UPPSC PCS Prelims 2025: Check Exam Day Guidelines — Entry to Close 45 Minutes Before Start Time

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is set to conduct the PCS Prelims Examination 2025 on Sunday, October 12, across various centers in the state. Candidates appearing for the exam must carefully review the key guidelines released by the Commission to avoid last-minute issues. This year, the Commission has introduced strict security and biometric verification measures to ensure transparency in the examination process.

Biometric Verification and Hologram Security for the First Time

In a major step toward preventing impersonation and ensuring fairness, candidates will undergo biometric verification — including iris and facial recognition scans — before being allowed into the exam hall. Once verified, an official hologram will be affixed to each candidate’s admit card to confirm authentication. This is the first time UPPSC is implementing such stringent security protocols in the PCS examination.

Examination Centers and Schedule

The Preliminary Examination will be conducted at 1,435 centers across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 6,26,387 candidates are expected to appear for the exam, which is being held to fill 210 posts under the Provincial Civil Services (PCS), Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), and Range Forest Officer (RFO) recruitment process.

The exam will be conducted in two shifts:

• Morning Shift: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

• Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Candidates must remember that entry gates will close 45 minutes before the exam begins. For the morning session, entry will be closed at 8:45 AM, and for the afternoon session, at 1:45 PM. No candidate will be allowed to enter after these times under any circumstances.

Important Guidelines for Candidates

Candidates are advised to strictly adhere to the following instructions:

• Reach the examination center at least 90 minutes before the exam starts. Entry will open 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled time.

• Carry the following documents:

  • Printed Admit Card

  • Two passport-size photographs

  • A valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport) — both original and photocopy

• Biometric verification (iris and facial scanning) is mandatory before entering the exam hall.

• Admit cards will be marked with a hologram post-verification to confirm identity clearance.

• Only black ballpoint pens are allowed for filling the OMR sheet.

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic devices, books, notes, or bags are strictly prohibited.

• Candidates will be allowed to leave the exam hall only after submitting the OMR sheet.

Strict Administrative Arrangements

The UPPSC has made extensive arrangements to ensure a fair, secure, and transparent examination. Surveillance systems and identity checks will be closely monitored at every center. Officials have emphasized that candidates who fail to follow the entry time or bring prohibited items may be barred from the examination.

Key Takeaway

Candidates appearing for the UPPSC PCS Prelims Exam 2025 must plan their travel and arrival times carefully, keeping in mind the strict entry closure 45 minutes before the exam. Reaching the center early with all required documents will help avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth exam-day experience.

This year’s UPPSC exam marks a significant step toward digitized, transparent recruitment — setting a new standard for competitive exams across Uttar Pradesh.