What to Carry to UPSC Prelims Exam Centre 2026? Allowed & Prohibited Items List

What to carry to UPSC Prelims exam centre and what not to are the common questions the aspirants ask to appear for the exam. UPSC Prelims 2026 is set to be held on 24 May 2026, for which the Union Public Service Commission has mentioned the list of things that are strictly prohibited at the exam centre in the UPSC Prelims admit card.

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UPSC Prelims Exam 2026

The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 is the first stage of the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026 (Sunday) across various exam centres in India.

Lakhs of aspirants from across the country will appear for this highly competitive exam with the goal of securing a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Central Services.

Candidates who clear the Prelims cutoff will be eligible to appear for the UPSC Mains 2026, tentatively scheduled to begin from August 21, 2026. The IAS Prelims exam will be conducted in two shifts:

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Things to Carry for UPSC Prelims Exam 

1. Admit Card: This is the most important document for the Prelims exam; otherwise, you will not be allowed entry to the exam hall. Make sure you have both the original and an extra copy of your UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2026.
2. Photo ID: Carry a valid photo ID that is approved by UPSC, such as Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter’s ID Card, etc.
3. Black Ballpoint Pen: UPSC mandates the use of a black ballpoint pen only for filling out OMR sheets of the GS and CSAT question booklets.
4. Passport Size Photographs: As per UPSC guidelines, carry two passport-size photographs for verification purposes. The photographs must be the same as uploaded in the application form.
5. Optional Items: You may also carry a pencil for rough work and a transparent water bottle.

Prohibited Items at UPSC Prelims Exam Centres

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Do’s and Don’ts at UPSC Prelims Exam Centres 

Do’s at UPSC Prelims exam centres include the following:

• Arrive at the UPSC Prelims exam centre well before the reporting time.
• Double-check all your documents, such as your UPSC Prelims admit card, before leaving for the exam centre.
• Follow directions given by the exam invigilators at the designated exam centre.
• Maintain silence during the UPSC Prelims exam.
• Cross-check the question booklet and OMR sheet and inform the invigilator about any torn pages or other issues.

Check UPSC Prelims Exam Day Instructions 2026 Here

Adhere to these don’ts at UPSC Prelims exam centres: 

• Don’t be late for the exam centre in both sessions.
• Don’t carry any prohibited items, such as mobile phones, inside the exam hall.
• Don’t wear a digital or smartwatch, which is not allowed.
• Don’t carry a bag or notes inside the exam centre for UPSC Prelims.
• Don’t indulge in any form of malpractice, such as cheating during the exam.