Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the provisional answer keys for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. This release pertains specifically to Statistics Paper I and Statistics Paper II, which were conducted as part of the annual recruitment process for Group A and Group B statistical officers. Candidates who participated in the examination can now access these documents to evaluate their performance and estimate their potential scores.

Key Responsibilities

• Candidates should download the official PDF documents for both Statistics papers.
• Compare individual responses against the official keys provided by the commission.
• Identify any discrepancies or errors in the provided answers.
• Prepare formal representations if any answer is believed to be incorrect.
• Gather supporting evidence from standard academic textbooks or research materials.
• Submit the formal objection within the specified window to ensure consideration by the commission.

Why Apply

Reviewing the provisional answer key is a critical step for all aspirants to gauge their standing before the final results are declared. It provides transparency in the evaluation process and allows candidates to voice concerns regarding the accuracy of the questions or answers.

Important Dates

• Answer Key Release Date: 24 June 2026

Quick Facts

• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission
• Exam Name: Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026
• Papers Released: Statistics Paper I & II

The selection process for the Indian Statistical Service involves a written examination followed by an interview for those who qualify. The written examination consists of multiple papers, including General English, General Studies, and the technical Statistics papers.

The provisional answer key is a preliminary stage in the evaluation. After the objection window closes, subject matter experts review all candidate representations. Once the review is complete, a final answer key is published, which serves as the basis for calculating the final marks and preparing the merit list for the interview stage.

1. Navigate to the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in.
2. Locate the 'Examinations' tab in the main navigation menu.
3. Select the 'Written Examination' option from the dropdown list.
4. Find the link for the 'Indian Statistical Service Examination 2026' answer key.
5. Download the PDF files for Statistics Paper I and Paper II.
6. Save the files to your device for offline reference and comparison.
7. Keep a printed copy or digital backup for future correspondence regarding your results.