Last Updated:September 29, 2026, 09:07 IST

Candidates have raised objections to questions covering Grand Slam tennis tournaments, Zero FIR process, provisions of criminal law, Rigvedic period and ancient Indian agriculture.

The matter is next scheduled for hearing on September 16. (File Photo)

Questions over the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 have reached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), with candidates challenging 27 questions from the exam. They allege that the answers given in the provisional answer key are incorrect, that some questions have more than one correct option, or that the correct answer is not among the options provided.

According to reports, two groups of candidates have approached CAT. The first petition was filed by four candidates, who challenged eight questions from General Studies Paper-I. A second group of 63 candidates has challenged 27 questions, including the eight questions raised in the earlier petition. CAT has sought a response from UPSC, and both matters are scheduled to be heard on October 8, 2026.

The tribunal issued notice to UPSC after candidates raised objections over the disputed questions and the provisional answer key. The initial case involving eight questions had already come before CAT in August, while the wider challenge covering 27 questions has now brought additional questions under scrutiny. The allegations, however, have not been established by the tribunal, and UPSC is yet to respond to the claims.

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was held on May 24. The Commission has published the question papers for the examination on its official website.

Candidates have raised objections to questions covering several subjects, including the rules of Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the Zero FIR process, provisions of criminal law, the Rigvedic period and ancient Indian agriculture. They have alleged factual inaccuracies, discrepancies between the provisional answer key and authoritative sources, and problems with the options provided in some questions.

One of the disputed questions relates to a Grand Slam tennis tournament. Candidates have alleged that the answer marked as correct in the provisional key does not meet the ranking threshold specified in the tournament’s official rules.

Another objection concerns a question on the Zero FIR process. Candidates have pointed to an alleged difference between the Hindi and English versions of the question, arguing that the wording could alter its meaning. This has raised questions among the petitioners about how candidates should interpret the question when the two language versions appear to differ.

Candidates have also challenged questions related to the Rigvedic period, including one concerning agriculture and well irrigation. They have cited differences between the answers they derived from reference material and the answer indicated in the provisional key.

In one such case, candidates referred to information about the use of the Anshu Chakra and Ahava for drawing water during the Rigvedic period. They have also cited descriptions available on government sources, arguing that the information does not support the answer reflected in the provisional key. These claims are part of the petitions before CAT and have not yet been adjudicated.

For candidates, the objections have significance because even a small difference in marks can affect their chances of qualifying for the Civil Services Main Examination. The petitioners have argued that disputed questions and answers in a competitive examination can have a direct bearing on candidates’ scores and, consequently, their progression to the next stage.

The tribunal’s proceedings will now give UPSC an opportunity to respond to the allegations. The outcome of the proceedings will determine whether any changes to the disputed questions or answer key are warranted.

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

What are the main grounds for the petitions filed against UPSC regarding the 2026 preliminary exam?

Candidates alleged that the provisional answer key contained incorrect answers, that certain questions had multiple correct options, or that valid answers were entirely missing.

When is the next Central Administrative Tribunal hearing scheduled for the UPSC Prelims 2026 cases?

The Central Administrative Tribunal scheduled the next hearing for both related matters on October 8, 2026, after seeking a formal response from the UPSC.

Which specific topics and subjects are covered in the disputed questions challenged by candidates?

The challenged questions cover various subjects, including Grand Slam tennis rules, the Zero FIR process, criminal law provisions, and Rigvedic period agriculture.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Education.Careers Desk

A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, …Read More

Read More