UPSC CSE Prelims: Exam Tomorrow—Bring Only a Black Pen; Read Important Guidelines..

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Guidelines: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted nationwide on Sunday, May 24. Lakhs of candidates are expected to appear for this examination. Consequently, the Commission has issued strict guidelines regarding the exam. Candidates must exercise particular caution regarding timings, dress code, essential documents, and prohibited items. Any violation of these rules may result in disciplinary action being taken against the candidate.

**Gates to Close at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM**
UPSC has explicitly stated that the entry will be closed 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the examination. This means that no candidate will be granted entry into the examination center after 9:00 AM for the morning shift, or after 2:00 PM for the afternoon shift. Specifically, the first shift of the examination is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM, while the second shift will commence at 2:30 PM. In light of this, candidates are advised to reach the examination center well in advance of the scheduled time.

Candidates are required to use only black ballpoint pens during the examination. Both the OMR sheet and the attendance sheet must be filled out using this specific pen. Answers marked using pens of any other color will not be evaluated.

**Mobile Phones and Smartwatches Strictly Prohibited**
UPSC has imposed a complete ban on carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, cameras, pen drives, and other electronic gadgets inside the examination center. Candidates are permitted to wear only standard wristwatches. Digital watches equipped with calling or communication capabilities will not be allowed inside the examination center.

**Admit Card and Photo ID: Mandatory Requirements**
Candidates must carry their Admit Card and an original photo identity proof to the examination center. Candidates must present the specific identity card corresponding to the ID number mentioned on their Admit Card. Furthermore, UPSC has advised candidates to retain their e-Admit Cards safely until the declaration of the final results. **Some Candidates Must Carry Extra Photographs**
Candidates whose photographs on their admit cards are unclear, or whose photographs do not bear their name and the date, must carry two extra passport-sized photographs along with an undertaking to the examination center.

**Only Essential Items Permitted at the Examination Center**
Candidates will be permitted to carry only essential items such as a printout of their admit card, a pen, a pencil, a photo ID, and necessary photocopies. Bags, valuables, and other personal belongings will not be allowed inside the premises. The Commission has explicitly stated that the UPSC will not be held responsible for the loss of any personal belongings.

**Answer Key to be Released Earlier This Time**
This time, the UPSC will release the Provisional Answer Key immediately after the Preliminary Examination. Candidates will be able to submit their objections via the online portal until 6:00 PM on May 31, 2026. Previously, the Commission used to release the answer key only after the declaration of the final results; however, candidates will now be able to assess their performance much earlier.

**Evidence Required to Lodge Objections**
If a candidate wishes to object to a specific question or answer, they must substantiate their claim by citing three authentic sources. The Commission has stated that all objections will be scrutinized by a team of subject matter experts, following which the Final Answer Key will be released.

**Verification via AI-Based Face Authentication**
Starting this year, the UPSC has also begun utilizing a new technological tool. AI-based face authentication will now be implemented at all examination centers. The objective of this measure is to prevent instances of impersonation and cheating. The Commission asserts that this system will be faster and more secure than manual verification methods.

**How ​​Many Vacancies Are There This Year?**
This year, the UPSC will recruit candidates for a total of 933 posts through the Civil Services Examination. Additionally, 40 posts have been allocated for the Indian Forest Service Examination. Every year, the UPSC selects candidates for premier services—such as the IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS—through a rigorous three-stage process comprising the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.