UPSC Prelims 2026 Live Updates: General Studies Paper 1 to conclude shortly amid strict examination guidelines; exam analysis soon

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 begins across India as over 8.19 lakh candidates appear
The Union Public Service Commission conducted the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims 2026 on Sunday across examination centres nationwide amid heightened security arrangements and strict exam-day regulations. More than 8.19 lakh candidates appeared for the recruitment examination conducted for services including IAS, IFS and IPS.

The preliminary examination was held in two sessions. General Studies Paper 1 was conducted from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, while CSAT Paper 2 took place from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Candidates were instructed to carry a printed copy of the admit card, a valid original photo identity proof and a black ballpoint pen for filling the OMR answer sheet and attendance sheet.

Entry rules and prohibited items enforced at centres
The commission directed candidates to report to their allotted examination centres at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. Entry gates were closed 10 minutes after the beginning of the examination.

UPSC prohibited candidates from carrying mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, headphones, calculators, tablets, laptops, cameras and other electronic or communication devices inside the examination hall. Books, notes, bags, study material and valuable belongings were also not permitted within the premises.

Candidates were advised not to bring costly items as no arrangements were made by venue authorities for safekeeping. The commission clarified that only simple wrist watches without communication features were allowed inside examination halls.

Candidates whose photographs on the e-admit cards were unclear or blurred were instructed to carry passport-size photographs for each session along with the prescribed undertaking form issued by the commission.

Security and traffic arrangements strengthened in Gurugram
Gurugram Police deployed nearly 1,200 police personnel for security management, candidate verification and crowd control around examination centres in the district. Officials stated that the preliminary examination was conducted at 52 centres across Gurugram, where more than 20,000 aspirants were expected to appear.

Traffic police teams implemented a special traffic management plan to avoid congestion near examination venues. Police rider teams also carried out patrolling around centres to monitor law and order arrangements throughout the day.

Police officials urged candidates and guardians to leave for centres on time and follow traffic advisories issued for smooth movement during examination hours.

New centres added for UPSC prelims 2026
The commission introduced three new examination cities this year, including Bhubaneshwar, Kanpur and Meerut. With the addition of these centres, the total number of UPSC examination cities increased from 80 to 83.

According to reports, more than 23,000 candidates opted for the newly introduced centres. The expansion was aimed at easing pressure on existing examination venues and reducing travel-related difficulties for aspirants.

Revised provisional answer key process introduced
UPSC has also introduced a revised process for issuing provisional answer keys shortly after the conduct of the examination. The commission stated that the move was intended to improve transparency and maintain examination standards.

Once the provisional answer keys are released, candidates will be able to submit objections through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal available at upsconline.nic.in/login. The objection window will remain open till May 31, 6 pm.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted annually in three stages comprising preliminary examination, mains examination and personality test for recruitment to various civil services posts across the country.