UPSC Exam Timing 2026 - Know CSE Prelims Exam Day Guidelines
Union Public Service Commission has commenced the UPSC IAS prelims exam 2026 today, May 24, 2026. The UPSC IAS 2026 exam is conducted in two shifts, morning and afternoon. Candidates must make sure they reach the exam centre well before the UPSC exam timings today.
The commission also releases the UPSC exam time table on the official website and the guidelines to follow. Candidates must strictly follow the UPSC pre exam time and guidelines for a smooth exam experience. The UPSC admit card 2026 must be carried to the exam hall along with a Photo ID. Go through the article below to know the UPSC prelims 2026 timings and guidelines.
UPSC CSE exam date 2026 and Time
The UPSC pre timing and exam date is determined by the commission. Candidates must reach the UPSC IAS exam centre 2026 30 to 45 minutes before the gate closes to undergo biometric verification. In the table below, candidates can view UPSC prelims timings clearly.
UPSC Exam Timings Today
Date | Subject | Timings | Gate closing time |
May 24, 2026 | GS Paper I | 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 9:00 AM |
May 24, 2026 | GS Paper II | 2:30 PM to 4: 30 PM | 2:00 PM |
It is mandatory for candidates to clear both the papers. They must also make sure they score at least 33 % in the GS Paper II.
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UPSC Prelims Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates can view the detailed UPSC Prelims exam day guidelines on the official website or while downloading the admit card. The UPSC IAS guidelines are as follows -
Candidates must take a printout of the downloaded UPSC IAS prelims 2026 admit card. No physical copy will be sent.
Candidates must carry a Photo ID to the UPSC IAS exam centre whose number is printed in the admit card.
If the candidate’s photo is not clear in the UPSC 2026 admit card, they have to take a 2 passport size photograph for verification.
No digital gadgets are allowed in the examination.
The candidate is responsible for his/her belongings.
A black ball point pen must be carried to the exam centre.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UPSC prelims time duration is 2 hours for each paper.
Yes, the UPSC prelims admit card 2026 must be preserved until the selection process is complete.
No, every venue does not provide any lockers to keep the candidate’s belongings.
Questions related to UPSC CSE
On Question asked by student community
Dear Student, you are actually at a good stage to start preparing for your IAS goal. For now, focus on doing well in Class 12 while developing a habit of reading newspapers, understanding current affairs and strengthening subjects such as History, Geography, Polity and Economics. After school, you can choose
Hello Aspirant,
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, you can choose any stream like Arts, Humanities, Science, or Commerce, because UPSC does not require a particular stream in Classes 11–12.
However, Humanities and Arts can be a practical choice because subjects such as Political Science, History, Geography,
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Hello there!
That’s a wonderful and ambitious goal! Becoming an IAS officer requires clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
You can start by building a strong foundation in NCERTs (Classes 6–12), current affairs, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy and basic answer-writing. After graduation, you can appear for UPSC CSE, provided
Dear Student,
IAS banne ke liye aapko UPSC exam pass karni hogi. Iss exam ke main stages hai: Prelims, Mains aur Personality Test.
Check : How to Become a IAS Officer