UPSC: Facial recognition used for the first time in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination; 5.49 lakh candidates appeared for the exam..
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted nationwide across designated examination centers on May 24, held in two shifts. The first shift, comprising General Studies (Paper-I), was held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while the second shift, consisting of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (Paper-II), took place from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
**5.49 Lakh Candidates Appeared for the Exam**
A total of 5.49 lakh candidates participated in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, which was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Sunday, May 24. In total, 8,19,732 candidates had registered to appear for the examination.
**For the First Time, UPSC Verified Candidate Identity Using Real-Time Face Authentication**
For the first time in this examination, the UPSC implemented 'Real-Time Face Authentication' (facial recognition) at the exam centers to verify the identities of candidates, thereby aiming to prevent any attempts at impersonation (taking the exam on behalf of someone else).
**UPSC May Release Provisional Answer Key at Any Moment**
According to prior information provided by the UPSC, the provisional answer key for candidates is expected to be released shortly after the conclusion of the examination. Although the answer key has not yet been made available, it is anticipated that it will be released within the next one or two days.
Once released, all examinees will be able to cross-check their answers against the key; furthermore, if they are dissatisfied with any specific answer provided in the key, they will have the opportunity to register objections within the stipulated dates.
**How to Calculate Scores Using the Answer Key**
It is worth noting that Paper-I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination consists of 100 questions. Two marks are awarded for every correct answer, while a deduction of 1/3rd of a mark (0.66 marks) is applied for every incorrect answer. Additionally, Paper-II comprises 80 questions, with 2.5 marks awarded for each correct answer. In Paper 2 as well, 1/3 (0.83) marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
In light of this, you should first tally all your correct answers and calculate their total score. Next, tally the incorrect answers and calculate their total based on the negative marking scheme prescribed for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Finally, subtract this figure from your total score to determine your actual score.
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