UPSC to Publish Provisional Answer Keys After Prelims Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court that it will now publish provisional answer keys after conducting the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. This move aims to enhance transparencyand address the concerns raised by candidates appearing for the prestigious examination.

In an affidavit filed last month, the Commission stated that the final answer key will continue to be published after the declaration of the final results. The affidavit was submitted in connection with a pending petition concerning the Civil Services Examination.

UPSC Decision on Provisional Answer Keys

According to the affidavit filed through advocate Vardhman Kaushik, the decision was made after detailed deliberations within the Commission. The move follows suggestions made by the court-appointed amicus curiae. The UPSC stated that as a constitutional body, it is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in its examination process.

“After comprehensive deliberation, the Commission has consciously decided to publish the provisional answer key after the preliminary examination,” the affidavit mentioned.

Representation and Objection Process for Candidates

Candidates will be allowed to submit representations or objections against the provisional answer keys released after the exam. Before the table, here’s a quick summary: objections must be well-supported and will be reviewed by subject experts before finalization.

The Commission clarified that any objection not supported by authoritative references will be rejected at the threshold.

Role of Expert Committee in Finalizing Answer Keys

The provisional answer keys and the representations received from candidates will be placed before a panel of subject experts. This team will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the questions, sources, and objections.

The experts’ finalized version of the answer key will form the basis for declaring the UPSC Prelims results. The Commission also stated that these modalities will be implemented as expeditiously as possible.

UPSC’s Commitment to Transparency

According to the affidavit, this initiative marks a significant step towards transparency and accountability in UPSC’s examination process.

The Commission emphasized that the decision is a balanced response to the grievances raised in court and aligns with the public interest.

“The decision taken by the UPSC is an effective and adequate redressal of grievances and aims to enhance transparency in the functioning of the Commission,” the affidavit stated.

This new system is expected to strengthen candidates’ trust in the examination process and ensure greater clarity and fairness in evaluating responses for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.