UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Documents Required for May 24 Civil Services Exam

UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted on May 24, 2026, across various exam centres in India. Candidates appearing for the IAS Prelims exam must carry all required documents to the examination hall to avoid disqualification or entry-related issues on exam day.

The Union Public Service Commission has issued strict guidelines regarding admit cards, photo identity proof, reporting time, and prohibited items. Aspirants are advised to verify all documents in advance and reach the exam centre before gate closing time.

Documents Required for UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following mandatory documents to the UPSC Prelims examination centre on May 24:

UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2026

A printed copy of the UPSC Civil Services Prelims Admit Card is compulsory for entry into the exam hall.

Important instructions:

• Carry a clear printout of the e-admit card

• Verify exam centre address carefully

• Check reporting time and exam shift details

• Keep an extra copy for emergency use

Without the admit card, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the examination.

Valid Original Photo ID Proof

Candidates must also carry an original government-issued photo identity proof that matches the details mentioned in the application form.

Accepted ID proofs include:

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Passport

• Voter ID Card

• Driving Licence

Digital copies or photocopies may not be accepted at the exam centre.

Passport-Size Photographs

UPSC candidates should carry two recent passport-size photographs, especially if the photo printed on the admit card is unclear or old.

The photographs should:

• Be recent and clearly visible

• Match the candidate’s appearance

• Have a plain background

Items Allowed Inside UPSC Exam Hall

Candidates can carry only limited items inside the examination hall.

Allowed items:

• Black ballpoint pen

• Transparent water bottle

• Simple analogue wristwatch

Candidates should use only black ballpoint pens for marking answers on the OMR sheet.

Prohibited Items at UPSC Prelims Centres

UPSC has banned electronic gadgets and unfair means material inside exam venues.

Items not allowed:

• Mobile phones

• Smart watches

• Bluetooth devices

• Earphones

• Calculators

• Notes or books

• Bags and wallets

• Electronic gadgets

Candidates found carrying prohibited items may face cancellation of candidature.

Important Exam Day Instructions for UPSC Aspirants

Candidates should follow these key guidelines on May 24:

• Reach the exam centre early to avoid last-minute rush

• Entry usually closes 30 minutes before the exam begins

• Follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card

• Cooperate during frisking and verification

• Keep documents ready for checking

UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted for recruitment to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.