WBPSC Releases Final Answer Key for WBCS Preliminary Examination 2026; Details Inside
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has officially released the WBCS Answer Key 2026 for the Preliminary Examination held on June 14, 2026. The announcement, made on August 27, 2026, marks a significant milestone for thousands of aspirants vying for positions in the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) under Advertisement No. 08/2024.
Understanding the Finalization Process
Following the initial release of the provisional answer key, the commission opened an objection window from June 30 to July 6, 2026. A panel of subject matter experts reviewed the challenges submitted by candidates, ensuring accuracy across all booklet series (A, B, C, and D). The finalized document, now available on the official website, reflects the outcome of this rigorous review process.
How to Download the Final Answer Key
Candidates can verify their performance by downloading the official PDF by following these steps:
- Visit the official WBPSC website at wbpsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “What’s New” or “Announcements” section on the homepage.
- Locate and click on the link titled “WBCS (Executive) Preliminary Examination 2026 Answer Key.”
- Download and save the consolidated PDF for your records.
Scoring and Marking Scheme
The Preliminary Examination consists of 200 questions. Candidates are advised to calculate their scores carefully based on the commission’s established marking system:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.33 marks
- Unattempted Questions: 0 marks
With a penalty of 0.33 for every wrong answer, candidates should note that every three incorrect responses result in a deduction of approximately one full mark.
Looking Ahead: Results and Exam Schedule
As the recruitment cycle moves forward, the WBPSC is expected to declare the preliminary results and individual scorecards between August and September 2026. Those who qualify will proceed to the Mains Written Examination, which is tentatively scheduled for November-December 2026.
Projected Timeline:
- Preliminary Results: August–September 2026
- Mains Examination: November–December 2026
- Personality Tests/Interviews: Early 2027
Expected Cut-off Trends
While the Preliminary exam serves as a screening stage—meaning these marks do not count toward the final merit list—they are crucial for qualifying for the next round. Based on current estimations, here is the anticipated category-wise cut-off range:
| Category | Expected Cut-off |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 98–102 |
| OBC (A) | 98–102 |
| OBC (B) | 98–102 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 92–96 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 74–78 |
| Meritorious Sports Persons (MSP) | 76–78 |
| Physically Handicapped (PH-A) | 78–82 |
Note: These figures are projected ranges only. Official cut-offs will be released by the commission alongside the results.
