UPSC has officially released the answer key for the Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination 2026, held on 8 February 2026. Aspirants can now download the official answer keys in PDF format for all papers and series to evaluate their performance.
Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Geo-Scientist (CGS) examination to recruit qualified professionals for various geological positions across Indian government organisations. The examination consists of two papers: Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (subject-specific streams including Geophysics, Geology/Hydrogeology, and Chemistry). The preliminary answer key release marks an important milestone, allowing candidates to cross-check their responses before the official result declaration.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Examination Notification | 3 September 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 23 September 2025 |
| Preliminary Examination | 8 February 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | 4 November 2026 |
| Preliminary Result | 2 March 2026 |
| Main Examination | 20–21 June 2026 |
| Main Written Result | 20 July 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | 16 October 2026 |
Examination Details
| Particulars | Paper I (General Studies) | Paper II (Specialisation) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 | 300 |
| Questions Dropped | 0 | 0 |
| Questions Counted for Scoring | 120 | 120 |
| Available Series | A, B, C, D | A, B, C, D |
Paper II Subjects
The answer key is available for candidates who appeared in any of the following Paper II specialisations:
- Geophysics – 120 questions, 300 marks
- Geology/Hydrogeology – 120 questions, 300 marks
- Chemistry – 120 questions, 300 marks
How to Download Answer Key
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Navigate to the downloads or current affairs section
- Locate the Combined Geo-Scientist 2026 answer key section
- Select your paper and series (A, B, C, or D)
- Click the download link to access the official PDF
- Save and review your responses against the provided answer key
Download Answer Keys
| Paper | Subject/Stream | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | Download Official PDF |
| Paper II | Geophysics | Download Official PDF |
| Paper II | Geology/Hydrogeology | Download Official PDF |
| Paper II | Chemistry | Download Official PDF |
Result Timeline
Following the answer key release, UPSC will announce the preliminary written result on 2 March 2026. Qualified candidates will be called for the main examination scheduled for 20–21 June 2026. The main written result will be declared on 20 July 2026, and the final result incorporating interview performance will be announced on 16 October 2026.
Important Links
- UPSC Official Website
- General Studies Paper I Answer Key 2026
- Geophysics Paper II Answer Key 2026
- Geology/Hydrogeology Paper II Answer Key 2026
- Chemistry Paper II Answer Key 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Answer Key 2026 released?
A: The official answer key was released on 4 November 2026 by UPSC.
Q: How many papers and series are included in the answer key?
A: The answer key is available for Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II subjects (Geophysics, Geology/Hydrogeology, and Chemistry) in four series: A, B, C, and D.
Q: How many questions were in the preliminary examination?
A: Paper I contained 120 questions for a maximum of 100 marks, and Paper II contained 120 questions for a maximum of 300 marks.
Q: When is the preliminary result expected?
A: The preliminary written result is scheduled to be declared on 2 March 2026.
Q: Where can I download the answer key?
A: You can download the official answer key PDFs from the UPSC website using the direct links provided for each paper and subject.
Q: Were any questions dropped from the answer key?
A: No questions were dropped from either Paper I or Paper II. All 120 questions in each paper were taken for scoring.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, including download links and dates, on the official UPSC website before relying on this information for any examination-related decisions.