HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 Out, Download Paper 1 & 2 PDF

Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) conducted the HPSC Preliminary Examination 2026 on a single day and has now released the official Answer Key with all correct answers. The answer key has been released in PDF format with correct answers to the master question paper. Candidates can download the answer key to cross-check and calculate their approximate marks before the result declaration.

HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 Out

HPSC HCS answer key for both paper 1 (General Studies) and paper 2 (CSAT) prelims exam, along with master question papers, has been released at www.hpsc.gov.in. Also, the candidates can raise objections against the provisional answer key before 30th April 2026 (5 pm) with a fee of Rs. 250 per objection.

HPSC HCS Prelims Result and Marks 2026 Out- Click to Check

Official Answer Key Notice

HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 PDF (Paper 1 & 2)

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has released the official answer key on its website at www.hpsc.gov.in on 28th April 2026. Candidates who appeared in the prelims exam on 26th April can now download the master key PDFs for General Studies and CSAT Papers from the direct links shared below.

How to Download HPSC HCS Answer Key 2026?

The candidates who have appeared in the HPSC HCS Prelims Exam, which was held on 26th April 2026, can download their answer sheet by following the steps below-

1. Browse the official website of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) www.hpsc.gov.in.
2. In the notification centre, click on “Answer Key”.
3. Then click on “HCS (Ex. Br.) & Other Allied Services Preliminary Examination -2026 Master Answer key, Paper – 1 and Paper -2”.
4. The HPSC HCS Answer Key and Response Sheet PDF appear on the screen.
5. Download the answer key with correct responses and calculate the marks to be scored by you in the exam.

HPSC HCS Prelims Exam Marking Scheme

The HPSC HCS Prelims exam features two objective papers (General Studies and CSAT) with a negative marking of marks for each incorrect answer, including unattempted questions without option ‘E’ selected.

• Total Papers: Two (Paper I – General Studies, Paper II – CSAT).
• Duration: 2 hours each.
• Total Marks per Paper: 100 Marks.
• Total Questions per Paper: 100 MCQs.
• Correct Answer: 1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks.
• Unattempted/Blank Question: -0.25 marks (if the fifth bubble ‘E’ is not shaded).
  Option E: If a question is not attempted, candidates must shade the fifth bubble ‘E’ to avoid negative marks.

How to Calculate Your Score using the HPSC Answer Key?

This sounds simple but there is a crucial rule that many candidates miss.

The Standard Formula

Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) – (Number of Wrong Answers × 0.25)

The ‘E’ Circle Rule — Critical and Often Ignored

The HPSC HCS OMR sheet has five options: A, B, C, D, and E. Option E means “I choose not to attempt this question.” Here is the catch most candidates overlook:

• If you darkened A, B, C, or D, it is marked as attempted, right or wrong.
• If you darkened E — no marks deducted, treated as skipped.
• If you darkened none of the five circles, it is treated as a wrong answer and 0.25 marks are deducted.

HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key Raise Objection Process

Along with the release of the HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key, the candidates are facilitated with the right to raise objections if they find any answer objectionable or incorrect. The window to submit the challenges will be opened for a short duration, and after reviewing the challenges, the final answer key will also be released.

Click to Raise Objections Against HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 (Link Active)

Steps to Raise Objections Against the HPSC HCS Answer Key

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to www.hpsc.gov.in.
2. Find the Link: Look for “Answer Key / Objection” link or “Latest Notifications” for the HCS Prelims exam.
3. Log In: Enter your Application Form / Registration Number and Password/Date of Birth.
4. Select Questions: Identify the question(s) you wish to challenge based on the official Master Question Booklet provided by HPSC.
5. Submit Evidence: Upload authentic supporting documents or proof for each objection.
6. Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed objection fee (Rs. 250/-) for each question challenged.
7. Submit & Save: Submit the form and download/print the confirmation receipt for future reference.

HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026 Out- Click to Download