emphasis on comprehensive understanding, quality teaching.
  • Cons: Limited branches compared to others.

5. Drishti IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with a few branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Affordable fees, good study material, and supportive faculty.
  • Cons: Infrastructure might be less impressive.

6. Upkar Institute

  • Location: Multiple cities.
  • Pros: Focus on affordable coaching, quality materials.
  • Cons: Less known compared to the top-tier institutes.

7. The Hindu Zone

  • Location: Online coaching.
  • Pros: Flexibility of online classes, good faculty, and resources.
  • Cons: Online learning might not suit everyone.

Hope it helps !

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