The Union Public Service Commission is conducting the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE Prelims) 2026 today, Sunday, May 24, at centres across the country. This year, around 8.19 lakh candidates (8,19,372) have registered for nearly 933 vacancies, making it one of the most competitive examinations in the country.
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination is being held in two shifts in offline OMR-based mode. General Studies (Paper I) is taking place in the morning session, while the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II is scheduled for the afternoon. Candidates are required to carry a printed copy of their e-admit card along with a valid photo ID to their respective examination centres.
In a major change this year, UPSC is set to release the answer key shortly after the Preliminary Examination. Earlier, candidates had to wait for months as the answer key was released only after the final results. According to the Commission, the move aims to bring greater transparency to the examination process and help candidates assess their performance sooner.
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 LIVE: Check all the latest updates here.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live Updates: UPSC Prelims 2026 Underway
GS Paper I begins at 9:30 AM.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live Updates: UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 shift timings
- GS Paper I: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- CSAT Paper II: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live Updates: Three Stages of UPSC CSE
UPSC CSE selection involves:
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam
- Interview
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live: UPSC Civil Services Exam Recruits for IAS, IPS, IFS
The UPSC Civil Services Examination recruits candidates for prestigious services including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live: Items Not Allowed Inside UPSC Exam Centre
Candidates must not carry the following items to the exam centre. Violation of rules may lead to denial of entry:
- Jewellery or metal accessories: Rings, bracelets, earrings, chains
- Electronic devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators
- Fancy accessories: Hairbands, clutches, brooches
- Closed footwear: Shoes, sneakers
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live: No Entry After Gate Closes
Candidates were not allowed to enter after gate closing time. UPSC enforced strict entry and verification guidelines.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live Updates: Admit Card Compulsory for Entry
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the UPSC CSE 2026 admit card. Entry to the exam hall is not permitted without it.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Live Updates: Admit Card Compulsory for Entry
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the UPSC CSE 2026 admit card. Entry to the exam hall is not permitted without it.
UPSC Prelims 2026 LIVE: Follow Dress Code
Candidates should wear simple clothes and avoid jewellery, metallic items, or fancy accessories for hassle-free security checks.
UPSC Prelims 2026 LIVE: Verify Centre Address, Reporting Time Early
Candidates should verify their exam centre address and reporting time in advance to avoid last-minute confusion.
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Live: UPSC Prelims Exam Today
The Union Public Service Commission is conducting the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 today at centres across India. Lakhs of aspirants are appearing for one of the country's toughest competitive exams.
