UPSC CSE Prelims 2026: Commission Issues Mandatory Guidelines For May 24 Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is all set to conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE) on May 24, 2026. This prestigious examination, which serves as the primary screening test for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), will be held across thousands of examination centers nationwide. In preparation for the big day, the Commission has released a comprehensive set of mandatory guidelines and instructions that every candidate must follow to ensure a smooth and hassle-free examination process. Candidates are urged to read these instructions carefully as any violation could lead to disqualification from the examination.

Examination Schedule and Shift Timings

The UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 will be conducted in two distinct shifts on the same day. The first shift is dedicated to General Studies (GS) Paper-1, which is scheduled to take place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The second shift will involve the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) or Paper-2, which will be held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Candidates are reminded that both papers are compulsory, and appearing in both is a prerequisite for evaluation, while the Commission has emphasized that candidates must be present for both sessions to remain eligible for the selection process.

Strict Gate Closing Policy

One of the most critical instructions issued by the UPSC concerns the entry timings at the examination venues. The Commission has implemented a very strict gate-closing policy to maintain the sanctity and integrity of the examination. For the morning session (GS Paper-1), the entry gates will be closed at 9:00 AM sharp. For the afternoon session (CSAT), the gates will be closed at 2:00 PM. The UPSC has explicitly stated that no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination venue once the gates are closed. Because of this, candidates are strongly advised to plan their travel well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays caused by traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Recommended Arrival Time and Procedures

To facilitate a smooth entry process and avoid overcrowding, the Commission suggests that candidates arrive at their respective examination centers at least 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled start. This extra time is necessary for various pre-examination formalities, including security frisking, biometric verification, and locating the assigned seat within the hall. Specifically, the UPSC recommends that candidates for the first shift reach the center by 8:15 AM, while those appearing for the second shift should arrive by 1:15 PM. Early arrival ensures that candidates are settled and calm before the papers begin.

Mandatory Documents and Stationery

Candidates must carry certain essential items to the examination hall to be granted entry. These include a printed copy of the UPSC Admit Card and an original photo identity card, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport, that matches the details provided in the application form, while for marking the OMR sheets, candidates are strictly required to use only a black ballpoint pen. The use of pencils or pens of any other color is strictly prohibited as the OMR scanners are specifically calibrated to detect black ink. On top of that, candidates are permitted to carry a transparent water bottle into the hall to stay hydrated during the exam.

Dress Code and Prohibited Items

While the UPSC has not mandated a specific uniform, it has issued an advisory regarding the dress code to ensure security, while candidates are encouraged to wear light, simple, and comfortable clothing. It's advised to avoid wearing heavy jewelry, clothes with large buttons, thick-soled shoes, or any metallic items that might trigger alarms during security checks. Also, a strict ban is in place for all electronic gadgets. This includes mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, and any other communication equipment. Possession of these items inside the examination premises, even if they're switched off, is a serious violation and could lead to immediate disqualification and further disciplinary action by the Commission.