UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023: Download GS 1 & CSAT Answer Key Official PDF Set Wise

UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key PDF is now available to download! The official UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023 PDF was uploaded on the UPSC website @upsc.gov.in on 9 May, 2024. These answer keys pertain to both General Studies Paper I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II, which were conducted as part of the IAS Prelims on May 28, 2023. Candidates can download the set-wise answer keys (Sets A, B, C, and D) in PDF format. It is instrumental for aspirants to cross-verify their responses using the official UPSC Answer Key to estimate their performance in the Prelims, and consequently predict whether they are eligible to appear for the UPSC Mains. 

Notably, as indicated In the UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key, one question from the General Studies Paper I was dropped from the evaluation. For detailed Answer Key analysis, and to download the official answer key PDF, go through this article in detail and prepare for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Examination!

Check the official UPSC 2024 Prelims Answer Key & CSAT 2024 Answer Key.

UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023

UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023 PDF is available to download on the official website of Union Public Service Commission. This is the official set-wise answer key for the Civil Services Prelims 2023 conducted on 28 May, 2023 including GS Paper 1 and the CSAT. Candidates preparing for the upcoming IAS Prelims Exam can download the official Prelims 2023 Answer Key for GS 1 and CSAT in the following sections.

UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key Release Date

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the official answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023 on May 9, 2024. This is the official Answer Key PDF for the UPSC CSE Prelims conducted on May 28, 2023. The UPSC uploads the official Prelims Answer Key for GS Paper 1 and the UPSC CSAT on its website @https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/answer-key after the release of the final UPSC Result, which is approximately one year after the Prelims Exam Date. The official answer keys are available on the official UPSC website under the 'Examinations' section.

Also find out UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage for GS 1 and CSAT.

UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Answer Key 2023: Download PDF

The GS Paper 1 was conducted as the first stage of the UPSC Prelims on May 28, 2023. GS 1 comprises a total of 100 multiple-choice questions for a total of 200 marks. Candidates can download the set-wise (A, B, C, D) answer keys for GS Paper 1 in PDF format using the direct download links provided below –

Go through year wise UPSC Answer Key to tally your responses!

CSAT 2023 Answer Key PDF

The CSAT is the 2nd stage of UPSC Prelims, which is conducted for a total of 80 questions for 200 marks each. It is a qualifying paper, meaning that your CSAT score will not be counted in the final UPSC Marks. However, candidates require a minimum score of 66.66 marks (33%) to qualify the CSAT. Download the set wise CSAT 2023 Answer Key from the table below –

How to Download UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023?

The UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023 is available for download on the official website @upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the set wise official Answer Key PDF for IAS Prelims 2023 by following the steps given below –

Step 1 – Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

Step 2 – Navigate to the 'Examination' tab and select 'Answer Keys' from the dropdown menu.

Step 3 – Locate the link for the 'Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023' answer key.

Step 4 – Click on the link to open the PDF document.

Step 5 – Download and save the PDF for reference.

Alternatively, the official UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key PDF is also available for download on this page. 

How to Use UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key for Preparation?

The UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key is a useful resource for aspirants targeting the upcoming examinations. Here’s how you can utilize the official UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key to your benefit –

• By analyzing the answer key, candidates can identify patterns in question types and subject areas emphasized by the UPSC. This analysis is helpful in understanding the exam's focus and adjusting study plans accordingly.
• Comparing one's responses to the official answers helps in self-checking accuracy and pinpointing areas of strength and weakness. For instance, if a candidate notices consistent errors in questions related to Indian Polity, it indicates a need for deeper study in that area.
• Furthermore, the answer key facilitates practice with actual exam questions, improving familiarity with the question format and improving time management skills. 

Regular practice using UPSC Previous Years' Papers by keeping answer keys side by side, is a proven method to ace the Civil Services Exam recommended by experts. It is the best diagnostic tool to derive insights about your preparation level and make necessary adjustments!

Also read – 

• UPSC Prelims 2024 Question Paper
• UPSC Prelims 2023 Question Paper
• UPSC 2022 Prelims Question Paper
• UPSC 2021 Question Paper
• UPSC 2020 Question Paper
• UPSC 2019 Question Paper

🧮 UPSC Prelims Answer Key Marking Scheme

UPSC Marking Scheme is different for GS Paper 1 and the CSAT. Both the papers – GS 1 and GS 2 are objective-type papers carrying 200 marks each. Check the paper wise marking scheme below – 

General Studies Paper I:

• Total Questions: 100
• Marks per Question: 2
• Negative Marking: 0.66 marks deducted for each incorrect answer (1/3 of 2 marks)
• Unattempted Questions: No penalty
• Purpose: Determines eligibility for the Mains Examination

General Studies Paper II (CSAT):

• Total Questions: 80
• Marks per Question: 2.5
• Negative Marking: 0.83 marks deducted for each incorrect answer (1/3 of 2.5 marks)
• Unattempted Questions: No penalty
• Qualifying Criteria: Candidates must score at least 33% (66 marks) to qualify
• Purpose: Qualifying in nature; scores not counted for merit ranking.

It's important to note that both papers have a duration of 02 hours each. Candidates should strategize their attempts to maximize correct answers while minimizing incorrect ones to avoid penalties due to negative marking.

Estimate your Prelims Marks with UPSC Marks Calculator & UPSC Negative Marking Calculator.

We hope you found this UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key useful in your exam preparation! Download the Testbook App now to get last-minute preparation tips and best-in-class study materials, test series and expert coaching for IAS Preparation!