The Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Main Examination 2026 has commenced on August 21 across designated examination centers. Following months of rigorous preparation, thousands of candidates are appearing for this prestigious competitive exam, starting with the Essay paper conducted in the morning session. To ensure a seamless examination process and prevent disqualification, aspirants must strictly adhere to the mandatory entry schedules and booklet guidelines issued by the commission.
Exam Center Timings and Gate Closure Protocol
The UPSC Mains examination is scheduled across two daily sessions. The morning shift runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while the afternoon shift takes place from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. As per official guidelines, the main gates of all examination centers are sealed precisely 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each session.
Consequently, entry is strictly barred after 8:30 AM for the morning shift and after 2:00 PM for the afternoon shift under any circumstances. Given potential traffic delays and mandatory security screening at the gates, candidates are strongly advised to arrive at their allotted centers at least 45 minutes before the cutoff time.
Rules for Handling the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet
Candidates in the Mains examination are provided with a Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet, in which questions are pre-printed with allocated space beneath them for writing answers. The commission has mandated specific formatting and writing protocols for completing these booklets
- Strict Margin Restrictions: Writing any text, figures, or symbols in the left or right margins of the QCA booklet is strictly prohibited. Marking within margins can attract penalty marks during evaluation.
- Authorized Writing Instruments: Answers must be written exclusively using either blue or black ink pens. Mixing ink colors within a single answer is not permitted. However, candidates are allowed to use lead pencils for drawing diagrams, charts, or maps.
- Cancellation of Unused Blank Spaces: If any page or partial space remains blank after completing an answer, candidates must draw a sharp diagonal line across the empty section using a pen and explicitly write the word 'Cancelled'.
Restrictions on Identification Marks and Unfair Means (UFM)
To preserve the absolute anonymity and integrity of the evaluation process, the commission enforces stringent rules regarding personal identifiers. Candidates are explicitly instructed not to write their names, roll numbers, or any religious and personal symbols anywhere on the answer booklet outside the designated fields.
Inscribing religious symbols, slogans, or unique marking codes will be classified as a violation under the Unfair Means (UFM) regulations. Candidates found indulging in such practices risk invalidation of their answer scripts and potential disciplinary action by the commission.
Mandatory Documentation and Prohibited Electronic Items
Candidates entering the examination hall must produce a hard copy printout of their e-Admit Card along with the original photo identification card specified on the admit card. Verification of these credentials is compulsory for gaining entry into the hall.
Regarding personal accessories, candidates are permitted to wear simple analog wristwatches only. Smartwatches, digital watches, fitness bands, and Bluetooth devices are completely banned. Furthermore, personal belongings such as bags, mobile phones, calculators, and electronic gadgets must be stored outside the examination center premises.
