UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper Answer Key: A Comprehensive Guide

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 on May 25, 2025. While the official answer key is yet to be released, several reputed coaching institutes have published their unofficial answer keys to assist candidates in evaluating their performance. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the answer key, its significance, and guidance on how to utilize it effectively.

Understanding the UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper

The General Studies (GS) Paper 1 of the UPSC Prelims 2025 comprised 100 multiple-choice questions, covering a wide array of subjects including:

• History and Culture

• Geography and Environment

• Polity and Governance

• Economic and Social Development

• Science and Technology

• Current Affairs

Each question carried 2 marks, with a negative marking of 0.66 marks for each incorrect answer. The paper was designed to test the candidates' analytical abilities and general awareness.

Unofficial Answer Keys Released

Several coaching institutes have released their unofficial answer keys for GS Paper 1. These answer keys are based on the memory-based recollections of candidates and are not official. They serve as a preliminary tool for candidates to assess their performance.

Features of Unofficial Answer Keys

• Memory-Based: Compiled from candidates' recollections, these keys may not be entirely accurate.

• Subject-Wise Analysis: Provide insights into the distribution of questions across various subjects.

• Preliminary Evaluation: Help candidates estimate their scores before the official answer key is released.

Official Answer Key Release

The official answer key for UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper 1 will be released by the Union Public Service Commission after the completion of the examination process. Candidates can access the official answer key through the UPSC's official website:

• https://upsc.gov.in

The official answer key is authoritative and should be referred to for final evaluation.

How to Use the Answer Key Effectively

Once the official answer key is released, candidates can follow these steps to evaluate their performance:

1. Download the Answer Key: Access the official UPSC website and download the answer key for GS Paper 1.

2. Match Your Responses: Compare your answers with the answer key.

3. Calculate Your Score: For each correct answer, award yourself 2 marks. Deduct 0.66 marks for each incorrect answer.

4. Estimate Your Score: Sum up your total marks to get an estimate of your performance.

Importance of the Answer Key

The answer key plays a crucial role in the UPSC examination process:

• Performance Assessment: Helps candidates evaluate their performance and identify areas of improvement.

• Score Estimation: Assists in estimating the probable score and understanding the chances of qualifying for the Mains examination.

• Challenge Process: Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key if they find discrepancies.

Comparison of Unofficial and Official Answer Keys

List: Steps to Download Official Answer Key

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in

2. Navigate to the 'Examination' section.

3. Click on 'Answer Keys'.

4. Select 'Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025'.

5. Download the answer key for GS Paper 1.

Conclusion

The release of the UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper 1 answer key is a significant event for aspirants. While unofficial answer keys provide an initial assessment, the official answer key released by UPSC is the definitive source for evaluating performance. Candidates should utilize the answer key to assess their strengths and weaknesses, aiding in focused preparation for the Mains examination.