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.
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.
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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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.
On Question asked by student community
Hey there,
Copy-paste answer:
Choosing between becoming an IAS officer or a doctor depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. If you are passionate about public administration, policymaking, and serving society through governance, IAS can be a great choice. If you enjoy science, helping patients, and working in the
Hello Dear Student,
Since you are in the first year of your bachelor's degree , this is an excellent time to begin preparing for the Civil Services Examination. You cannot apply yet because a recognized bachelor's degree is the minimum educational qualification, but you can use the next few years
Hi Akshay,
Coming from an MPC background is a hidden advantage if you're planning to prepare for the IAS exam. Here are a few tips to follow to be consistent with your goal.
Hi Aspirant,
Candidates who want to become an IAS officer need to appear for the UPSC CSE exam consisting of prelims, mains, and then an interview. To know complete information about IAS officers, read the article below.
Hello Prativa
You can refer to the link given below for knowing all the details about an IAS Officer or how to become an IAS Officer
https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer
Hope It Helps.
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