UPSC TELLS SUPREME COURT IT WILL RELEASE PROVISIONAL ANSWER KEY AFTER PRELIMINARY EXAM:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court that it has decided to release the provisional answer key after the conduct of the preliminary examination. This decision marks a significant step towards improving transparency in the examination process, particularly in the Civil Services Examination, which is one of the most competitive and prestigious tests in the country. The development came in the form of an affidavit filed by the Commission last month in a pending petition concerning the Civil Services Examination.

In its affidavit, the UPSC stated that while the final answer key would continue to be published after the declaration of the final results, the Commission has now resolved to issue a provisional answer key soon after the preliminary examination. This decision, according to the affidavit, was taken after comprehensive internal deliberations and consideration of various factors, including suggestions made by the Amicus Curiae appointed by the Supreme Court in the matter. The Commission emphasized that its decision stemmed from its constitutional responsibility and the need to uphold fairness, integrity, and transparency in the conduct of examinations.

Represented by Advocate Vardhman Kaushik, the UPSC explained in the affidavit that candidates who appear in the preliminary examination will be allowed to submit objections or representations against the provisional answer key. However, it specified that such objections must be supported by at least three authoritative sources to be considered valid. The Commission further clarified that objections not meeting this requirement would be rejected at the initial stage itself. Additionally, the UPSC reserved the right to determine whether the sources cited by candidates could be regarded as authoritative.

The affidavit detailed the process that will be followed after receiving representations from candidates. Once objections are submitted, the provisional answer key along with all objections and representations will be placed before a panel or team of subject-matter experts. These experts will carry out a thorough and in-depth review of all relevant aspects of the questions and the objections raised. Based on their examination, the experts will finalize the answer key, which will then serve as the basis for the declaration of the preliminary examination results.

The Commission expressed its intent to implement this new system at the earliest possible opportunity. It noted that the decision to publish a provisional answer key and invite objections would serve as an effective mechanism to address the concerns and grievances that have been raised in the ongoing litigation. Moreover, the UPSC described this measure as a proactive step towards enhancing the transparency of its functioning and strengthening public confidence in its examination processes.

In conclusion, the UPSC’s decision to release the provisional answer key following the preliminary examination marks a substantial policy shift in response to judicial scrutiny and stakeholder feedback. By incorporating candidate participation and expert review into the evaluation process, the Commission aims to ensure greater accountability and credibility in its examination system while balancing procedural fairness with its constitutional mandate.