UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Provisional Answer Key 2026 – Statistics Paper I & II Released

About the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination

The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination is an annual recruitment process conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This prestigious examination aims to recruit qualified individuals for Group A and Group B posts within the Indian Statistical Service. It is a highly competitive examination designed to identify candidates with strong analytical and statistical skills, crucial for various governmental roles requiring data analysis and statistical expertise.

UPSC ISS 2026 Provisional Answer Key Release

The Provisional Answer Key for the UPSC ISS Examination 2026 was released on June 24, 2026. This key is made available for candidates to cross-verify their marked answers against the officially provided solutions. It covers the objective/multiple-choice components of the Statistics papers, allowing for an initial assessment of performance. Candidates can download this key directly from the official UPSC website without requiring any login credentials.

Process for Raising Objections

Candidates who find discrepancies in the Provisional Answer Key have the opportunity to raise objections. This process requires preparing a detailed written representation, which must be supported by credible references from standard textbooks or recognized study material. Objections are typically submitted to UPSC through the official channel specified in the answer key notification, which could be either by post or via an online portal. Adhering strictly to the guidelines and providing robust evidence is crucial for a valid challenge.

Review and Final Answer Key Formulation

Upon receiving objections, UPSC’s dedicated subject matter experts thoroughly review all valid representations. Based on credible and well-substantiated objections, necessary changes may be incorporated into the final answer key. The Final Answer Key is then released as per the schedule announced by UPSC. It is important to note that the final marks for the ISS Examination are computed strictly based on this Final Answer Key, which subsequently forms the basis for merit list preparation and eventual selection.

Examination Structure and Key Subjects

The ISS Examination comprehensively tests candidates across several key subjects. These include General English and General Studies, which assess general aptitude and awareness. The most technical and weightage-heavy components are the Statistics papers. Statistics Paper I delves into topics such as Probability, Statistical Methods, Numerical Analysis, and related areas. Statistics Paper II covers advanced subjects including Linear Models, Statistical Inference, Sampling Theory, and Econometrics, ensuring a thorough evaluation of statistical proficiency.

• The provisional answer key is available for download without requiring a login.
• Candidates must prepare a written representation with supporting references from standard textbooks or study material when raising objections.
• Objections are typically submitted to UPSC through the official channel specified in the answer key notification, either by post or online.
• UPSC’s subject matter experts review all valid representations, and changes may be made to the final answer key based on credible objections.
• The final marks for the ISS Examination are computed based on the Final Answer Key, which is used for merit list preparation and eventual selection.
• The ISS Examination is conducted annually by UPSC to recruit officers for Group A and Group B posts in the Indian Statistical Service.
• The exam tests candidates on subjects including Statistics, General English, and General Studies, with Statistics papers being the most technical and weightage-heavy.
• Statistics Paper I covers topics such as Probability, Statistical Methods, Numerical Analysis, and related areas.
• Statistics Paper II covers topics including Linear Models, Statistical Inference, Sampling Theory, and Econometrics.
• After clicking the link, the PDF will open in your browser; download it using Ctrl+S or the download icon.
• The provisional answer key covers the objective/multiple-choice components of the Statistics papers.
• The Final Answer Key is then published on the official website.
• The provided links are verified official links related to the UPSC ISS Provisional Answer Key 2026, with no third-party or unofficial links included.

Q: What is the UPSC ISS 2026 Provisional Answer Key?

A: It is a preliminary set of correct answers released by UPSC for the objective/multiple-choice questions of the Indian Statistical Service Examination 2026. It allows candidates to check their answers before the final results.

Q: When was the Provisional Answer Key released?

A: The Provisional Answer Key for the UPSC ISS Examination 2026 was released on June 24, 2026.

Q: How can I download the Provisional Answer Key?

A: You can download it directly from the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, by navigating to the relevant section. No login is required to access the PDF document.

Q: How do I raise an objection to the answer key?

A: To raise an objection, you must prepare a written representation with supporting references from standard textbooks or study material and submit it through the official channel specified in the UPSC notification.

Q: What happens after I submit an objection?

A: UPSC’s subject matter experts will review all valid representations. If an objection is found credible, changes may be made to the final answer key.

Q: Will the Final Answer Key be different from the Provisional one?

A: Yes, the Final Answer Key may differ from the provisional one if valid and credible objections lead to changes in certain answers after expert review.

Q: What subjects are covered in the ISS Examination?

A: The ISS Examination covers General English, General Studies, and Statistics, with Statistics papers I and II being the core technical components.