UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Day Guidelines 2026, OMR Rules, Prohibited Items and More

Many candidates focus on their preparation but may not know all the rules they need to follow on the day of the exam. Knowing the UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Day Guidelines 2026 in advance can help candidates avoid common mistakes and complete the examination process smoothly.

The UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode. Candidates must follow the instructions for carrying permitted items, filling the OMR sheet and marking answers correctly. 

They must also follow the invigilator’s instructions and maintain proper conduct in the examination hall. Face authentication, identity verification and frisking will also be mandatory at the examination venue.

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Day Guidelines 2026 in Detail

The UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test is scheduled for 20 December 2026. The test will be an objective-type examination with multiple-choice questions. The duration will be two hours, and the test will be available in English and Hindi. Candidates should carefully follow the examination instructions to avoid mistakes during the test.

What Can Candidates Carry to the Examination Hall?

As per the special instructions, candidates are allowed to carry:

• A clipboard or hard board with nothing written on it

• A good quality black ball pen

The answer sheet and rough work sheet will be provided by the invigilator.

UPSC EPFO APFC Prohibited Items

Candidates should not carry items other than those permitted by the Commission. These include books, notes, loose sheets, calculators, mathematical or drawing instruments, log tables, map stencils, slide rules, test booklets and rough sheets from earlier sessions.

Mobile phones, pagers, Bluetooth devices and other communication devices are also not allowed inside the examination premises. Candidates are advised not to bring valuable or costly items because safe-keeping arrangements cannot be assured at the venue.

The Commission also strictly prohibits mobile phones, smart watches, cameras, pen drives and other electronic or programmable devices in the examination or interview hall.

UPSC EPFO APFC OMR Sheet Instructions

Candidates must use a black ball pen only for writing and marking answers on the OMR sheet. Pencil, ink pen or any other colour pen is not permitted. Any mistake or discrepancy while filling in details, especially the roll number and Test Booklet Series Code, may lead to rejection of the answer sheet.

Candidates should also follow these OMR instructions:

• Write the Centre, subject, Test Booklet Series, subject code and roll number in the required spaces.

• Encode the Test Booklet Series, subject code and roll number in the given circles.

• Report to the invigilator if the booklet series is not printed or the answer sheet is unnumbered.

• Do not write the name or any information other than what is specifically asked.

• Do not fold, damage or make unnecessary marks on the answer sheet.

• Do not write anything on the reverse side of the answer sheet.

• Check the Test Booklet for missing, torn or unprinted pages and request a replacement if required.

For each question, candidates must select only one option and completely darken the relevant circle with a black ball pen. Selecting more than one option will be treated as an incorrect answer.

UPSC EPFO APFC Negative Marking

There will be negative marking for wrong answers. For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. If more than one option is marked for a question, it will also be treated as a wrong answer, and the same penalty will apply.

No marks will be deducted if a question is left unanswered.

Attendance List Instructions

Candidates must fill the required details in the Scannable Attendance List using a black ball pen. They need to:

• Mark the Present/Absent circle.

• Mark the relevant Test Booklet Series.

• Write the Test Booklet Serial Number.

• Write and mark the Answer Sheet Serial Number.

• Sign in the required space.

UPSC EPFO APFC Face Authentication

Face authentication is mandatory for all candidates at the examination venue. Candidates must also undergo identity verification and frisking.

Candidates are advised to reach the examination venue well in time to complete these processes.

Conduct and Unfair Means Rules

Candidates must not copy from another candidate, allow their answers to be copied or seek any irregular assistance. Misbehaviour, disorderly conduct or harassment of examination staff is also prohibited.

Candidates found using unfair means or violating examination rules may face disciplinary action.