UPSC Exam Guidelines: What to carry to the UPSC Mains exam centre and what not to? Know the rules before the exam..
UPSC CSE Mains 2026 Exam Centre Guidelines: The UPSC CSE Mains examination begins tomorrow, August 21, 2026. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued essential guidelines for candidates appearing for the UPSC CSE Mains 2026 exam. Even a minor error or oversight inside the UPSC exam centre could undo months of your hard work. The Commission is very strict regarding its instructions.
The Commission has clarified that the checking and verification process will be quite rigorous this time. Arrangements for biometric and face authentication have been made at the exam centres to prevent any kind of malpractice. If you are appearing for the UPSC CSE Mains 2026 exam, it is crucial to be aware of all the guidelines. Find out which documents are mandatory to carry along with the UPSC Mains admit card and which items must strictly be avoided.
When and at what time will the UPSC CSE Mains be held?
The UPSC CSE Mains 2026 examination will be conducted on August 21, 22, 23, 29, and 30, 2026. The exam will be held in two shifts daily. The first shift will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the second shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the start of each session.
Focus on Face Authentication
Face authentication will be mandatory for all candidates at the UPSC exam centre. The Commission has instructed candidates to carry two passport-sized photographs for each exam session. These photographs must be recent. If the face authentication does not match in the system or if there is an issue with the photograph, candidates will be required to fill out an undertaking form and affix their photograph at the centre.
What items are allowed inside the exam centre? Candidates must carry the following items to the UPSC exam hall:
e-Admit Card: A clear printout of the admit card.
Original Photo ID: The same original identity proof (such as Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport) as mentioned on the admit card.
Passport-sized Photographs: Two passport-sized photographs for each session.
Black Ballpoint Pen: Use only a black ballpoint pen to fill out the answer booklet and attendance sheet.
Transparent Water Bottle: Only transparent bottles are permitted for drinking water.
Items strictly prohibited
UPSC has banned several items for security reasons:
Electronic Gadgets: Mobile phones (even if switched off), smartwatches, digital watches, Bluetooth devices, pagers, or pen drives.
Stationery Items: Notes, books, loose papers, or calculators of any kind.
Valuables: Expensive jewelry, large bags, or other valuable items.
Note: There will be no facility at UPSC exam centers to store candidates' bags or valuables safely. Therefore, it is best to carry only those items to the center that are essential and permitted for the examination.
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