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 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 files to cross-verify their marked responses.
• Review each question against the provided official key to identify any discrepancies.
• Prepare formal representations if any answer is found to be factually incorrect.
• Gather supporting evidence from standard academic textbooks to substantiate any claims.
• Submit objections through the prescribed official channels within the designated window.
• Monitor the UPSC website for the subsequent release of the final answer key.

Why Apply

Accessing the provisional answer key is a critical step for aspirants to gauge their standing before the final results are declared. It ensures transparency in the evaluation process and allows candidates to contest errors, thereby protecting their merit-based selection prospects.

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 Covered: Statistics Paper I and Statistics Paper II
• Official Portal: upsc.gov.in

The selection process for the Indian Statistical Service involves a rigorous written examination followed by a personality test (interview). The provisional answer key is a preliminary stage in the evaluation of the written component.

Once the objection window closes, subject matter experts at UPSC review all submitted representations. If an objection is found valid, the commission updates the answer key. The final marks are then calculated based on the revised final answer key, which serves as the foundation for the merit list and the final selection of candidates.

1. Navigate to the official UPSC website 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 labeled 'Indian Statistical Service Examination 2026'.
5. Click on the 'Answer Key' section to view the available PDF files.
6. Download the PDFs for Statistics Paper I and Paper II to your device.
7. Compare your responses with the official keys to identify potential errors.
8. Retain a copy of the downloaded PDF for your personal records and future reference.