UPSC Objections/Representations & How to Calculate your Score

When sitting your UPSC objective exams most students will ask the simple question ‘how many did I get right?’. However now UPSC allows applicants to lodge objections/representations to the question papers and provisional answers within a short window of time. This article shows how to do this, how to lodge effective objections and how to calculate your score including negative marking.

Fizoic is independent and is not affiliated with UPSC. All information below is pulled directly from the official UPSC Notice regarding the application process for the NDA and NA Examination (II), 2026. You can view this notice here: https://www.UPSC.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-2026-Engl-200526.pdf (Note – every exam will have its own notice to view).

Representations Overview

Under the NDA (II) 2026 notice it states:

• Appeared candidates may file representations regarding the questions set and Provisional Answer Keys for objective papers.
• The window opens 5 days. From the 3rd day after the exams to 6.00pm on the 7th day.
• To file your representations, you need to login to the UPSC online portal. (https://upsconline.nic.in/) Navigate to Examinations > Representations on Question Paper & Provisional Answer Keys.
• Representations cannot be submitted via email, post, hand or any other method.
• Once the 5 days have passed, no representation will be accepted.
• UPSC states they will not engage in any correspondence on this matter.

If your exams are on a Sunday, take note of the 3rd and 7th day.

How to Calculate your Score

Within the notice you can find out how scoring works. Under the NDA (II) 2026 notice it states:

• 4 options are given per question.
• For every incorrect answer 1/3 (0.33) of the marks are subtracted.
• If you put more than one answer, this will be treated as incorrect.
• No penalty is applied if the question is left blank.

Example

There are 120 questions worth 5 marks each. You answered 90 questions. Out of these 70 were correct and 20 were incorrect.

• Correct Answers = 70 x 5 = 350
• Incorrect Answers = 20 x (5 x 1/3) = 33.3
• Estimated Score = 350 – 33.3 = 316.7

This is just an example! Make sure to check your notices for how many questions there are and how many marks each question is worth. This is also just an estimation.

Steps to check your answers

1. Take note of your Test Booklet Series (A/B/C/D). If there are answer keys provided for each series, ensure you only look at your own.
2. As soon as you finish your exam write down your answers from memory or your booklet.
3. Once a provisional key is released, go through each answer.
4. Mark whether you got the question right, wrong or left blank.
5. Work out your score using the scoring method.

How to Lodge Effective Objections

Ensure your objections are clear and have evidence.

• Only lodge objections if you are confident that there was an error in the question, multiple correct answers, no correct answers or the answer in the key is incorrect.
• Support your objection with reputable sources such as NCERT books, official government reports or other well known sources. Include the book name, edition and page number.
• Keep it brief and clear.
• State the error in a few short sentences. Include the question number, what answer the key shows and what you believe is the correct answer. Don’t write a long essay and try to stay calm!
• Don’t leave it till the last minute. Portals can be very slow during high traffic.

Common Mistakes

• Missing the window. There is only a 5 day window and starts on the 3rd day.
• Sending your objection via email. This cannot be done.
• Incorrect Test Booklet Series. If there are different answer keys for each series, you will get an incorrect score.
• Not taking negative marking into account. Many students forget to take this into account and overestimate their score.
• Trusting your coaching answer key. Unofficial answer keys can contain errors. Only use as a rough guide.

After the Representations Window

UPSC will take the representations into consideration and then compile the results. Those passing the written stage will move onto the next stage of their exam (interview/SSB for defence exams). Keep an eye on the official results on UPSC.gov.in.

Quick Checklist

• I know the date of my exam and have noted the 3rd and 7th day.
• I have noted my Test Booklet Series.
• I have written down my answers.
• I will only login onto the site: upsconline.nic.in.
• My objection has a clear reason and is backed up by a reputable source.
• I will lodge my objection before 6.00pm on the 7th day.

FAQ

How long is the UPSC Representations Window?

The UPSC Representations Window is 5 days. From 3rd day of the exam to 6.00pm on the 7th day (NDA (II) 2026 Notice).

Can I lodge my objection via email?

No. The notice states that representations cannot be sent via email/post/hand or any other method.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. For objective papers there is negative marking. Under the NDA (II) 2026 Notice it states that 1/3 of the marks will be removed for every incorrect answer.

Will my estimated score be final?

No. This is just an estimate. Your final score and results will come from UPSC.

Does this apply to all UPSC exams?

This information is taken from the NDA (II) 2026 Notice. Always check your notice as rules can vary.

Final Thoughts

Although the window is short you will have a fair opportunity to highlight any genuine errors. Just remember to keep track of the dates, ensure you are using the correct test booklet series, back up your objections with good sources and be honest with your score. Once this is done you can focus on the next stage of your preparation.

Disclaimer: Fizoic is an independent education website and is not affiliated with UPSC. Please double check all rules in your official notice on UPSC.gov.in.