UPSC prelims 2026 dress code, check what to wear, items to avoid and exam day guidelines
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026: The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the Civil Services Examination (CSE) prelims 2026 today in two shifts across examination centres nationwide. More than 8.19 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the recruitment examination conducted for services including IAS, IFS and IPS.Candidates have been instructed to carry a printed admit card, a valid photo identity proof and a black ballpoint pen for filling the OMR answer sheet and attendance sheet. The commission has also directed candidates to reach their examination centres at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session, while entry will close 10 minutes after the start of the examination.Two shifts scheduled for prelims examinationThe UPSC CSE prelims 2026 will be conducted in two sessions. General Studies Paper 1 will take place from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, while CSAT Paper 2 will be held from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website, upsc.gov.in.The commission has prohibited candidates from carrying mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, calculators, tablets, laptops, cameras, books, notes, bags and other electronic or communication devices inside examination halls. Candidates have been advised not to bring valuable belongings as no storage arrangements will be provided at centres.
Exam day guidelines for UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 candidates issued by commission
• Candidates must carry a printed admit card and a valid original photo identity proof for entry.• A black ballpoint pen is required for filling the OMR answer sheet and attendance sheet.• Candidates should report to the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.• Entry will be closed 10 minutes after the commencement of each session.• Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, headphones, calculators, tablets and laptops are strictly prohibited.• Books, notes, bags and any other study material or valuables are not allowed inside the exam hall.• No arrangement will be provided for safekeeping of personal belongings at the venue.• Only simple wrist watches are permitted; smart or communication-enabled watches are not allowed.• Candidates with unclear photographs on admit cards must carry a passport-size photo for each session.• Such candidates must also carry the required undertaking form as specified by UPSC.Gurugram deploys security and traffic personnelGurugram Police has deployed nearly 1,200 police personnel for candidate verification, crowd management and security arrangements around examination venues. The prelims examination will be conducted at 52 centres across the district, with more than 20,000 aspirants expected to appear.Traffic police teams have prepared a special traffic management plan to prevent congestion near examination venues. Police rider teams will also patrol surrounding areas to monitor security arrangements. Officials have urged candidates and guardians to leave for centres on time and follow traffic regulations.New centres and revised answer key processThe commission has added Bhubaneshwar, Kanpur and Meerut as new examination cities this year, increasing the total number of centres from 80 to 83. According to reports, over 23,000 candidates opted for the newly introduced centres.UPSC has also introduced a revised system for issuing provisional answer keys shortly after the examination. Candidates will be able to raise objections through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal on upsconline.nic.in/login till May 31, 6 pm.
