The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE) 2026 on 24 May 2026 at centers across the country. The Commission has made it clear that no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination venue after the doors are closed. For the morning session, admission will close at 9 am, while for the afternoon session, doors will close at 2 pm.Candidates are advised to reach their examination centers in advance to complete the verification and identity verification process. UPSC has also directed the candidates to visit their centers at least one day before the exam to avoid confusion or delay on the last day.Attendance at any center other than the one mentioned on the admit card will not be permitted under any circumstances.
What should candidates carry in the exam hall?
UPSC has instructed the candidates to carry the printed copy of the e-admit card along with the original photo ID proof mentioned in the admit card. Without these documents it may lead to disqualification from appearing in the entrance examination.Candidates should also carry:
- Black ballpoint pen
- Pencil
- Transparent water bottle
- Passport size photographs, if required
- Additional identification proof
The Commission has emphasized that answers marked with any pen other than black ball point pen will not be checked.Candidates whose photographs are not clear on the admit card are directed to bring two passport size photographs along with a valid photo ID card and a signed agreement for each session.
Total ban on electronic gadgets
UPSC has imposed a complete ban on electronic devices inside the examination hall. Mobile phones, even in switched-off mode, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, pagers, pen drives, and communication-enabled gadgets are strictly prohibited.Only simple wristwatches will be allowed. Smart watches or digital watches with communication features remain banned.The commission has also warned candidates against bringing bags, valuables or expensive items into the venue, saying no responsibility will be taken for lost items. UPSC warned that many centers may not have the facility to store prohibited items.
Negative marking and strict scrutiny is in progress.
The civil services preliminary examination will continue to follow the negative marking system for wrong answers in both the papers. Candidates are also reminded that their candidature is provisional at this stage.For candidates using scribes, UPSC clarified that only those who have issued a separate e-admit card for scribes will be allowed to avail this facility.Candidates who have changed their name after matriculation must carry a government issued identity proof that reflects the updated name. Failure to present valid identification may result in denial of entry.
It is important to keep the admit card safe till the final result.
UPSC has instructed the candidates to keep their admit card carefully till the declaration of final result of CSE exam 2026.In a major move aimed at improving transparency, the commission will also release provisional answer keys for preliminary examination after the conclusion of the examination, a first in the history of civil services preliminary examination.For the lakhs of people chasing a place in India’s administrative machinery, Sunday’s exam will not merely test preparation levels. It will test discipline, accuracy, and ability to remain composed under enormous pressure.
