The Union Public Service Commission will release the provisional answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary examination soon after the test. UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar has called the move “a new beginning” for transparency.

Earlier, candidates had to wait until after the final results to see the official answers. Now only candidates who appeared in the exam can raise objections to the provisional key. Each objection must be backed by three authoritative references, such as NCERT textbooks or standard texts.

A panel of subject experts will review the objections and verify the references. The corrected key will then decide the Prelims result. The final answer key will still be published after the final results, as before.

The commission has also rolled out other reforms in the application process. These include a Universal Registration Number that works across all UPSC exams and a Common Application Form. Candidates must capture a live photo, and Aadhaar-based verification is encouraged. Face authentication will be done at exam centres to stop impersonation.

At the centenary programme, the chairman outlined a broader vision of shorter exam cycles and technology-led recruitment. Prime Minister Modi called for greater coordination among recruitment commissions, including state public service commissions.