UPSC Prelims Exam Dress Code 2025, What to Wear on Exam Day

UPSC Prelims Exam Dress Code 2025: The UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2025 is scheduled for May 25, 2025. It is high time that candidates should prepare a checklist for exam day, including necessary documents, exam center details, and appropriate attire. Although there is no specific exam-day dress code for the UPSC Prelims Exam 2025, candidates are advised to dress decently and consider the summer weather across the country.

This UPSC Prelims exam dress code can be inferred from exam day guidelines that mandate avoiding accessories or smartwatches. Find out the UPSC Prelims exam dress code for males and females here.

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UPSC Prelims Exam Dress Code 2025

UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 will be conducted on 25 May 2025 across the country. On this day, candidates will have to appear for the GS and CSAT papers in two shifts. While there is no official UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 dress code, candidates must be careful of their attire on the exam day.

Candidates should opt for comfortable, light-colored, and modest clothing on the UPSC Prelims exam day. It is essential to keep the weather in mind while deciding what to wear on the UPSC Prelims exam day. Female candidates should avoid wearing costly accessories or heels. The standard dress code that is generally accepted is casual attire with comfortable footwear.

General Dress Code Guidelines for UPSC Prelims 2025

Dress Code for UPSC Prelims Exam for Male

• Opt for formal or smart casual attire, such as a plain shirt or T-shirt paired with trousers or jeans.
• Avoid wearing smartwatches or any kind of smart wearable devices, as these are strictly prohibited by UPSC.
• Choose comfortable footwear like slippers or regular shoes. Avoid shoes with heavy soles or metallic parts to ease security checks.
• Refrain from wearing clothes with flashy prints, loud colors, or slogans, as they may attract unnecessary attention.

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Dress Code for UPSC Prelims Exam for Females

• Wear modest and comfortable attire such as a salwar kameez, saree, kurti with leggings, or a plain T-shirt with trousers.
• Avoid smartwatches or any kind of digital accessories, as well as expensive jewelry such as necklaces, bangles, or large earrings.
• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the exam day to stay comfortable during the test.
• In terms of footwear, avoid high heels or tight sandals. Choose easy-to-wear options like slippers, flats, or comfortable shoes.

Essential Exam Day Checklist for UPSC Prelims 2025

Before heading to the exam centre, candidates must ensure they have all the necessary items to avoid last-minute stress. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay organized and exam-ready:

• Admit Card: A Printed copy of the UPSC e-admit card (mandatory for entry)
• Photo ID Proof: Original and valid (Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.)
• Photographs: Two passport-sized photos (as backup)
• Black Ballpoint Pen: For marking answers on the OMR sheet
• Transparent Water Bottle: Allowed in most centers

Things to Avoid on UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 Day

While there is no specific UPSC Prelims exam dress code, candidates should be mindful of the fact that they are going to appear for an important exam. On exam day, it is essential to be at ease, so wear something that makes you comfortable. Here are some of the things you should avoid on the UPSC Prelims exam day:

• Fancy Dress: It is better to avoid wearing anything fancy that may distract you or others on the exam day by drawing unwanted attention.
• Costly Items: Candidates should refrain from carrying valuable or costly items, such as gold accessories, into the examination venue.
• Electronic Devices: Things such as mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, or any other programmable devices are strictly prohibited at the UPSC Prelims exam centres.
• Communication Devices: Accessories such as Bluetooth or any item that could potentially be used as a communication device are not permitted.