UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Dress Code and Exam Day Guidelines Released

Published: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 10:06 [IST]

The Union Public Service Commission is conducting the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE) 2026 today across examination centres nationwide. More than 8 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the prestigious recruitment examination conducted for services including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central civil services.

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Dress Code & Exam Guidelines

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Dress Code and Exam Day Guidelines Released

Ahead of the examination, the Union Public Service Commission has issued detailed instructions regarding dress code, reporting time, mandatory documents, and prohibited items for candidates appearing in the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026.

Candidates must carry:

Printed UPSC e-Admit Card
Valid photo identity proof
Black ballpoint pen

Candidates can download the admit card through the official website - UPSC Official Website.

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Exam Timings

The examination will be conducted in two shifts:

General Studies (Paper I): 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
CSAT (Paper II): 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Candidates have been instructed to reach their examination centres at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. The commission has clarified that entry to the examination venue will close 10 minutes after the start of the examination.

UPSC Dress Code 2026

Candidates are advised to wear:

Simple and comfortable clothes
Light-coloured outfits
Slippers or simple sandals

Candidates should avoid:

Heavy jewellery
Smart watches
Shoes with thick soles
Metallic accessories
Caps, scarves, or unnecessary accessories

The dress code guidelines are aimed at ensuring smooth frisking and security procedures at examination centres.

Items Prohibited Inside UPSC Exam Centres

Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying:

Mobile phones
Bluetooth devices
Earphones
Calculators
Smart watches
Electronic gadgets
Notes or study materials

Possession of prohibited items may lead to cancellation of candidature or disciplinary action.

Important Exam Day Guidelines

The Union Public Service Commission has advised candidates to:

Visit the examination centre beforehand
Carry only essential documents
Use black ballpoint pen only
Follow invigilator instructions carefully
Preserve admit card till final recruitment process

Candidates must ensure that the photograph and details on the admit card are clearly visible.

Documents Required

Candidates should carry one original photo ID proof such as:

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Passport
Voter ID
Driving Licence

Without valid identity proof and admit card, candidates will not be permitted to appear for the examination.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination remains one of India's most competitive recruitment examinations, opening pathways to prestigious administrative and civil service positions. Candidates are advised to stay calm, follow all instructions carefully, and report to the centre on time for smooth conduct of the examination.