UPSC Exam Centres 2026: Complete List, Rules, and Allotment Details

UPSC Exam Centres 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the list of UPSC exam centres 2026 for the upcoming Civil Services Examination (CSE). For the 2026 cycle, the Preliminary examination is scheduled for May 24th, 2026, and will be conducted at 83 designated centres across India. 

Candidates must carefully review the UPSC exam center list 2026 before filling out their applications to ensure they select the most convenient location for both the Prelims and Mains stages

UPSC Exam Centres 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lists specific centres for its Civil Services Examination 2026. Candidates must carefully choose their preferred locations during the online application. These centres are categorized for the Preliminary and Main examinations.

UPSC Prelims Exam Centres 2026

The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination for 2026 will occur at numerous centres across India. Applicants must select a centre from this comprehensive UPSC exam centre city wise list 2026. The official notice provides a complete list of 83 centers.

UPSC Mains Exam Centres 2026

The Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is conducted at a smaller number of centres. Candidates who qualify for Mains must update their application and select one of these specified locations. The official notice lists 27 centres for the Mains exam.

UPSC Exam Centres List 2026 PDF

Download the UPSC Exam Centres List 2026 PDF to get the complete and official list of exam centres in India, covering all notified states and union territories. This PDF also provides a clear UPSC exam centre state wise list 2026, helping candidates choose their preferred exam city accurately during the application process.

UPSC Exam Centres List 2026 Download PDF

UPSC Exam Center Allocation and Preference

UPSC follows a "first-apply-first allot" principle for centre allocation. Candidates should apply early to secure their preferred centre. Once the capacity of a particular centre is full, it becomes unavailable for non-PwBD candidates. Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates, however, can still opt for their desired centre regardless of capacity.

No Change of Centre after Application Submitted

Requests for change of examination centre are not entertained by the Commission after application submission. It is crucial for candidates to finalize their choice carefully. Any appearance at a centre other than the one specified on the e-Admit Card is not permitted. This rule applies to both preliminary and main examinations to ensure a smooth UPSC exam centre allocation 2026.

How are Exam Cities Chosen During Application?

During the online application process, candidates are required to specify their UPSC exam centre preference 2026. The UPSC exam centre allocation 2026 follows a strict "first-apply-first-allot" policy. This means that each center has a predetermined capacity, and once that limit is reached, it will no longer be available for selection. 

Exceptions to this ceiling are made for centres in Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur, which do not have a candidate limit. Furthermore, Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) are allowed to opt for their desired centre regardless of the ceiling.

Details Mentioned on UPSC Exam Centres 2026 Slip

Once the UPSC exam centre allotment details 2026 are finalized, they are reflected in the e-Admit Card. The typically includes the UPSC exam centre address entry for your specific venue, along with:

• Candidate’s Name and Roll Number

• Venue Name and exact geographic location

• Reporting time (at least 30 minutes before commencement)

• Examination session timings 

How to Select UPSC Exam City 2026?

Selecting the UPSC nearest exam centre 2026 is part of the "Examination Specific" module in the application portal. Candidates should log in to upsconline.nic.in, navigate to the centre selection tab, and pick from the available dropdown list.

Since there is no UPSC exam centre change process 2026 or UPSC exam centre correction window 2026 after the final submission, your initial choice is critical. The commission explicitly states that no request for a change of centre will be entertained once the form is submitted

Important Guidelines for UPSC Exam Centre 2026

Candidates must adhere to the UPSC exam centres 2026 rules to avoid disqualification. Key UPSC exam centre guidelines 2026 include:

• Mandatory Authentication: All candidates must undergo face authentication and frisking at the venue.

• Prohibited Items: Mobile phones (even if switched off), smartwatches, pen drives, and Bluetooth devices are strictly banned.

• Entry Policy: Entry to the exam hall closes 30 minutes before the session starts; late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.

• Identification: Candidates must carry the same Photo ID card (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN) used during registration

Common Mistakes To Avoid

To ensure a smooth experience at your UPSC exam centres 2026, avoid these pitfalls:

1. Waiting Until the Last Date: Delaying your application might result in your preferred UPSC exam centre cities 2026 being filled up.

2. Incorrect ID Details: Providing ID details that do not match the physical card you carry to the centre can lead to entry denial.

3. Attempting to Change Centres: Many students look for a UPSC exam centre correction window 2026, but the commission does not provide one for centre changes.