Union Public Service Commission has added three new examination centres for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, which is scheduled to be conducted on May 24.
The newly introduced centres are Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut. With the latest expansion, the total number of UPSC Preliminary Examination centres across the country has increased from 80 to 83. According to UPSC data, nearly 23,000 candidates have opted for the newly added centres.
The Commission said the move was aimed at reducing travel-related difficulties for aspirants by bringing examination venues closer to their hometowns while also easing pressure on nearby centres.
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UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said the initiative was designed to make the examination process more accessible, efficient and candidate-friendly. He also stated that the Commission is making efforts to ensure that Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) receive their preferred examination centres.
More than 8 lakh candidates to appear
The Civil Services Examination continues to remain one of the most competitive recruitment examinations in India.
UPSC has received more than 8.19 lakh applications for the Preliminary Examination this year, reflecting the scale and significance of the recruitment process for aspirants seeking careers in the Indian administrative and civil services.
The Commission has already released e-Admit Cards for eligible candidates through its official website and clarified that no physical admit cards will be issued.
Candidates have been advised to carefully verify details such as their name, photograph and QR code on the admit card and immediately report any discrepancies to the Commission through email.
UPSC releases strict exam day guidelines
In addition to the new centers, UPSC has issued comprehensive instructions for those who would appear for the examination.
Candidates are expected to bring along a printed version of the e-Admit Card along with a photo ID proof that has the same number as mentioned in the admit card. Those who fail to produce the requisite documents will not be permitted to enter the examination center.
The Commission has requested candidates to arrive at the center at least one-and-a-half hours before the beginning of the examination so that the process of facial authentication, frisking and verifying of identity can be completed.
Entrance gates will be closed 30 minutes prior to the commencement of both the morning and afternoon sessions – at 9 am and 2 pm respectively and after that no candidate will be allowed to enter the center.
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Mobiles, watches, other electronic devices, books, bags and other valuables have been strictly prohibited inside examination halls. The only items permitted inside the examination centers include black ballpoint pens, pencils, admit card and photo ID proof.
UPSC warned that possession or use of electronic devices or unauthorised material inside the examination premises could lead to cancellation of candidature, police complaints and debarment from future examinations.
Candidates who have changed their names after matriculation have also been instructed to carry supporting documents, including government-issued identity proof and Gazette notification records.
The latest measures reflect UPSC’s effort to improve accessibility and examination logistics as lakhs of aspirants prepare for the first stage of India’s premier civil services recruitment process.
