Advt No. 05-Exam/2026 — The UPSSSC conducted the ASO (Assistant Statistical Officer) and ARO (Assistant Research Officer) Mains Examination on 26 July 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon). Candidates who appeared for the exam are now eagerly awaiting the release of the provisional answer key. This page provides all the information you need — from downloading the answer key to calculating your score and understanding the objection process.
UPSSSC ASO/ARO Mains 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examining Body | UPSSSC (Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission) |
| Advertisement No. | 05-Exam/2026 |
| Post Names | Assistant Statistical Officer (ASO) & Assistant Research Officer (ARO) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,565 (originally 929, increased by 636) |
| Exam Date | 26 July 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper based on OMR sheet) |
| Total Questions | 95 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 95 |
| Negative Marking | −0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Shortlisting Basis | PET-2025 Normalized Score |
| Selection Stages | Shortlisting → Mains Exam → Document Verification |
| Interview | No interview for these posts |
| Official Website | upsssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June 2026 |
| Application Period | June – July 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 26 July 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | Expected in August 2026 (within 2–3 weeks of exam) |
| Objection Window | 3–5 days after answer key release |
| Final Answer Key | After objection review |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Document Verification | To be announced |
Exam Pattern & Mark Distribution
The UPSSSC ASO/ARO Mains 2026 exam consisted of 95 multiple-choice questions divided into three parts:
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Statistics, Mathematics, Economics & Statistical Systems | 65 | 65 |
| Part II | Computer & Information Technology | 15 | 15 |
| Part III | General Information of Uttar Pradesh | 15 | 15 |
| Total | 95 | 95 |
Marking Scheme
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Incorrect Answer | −0.25 marks (negative marking) |
| Unanswered | No marks deducted |
| Multiple Answers | Treated as incorrect (−0.25) |
| Maximum Score | 95 marks |
| Minimum Score | Potentially negative if many wrong answers |
Download Question Paper PDF
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Question Paper PDF | Download Question Paper |
| Official UPSSSC Portal | upsssc.gov.in |
Download the official question paper PDF above. Use it to cross-check your responses once the answer key is published below.
UPSSSC ASO/ARO Mains Answer Key (Q1–95)
Part I: Statistics, Mathematics, Economics & Statistical Systems (Q1–65)
| Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 14 | D | 27 | C | 40 | D | 53 | B |
| 2 | C | 15 | B | 28 | A | 41 | A | 54 | C |
| 3 | B | 16 | D | 29 | D | 42 | C | 55 | A |
| 4 | D | 17 | D | 30 | C | 43 | A | 56 | A |
| 5 | A | 18 | A | 31 | B | 44 | B | 57 | D |
| 6 | D | 19 | C | 32 | D | 45 | B | 58 | B |
| 7 | D | 20 | A | 33 | A | 46 | B | 59 | C |
| 8 | A | 21 | A | 34 | C | 47 | A | 60 | D |
| 9 | C | 22 | C | 35 | B | 48 | C | 61 | D |
| 10 | A | 23 | C | 36 | D | 49 | B | 62 | A |
| 11 | C | 24 | C | 37 | A | 50 | B | 63 | C |
| 12 | A | 25 | B | 38 | B | 51 | B | 64 | D |
| 13 | C | 26 | D | 39 | D | 52 | B | 65 | A |
Part II: Computer & Information Technology (Q66–80)
| Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | A | 69 | B | 72 | D | 75 | A | 78 | A |
| 67 | C | 70 | D | 73 | D | 76 | D | 79 | C |
| 68 | D | 71 | A | 74 | B | 77 | C | 80 | C |
Part III: General Information of Uttar Pradesh (Q81–95)
| Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | A | 84 | D | 87 | B | 90 | D | 93 | D |
| 82 | B | 85 | D | 88 | D | 91 | B | 94 | A |
| 83 | D | 86 | A | 89 | B | 92 | B | 95 | A |
Note: The question paper had 95 questions (not 100). Q1–65 belong to Part I, Q66–80 to Part II, and Q81–95 to Part III.
How to Download the UPSSSC ASO/ARO Answer Key
Follow these steps once the answer key is released on the official UPSSSC portal:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsssc.gov.in
- Navigate to Notices: Click on the "Notices" or "Answer Key" section on the homepage
- Find the Relevant Link: Look for the notice titled "Provisional Answer Key for ASO/ARO Mains Exam 2026 (Advt No. 05-Exam/2026)"
- Download the PDF: Click the link to download the answer key PDF file
- Match Your Answers: Compare your recorded responses (rough sheet or OMR copy) with the official answer key
- Calculate Your Score: Use the marking scheme to compute your probable score
Pro Tip: Keep your admit card and OMR sheet copy (if you noted down answers) handy while checking the answer key.
How to Calculate Your Marks (Step-by-Step)
Use this simple method to estimate your score:
Step 1: Categorise Your Responses
| Category | Count | Multiplier | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correct Answers | A | × 1 | A × 1 = A |
| Wrong Answers | B | × 0.25 | B × 0.25 = C |
| Unattempted | — | × 0 | — |
Step 2: Apply the Formula
Final Score = A − (B × 0.25)
Example Calculation
Let's say you attempted 80 questions out of 95:
| Scenario | Your Count | Calculation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correct | 65 | 65 × 1 = 65 | |
| Wrong | 15 | 15 × 0.25 = 3.75 | |
| Unattempted | 15 | — | |
| Final Score | 65 − 3.75 | 61.25 / 95 |
Tip: Use our All-in-One Score Calculator to compute your marks quickly without manual calculation.
Answer Key Objection Process
Once the provisional answer key is released, UPSSSC provides a window for candidates to raise objections:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Check the Key | Download the provisional answer key and compare it with your responses |
| 2. Identify Discrepancies | Note down question numbers where the official answer differs from what you believe is correct |
| 3. Gather Evidence | Collect supporting proof — reference books, official publications, NCERT textbooks, UPSC materials |
| 4. Submit Objection Online | Log in to the UPSSSC portal and submit objections through the designated link |
| 5. Pay Fee (if applicable) | UPSSSC typically charges a nominal fee per objection (usually ₹100–₹300 per question) |
| 6. Await Review | Subject experts review all objections. Valid objections result in corrections in the final answer key |
Tips for Raising Objections
- Submit objections only if you are absolutely certain with supporting evidence
- Screenshot the confirmation page after submitting each objection
- Objections submitted after the deadline are not entertained
- The fee paid for objections is refunded if the objection is found valid
- No need to object if you disagree with only 1–2 questions — focus on clear errors
Expected Cut-Off Marks (Estimated)
Disclaimer: These are estimated cut-off marks based on previous UPSSSC exam trends. Official cut-offs will be released by the Commission after the final answer key and result declaration.
| Category | Estimated Cut-Off Range (Out of 95) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 52 – 62 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 47 – 57 |
| SC | 38 – 48 |
| ST | 33 – 43 |
| EWS | 47 – 55 |
Factors Affecting Cut-Off
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | More vacancies = lower cut-off; fewer = higher cut-off |
| Exam Difficulty | Harder paper = lower cut-off; easier = higher |
| Number of Candidates | More competition = higher cut-off |
| Category Reservation | Reserved categories have lower qualifying marks |
| PET-2025 Shortlisting Ratio | Candidates shortlisted at 15× vacancies for Mains |
Vacancy Breakdown
The original 929 vacancies were increased by 636 additional posts to reach a total of 1,565 vacancies:
| Post | Original Vacancies | Additional Posts | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Statistical Officer (ASO) | To be confirmed | — | TBD |
| Assistant Research Officer (ARO) | To be confirmed | — | TBD |
| Total | 929 | +636 | 1,565 |
Details of post-wise bifurcation will be available in the official notification. Category-wise distribution follows UP State Government reservation norms.
Syllabus Overview
Part I: Statistics, Mathematics, Economics & Statistical Systems (65 Questions)
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Data collection & classification, frequency distribution, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), measures of dispersion, correlation & regression, index numbers, probability theory, sampling methods, time series analysis |
| Mathematics | Set theory, number systems, logarithms, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, basic calculus |
| Economics | Demand & supply analysis, national income, inflation, economic planning in India, Indian & UP statistical systems |
| Statistical Systems | Census, NSSO surveys, vital statistics, agricultural statistics |
Part II: Computer & Information Technology (15 Questions)
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Computer Fundamentals | Hardware, software, operating systems, input/output devices |
| MS Office | Word processing, spreadsheets (Excel), presentations |
| Digital Technologies | AI, Machine Learning, Big Data, IoT, Cyber Security |
| E-Governance | Digital India, online services, UP e-governance initiatives |
| Networking | Internet, intranet, email, web browsers |
Part III: General Information of Uttar Pradesh (15 Questions)
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| History & Culture | Ancient, medieval & modern history of UP, freedom movement, cultural heritage, festivals, folk art |
| Geography | Physical features, rivers, climate, soil types, agriculture, forests, mineral resources |
| Economy | Agriculture & industries, infrastructure, GDP contribution, budget highlights |
| Administration | Divisions & districts, local governance, Panchayati Raj institutions |
| Current Affairs | Major state & national developments, government schemes, awards & honours |
Selection Process Overview
| Stage | Description | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Shortlisting — Based on PET-2025 normalized scores. Candidates at 15× the vacancies are called for Mains | Qualifying |
| Stage 2 | Mains Written Exam — 95 MCQs, 95 marks, 2 hours. This determines the final merit | 100% |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification — Verification of eligibility, category, educational credentials, PET-2025 scorecard | Qualifying |
Note: There is no interview for ASO/ARO posts. The final selection is based entirely on Mains exam performance, subject to document verification.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Answer Key
What is the difference between provisional and final answer key?
The provisional answer key is the initial set of answers released by UPSSSC for candidate review. Candidates can raise objections. After reviewing all valid objections, the Commission releases the final answer key, which is used to calculate results.
Can I get a physical copy of the answer key?
The answer key is available only in digital format (PDF) on the UPSSSC website. You can download and take a printout for personal reference.
What if I lose my OMR sheet copy?
If you did not note down your answers during the exam, you will need to wait for the scorecard/result. The answer key will still help you understand the expected correct answers, but you won't be able to calculate your exact score without knowing which options you marked.
Will the answer key contain question-wise marks?
Yes, the answer key PDF typically lists correct answers for all 95 questions along with the question booklet series/code (if applicable).
How long does UPSSSC take to release the final answer key?
After the objection window closes, UPSSSC usually takes 2–4 weeks to review objections and publish the final answer key. Results are typically declared within 1–2 months after the final answer key.
What to Do After Checking the Answer Key
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculate Your Score | Use the formula above to estimate your marks |
| Compare with Expected Cut-Off | See where you stand relative to estimated cut-off ranges |
| Raise Objections (if needed) | Submit objections within the specified window with supporting evidence |
| Start Preparing for Document Verification | Gather original documents — PET-2025 scorecard, educational certificates, category certificates, age proof, domicile |
| Monitor Official Website | Keep checking upsssc.gov.in for updates on results and DV schedule |
Documents Required for Verification
If you qualify, keep these documents ready:
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| PET-2025 Scorecard | Must show positive (non-zero) normalized score |
| Educational Certificates | Degree, mark sheets of all semesters |
| Age Proof | 10th / 12th standard certificate |
| Category Certificate | SC / ST / OBC / EWS (as applicable) |
| Domicile Certificate | UP domicile (if claiming state reservation) |
| Aadhaar Card | Photo identity proof |
| Passport-size Photographs | Recent, as per specification |
| Admit Card of Mains Exam | Download from UPSSSC portal |
Why This Page Is Useful
This page is updated with the latest information about the UPSSSC ASO/ARO Mains Answer Key 2026. We have compiled:
- ✅ Exam pattern and marking scheme with exact weightage
- ✅ Step-by-step marks calculation with example
- ✅ Expected cut-off ranges category-wise
- ✅ Complete objection process guide
- ✅ Document checklist for verification stage
- ✅ Internal links to related resources
Bookmark this page for the latest updates on the UPSSSC ASO/ARO Mains 2026 answer key, results, and document verification.
Answer key updated: 26 July 2026. This page will be updated as soon as the UPSSSC releases the provisional and final answer keys.
For more exam resources, check our Current Affairs section and All-in-One Score Calculator.