Documents to Carry for UPSC Prelims 2026 on Exam Day
UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Day Instructions: The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 on May 24, 2026. Candidates appearing for the examination must carry all required documents to the exam centre to avoid any last-minute issues.
UPSC follows strict verification procedures at examination centres, and candidates without the necessary documents may not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Along with the admit card, aspirants should also follow all important exam day instructions carefully.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date and Timing
The UPSC Prelims 2026 examination will be held on May 24, 2026, in two shifts.
| Paper | Timing |
| General Studies Paper 1 | 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| CSAT Paper 2 | 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM |
Candidates are advised to reach the examination centre well before the reporting time, as late entry may not be permitted.
Documents to Carry for UPSC Prelims 2026
Candidates must carry the following documents on the examination day:
UPSC Prelims 2026 Admit Card
Candidates must bring a printed copy of the UPSC Prelims 2026 admit card. Entry inside the examination hall will not be allowed without the hall ticket.
It is recommended to carry at least two printouts of the admit card for safety.
Valid Photo ID Proof
Candidates must carry one original valid photo identity proof. Accepted ID proofs include:
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Aadhaar Card
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PAN Card
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Voter ID
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Passport
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Driving Licence
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Government-issued Photo ID
The details on the ID proof should match the information mentioned on the admit card.
Passport-Size Photograph
Candidates are advised to carry passport-size photographs, preferably the same one uploaded during the application process. This may be required during verification.
Black Ballpoint Pen
Candidates should carry a black ballpoint pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
Items Allowed Inside UPSC Exam Centre
Candidates may carry:
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Transparent water bottle
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Simple wristwatch
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Personal medicines (if required)
Only essential items should be carried to the exam centre.
Prohibited Items in UPSC Prelims 2026
The following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall:
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Mobile phones
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Smartwatches
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Bluetooth devices
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Earphones
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Calculators
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Notes or books
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Electronic gadgets
If any prohibited item is found, UPSC may take strict action against the candidate.
Important UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Day Instructions
Candidates should follow these important guidelines on May 24:
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Reach the centre before gate closing time
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Carry admit card and valid ID proof
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Follow instructions given by invigilators
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Do not carry prohibited items
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Carefully fill attendance sheet details
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Maintain discipline inside the exam hall
Candidates are also advised to check their exam centre location in advance to avoid travel delays on exam day.