UPSC to SC: Will give provisional answer key after preliminary test, Pg7.

Key Highlights:

• UPSC will now release the provisional answer key after the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examinations.
• The decision comes after a petition challenged the previous practice of releasing the answer key only after the entire examination process.
• The Supreme Court appointed an amicus curiae who suggested publishing the provisional answer key soon after the exam.
• UPSC will seek representations/objections from candidates, requiring support by three authoritative sources.

Detailed Insights:

• The earlier UPSC affidavit stated that releasing the provisional answer key immediately would be counter-productive, leading to uncertainty and delays.
• The current decision was taken after comprehensive deliberation, considering UPSC's role as a constitutional body.
• Objections lacking support from three authoritative sources will be rejected, with UPSC deciding the credibility of sources.
• Experts will finalize the answer keys after reviewing the provisional key and candidate objections, forming the basis for Prelims results.
• The final answer key will be published after the declaration of the final results, enhancing transparency in UPSC's functioning.
• The petition argued that delaying the release of answer keys frustrated unsuccessful candidates from seeking effective remedies.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Amicus Curiae: An impartial advisor to a court of law in a particular case.
• Provisional Answer Key: A preliminary set of correct answers released for initial assessment.
• Authoritative Sources: Credible and reliable references used to support claims or objections.