SO/Steno LDCE Answer Key 2026: Provisional Key, Objections

There is no answer key yet for the SO LDCE 2026 and Steno LDCE 2022–2024 papers, because the written examination is on 12 and 13 December 2026. For this cycle the SO LDCE 2026 notice and the Steno notice both provide for provisional answer keys of the objective-type papers. Candidates will have five days, from the 3rd day of the examination to 6:00 p.m. of the 7th day, to object to questions or keys.

How will the 2026 challenge window work?

Representations can be made only by appeared candidates. Log in at upsconline.nic.in and go to "Examinations > Representations on Question Paper & Provisional Answer Keys". Representations by email, post, hand or any other mode are not accepted, UPSC will not correspond with candidates about them, and nothing is taken after the five-day window. Neither 2026 notice mentions a fee for representations.

Which papers have a key?

The keys cover the objective-type papers only. In the 2025 cycle those were Paper I and Paper II, each of 150 marks; Paper III, Noting and Drafting and Precis Writing (200 marks), was subjective. Paper II is set by category group: in 2025 UPSC posted separate Paper II question papers for Categories I, IV, VIII, IX and XI; Categories II and V; Categories III and VII; and Categories VI and X. Use the key for the Paper II booklet of your own category group.

How to work out your score

Both 2026 notices warn of negative marking for wrong answers in the objective papers. The 2025 Paper I booklet gives the details: 120 questions, 150 maximum marks and 2 hours, with all items carrying equal marks.

• A wrong answer costs one-third of the marks assigned to that question.
• Marking more than one answer counts as a wrong answer, even if one of them is correct.
• A question left blank carries no penalty.

Check the 2026 booklets for any change. In 2025 the written total was out of 500, and a candidate had to score at least 10% in each of the three written papers. The written result also depended on the minimum qualifying marks fixed for each category and community. Steno candidates for Categories IV, V, VI, VII and IX also had to pass the qualifying shorthand test, which the key does not cover.

What comes after the key?

The written result lists, by roll number, the candidates who go on to Part II, the evaluation of their records of service. The 2025 written result press note said mark-sheets would be uploaded within 15 days of the final result and kept online for 30 days. In 2025 the evaluation of service record carried 100 marks, making a final total of 600.

SO/Steno LDCE answer key in past cycles