HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key 2026 OUT – Download Paper‑II PDF

✍️ By Sarkari Nokrii Team  |  📅 Published: 3 May 2026  |  🔄 Last Updated: 3 May 2026

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has officially released the HPSC HCS CSAT (Paper‑II) Final Answer Key 2026 on 2 May 2026 at the official website hpsc.gov.in. This comes after the provisional answer key was published on 28 April 2026, with the objection window remaining open until 30 April 2026 (5:00 PM). Following a thorough review of all objections raised by candidates, the Commission has now published the final answer key for the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), which is a qualifying paper in the HCS Preliminary Examination [reference:0]. Alongside the final answer key, HPSC has also released the roll number‑wise marks PDF and the final answer key for General Studies (Paper‑I) [reference:1]. The CSAT final answer key is a vital document for candidates to accurately calculate their qualifying status, verify their scores against the marks PDF, and determine whether they are eligible for the Mains examination shortlisting.

HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key 2026 – Latest Update

The HPSC has published the final answer key for CSAT (Paper‑II) on 2 May 2026, after closing the objection window on 30 April 2026. The final answer key supersedes the provisional key and reflects the corrections made based on valid objections raised by candidates. The PDF contains question‑wise correct answers for all sets of the CSAT paper. Candidates who appeared for the HPSC HCS Preliminary Examination on 26 April 2026 under Advertisement No. 22/2026 can now download the final answer key, compare their responses, and calculate their CSAT score to verify whether they have met the qualifying threshold of 33% (33 marks out of 100) [reference:2].

HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key 2026 – Overview

HPSC HCS 2026 – Important Dates

How to Download HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key PDF?

Follow these steps to download the HPSC HCS CSAT (Paper‑II) final answer key from the official website:

1. Visit the Official HPSC Website — Go to hpsc.gov.in using any browser.
2. Navigate to the Answer Key Section — On the homepage, locate the "What's New" or "Latest News" section.
3. Find the CSAT Final Answer Key Link — Look for and click on "HPSC HCS Prelims Final Answer Key 2026 – Paper‑II (CSAT)" or "Master Question Paper & Final Answer Key – CSAT (Paper‑II)" published on 2 May 2026.
4. Download the PDF — The final answer key PDF will open in a new tab. It contains the question‑wise correct answers for all sets of the CSAT paper.
5. Compare with Your Responses — Match your attempted answers with the final answer key to calculate your CSAT score.
6. Save & Print — Download and print a copy of the final answer key for future reference.

Provisional vs Final Answer Key – What Is the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between the provisional and final answer keys is important for all candidates:

As per the official notice, the final answer key incorporates all corrections resulting from the objection review process and is the definitive reference for calculating both CSAT and GS marks [reference:3].

HPSC HCS CSAT (Paper‑II) – Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

As per the official HPSC notification (Advt. No. 22/2026), the CSAT paper follows the structure outlined below:

As per the official notice, the CSAT is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score a minimum of 33% (33 marks out of 100) to have their General Studies (Paper‑I) marks considered for Mains shortlisting. The final merit is determined solely by the General Studies (Paper‑I) score.

How to Calculate Your CSAT Marks Using the Final Answer Key?

Follow these steps to accurately calculate your CSAT score as per the official final answer key:

1. Download Your Question Booklet Set — Identify which set (A/B/C/D) you were given during the exam. The answer key is set‑specific.
2. Match Your Answers — Compare each of your attempted answers with the correct answer shown in the final answer key PDF for your set.
3. Count Correct Answers — For each correct answer, award yourself 1 mark. The maximum possible score is 100.
4. Apply Negative Marking (if applicable) — If the official instructions on the question booklet specify negative marking, deduct the prescribed marks for each wrong answer. If no mention of negative marking exists, do not deduct any marks.
5. Calculate Total Score — Your CSAT score = (Number of correct answers × 1) − (Negative marking deductions, if any).
6. Cross‑Check with Marks PDF — Download the HPSC HCS Prelims Marks PDF released on 2 May 2026 and compare your calculated CSAT score with the official marks listed against your roll number.

CSAT Qualifying Criteria – 33% Rule

As per the official HPSC notification, the CSAT paper is qualifying in nature. The key requirements are as follows:

• The minimum qualifying mark for the CSAT paper is 33% (i.e., 33 marks out of 100).
• CSAT marks are not counted towards the final merit list. Only General Studies (Paper‑I) marks determine Mains shortlisting.
• If a candidate scores below 33 marks in the CSAT, they are automatically disqualified regardless of how high their GS score is.
• Based on the released marks PDF, approximately 22,732 candidates (68.9%) qualified the CSAT, while 10,167 candidates (30.8%) did not meet the qualifying threshold.

What to Do After the CSAT Final Answer Key Is Released?

Once you have calculated your CSAT score using the final answer key, take the following steps:

1. Verify CSAT Qualification — If your CSAT score is 33 or above, you have cleared the qualifying hurdle. Move to step 2. If below 33, unfortunately you are not eligible for Mains consideration.
2. Check GS (Paper‑I) Score Against Expected Cut‑Off — Your General Studies score (out of 100) will determine whether you are shortlisted for Mains. As per exam analysis, the expected category‑wise cut‑offs are: General (UR) 68–75, OBC 65–70, EWS 66–72, and SC 58–65 [reference:4].
3. Wait for Mains Shortlisting List — HPSC will publish the official list of candidates shortlisted for the Mains examination. This is expected in the coming weeks.
4. Begin Mains Preparation — The Mains exam is scheduled from 27 to 29 June 2026. Begin focused preparation for the six descriptive papers totalling 600 marks [reference:5].
5. Monitor Official Website — Regularly check hpsc.gov.in for the Mains shortlisting notice, admit card, and any updates from the Commission.

HPSC HCS Mains 2026 – Exam Schedule & Pattern

The HPSC HCS Mains Examination 2026 will be held from 27 to 29 June 2026. As per the revised exam pattern announced in January 2026, the Mains comprises six descriptive papers of 100 marks each, totalling 600 marks. Optional subjects have been eliminated, and four General Studies papers have been introduced [reference:6]:

The Interview/Personality Test carries 75 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined score of the Mains (600 marks) and the Interview (75 marks), totalling 675 marks.

Official Sources Used

The following official sources were referenced to compile this article:

• HPSC Official Website — hpsc.gov.in (Answer Key & Results section)
• HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key PDF — Master Question Paper & Final Answer Key – CSAT (Paper‑II), published 2 May 2026
• HPSC HCS Notification 2026 (Advt. No. 22/2026) — Published on 30 January 2026, detailing vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, and selection process
• HPSC HCS Prelims Marks PDF — Roll number‑wise marks list published on 2 May 2026
• HPSC Advance Exam Schedule Notice — Published 19 January 2026, announcing Prelims and Mains dates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When was the HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key 2026 released?

Ans. The HPSC HCS CSAT (Paper‑II) Final Answer Key 2026 was released on 2 May 2026 at the official website hpsc.gov.in, following the closure of the objection window on 30 April 2026.

Q2. Where can I download the HPSC HCS CSAT final answer key?

Ans. You can download it directly from the HPSC website at hpsc.gov.in (under "What's New") or via the direct link: Master Question Paper & Final Answer Key PDF.

Q3. What is the difference between the provisional and final answer key?

Ans. The provisional answer key (released on 28 April 2026) allowed candidates to raise objections for a fee of ₹250 per question. The final answer key (released on 2 May 2026) incorporates all valid corrections and is used for the official marks calculation. No further objections are accepted against the final key.

Q4. What is the qualifying mark for the CSAT paper?

Ans. As per the official HPSC notification, the CSAT paper is qualifying in nature and candidates must score a minimum of 33 marks out of 100 (33%) to become eligible for Mains shortlisting. CSAT marks are not added to the merit score.

Q5. Is there negative marking in the CSAT paper?

Ans. The official HPSC notification does not explicitly mention negative marking for the CSAT paper. Candidates should refer to the instructions printed on their question booklet for the definitive marking scheme.

Q6. How can I calculate my CSAT marks using the final answer key?

Ans. Identify your question booklet set (A/B/C/D), compare each answer with the final answer key, award 1 mark for each correct answer, apply negative marking (if specified), and cross‑check your calculated score with the official marks PDF.

Q7. How many candidates qualified the CSAT in HPSC HCS 2026?

Ans. As per the released marks PDF, approximately 22,732 candidates (68.9%) qualified the CSAT by scoring 33 or above. 10,167 candidates (30.8%) failed to meet the qualifying threshold, and 101 candidates (0.3%) were absent.

Q8. When will the HPSC HCS Mains 2026 be conducted?

Ans. The HPSC HCS Mains Examination 2026 is scheduled from 27 to 29 June 2026. It will consist of six descriptive papers (English, Hindi, and four General Studies papers) of 100 marks each, totalling 600 marks.

Q9. What is the objection fee for the provisional answer key?

Ans. Candidates were required to pay ₹250 per question to raise an objection against the provisional answer key. The objection window was open from 28 April to 30 April 2026 (until 5:00 PM).

Q10. Can I still raise objections against the CSAT final answer key?

Ans. No. The final answer key is conclusive and binding. The objection window closed on 30 April 2026, and the Commission has already reviewed all challenges before publishing the final answer key on 2 May 2026. No further objections or representations will be entertained by HPSC.

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Conclusion

The release of the HPSC HCS CSAT Final Answer Key 2026 on 2 May 2026 provides candidates with the definitive tool to assess their qualifying status. Since the CSAT is a qualifying paper requiring a minimum of 33 marks out of 100, accurately calculating your score against this final key is essential. Candidates who have met the qualifying threshold should now focus their attention on the Mains examination, scheduled from 27 to 29 June 2026, and prepare for the six descriptive papers under the revised exam pattern. Those who have not qualified the CSAT should use this experience to identify area‑specific weaknesses and strengthen their aptitude preparation for future attempts. All candidates are advised to regularly monitor hpsc.gov.in for the official Mains shortlisting list, admit card, and further updates from the Commission.

Disclaimer: All information provided in this post is based on official HPSC notifications, the CSAT final answer key PDF released on 2 May 2026, and publicly available data from trusted sources. Candidates are strongly advised to cross‑verify all details from the official HPSC website hpsc.gov.in. Sarkari Nokrii is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with the Haryana Public Service Commission or any government body. Last updated: 3 May 2026.