UPSC Prelims 2026 Tomorrow: Dress code, time, metro timings and important guidelines

Candidates appearing for the exam must carry their admit card and follow the prescribed guidelines to avoid any last-minute inconvenience at the examination centre.

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 on Sunday, May 24, in two shifts across the country. Candidates appearing for the exam must carry their admit card and follow the prescribed guidelines to avoid any last-minute inconvenience at the examination centre.

UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Timings

The examination will be conducted in two sessions:

• Morning Shift: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Candidates are advised to reach the examination centre well before the reporting time, as late entry may not be permitted.

• Reporting Time for Candidates
• Morning Session Reporting Time: By 9:00 AM
• Afternoon Session Reporting Time: By 2:00 PM

Officials have advised aspirants to arrive at least 30 minutes to one hour early to complete verification and security checks smoothly.

Documents to Carry

Candidates must carry:

UPSC Prelims admit card

A valid government-issued photo ID such as:

• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport or Driving Licence

Without the admit card and valid ID proof, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.

• Dress Code and Guidelines
• For Male Candidates
• Wear simple casual clothing such as trousers, pants or jeans
• Prefer slippers or sandals instead of shoes
• Avoid caps, mufflers or any head coverings
• For Female Candidates
• Wear simple leggings or trousers
• Choose sandals or slippers instead of shoes
• Avoid carrying handbags or purses
• Avoid applying mehendi on hands
• Items Strictly Prohibited

Candidates must not carry:

• Mobile phones
• Smartwatches
• Bluetooth devices
• Earphones
• Pagers or any electronic gadgets

Authorities have clarified that no storage facility will be provided at exam centres. Any prohibited item brought to the venue will have to be kept outside at the candidate’s own risk.

Delhi Metro to Start Services Early

To assist candidates travelling for the examination, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will begin metro services from 6:00 AM on Sunday across all lines.

Early services will also operate on:

• Pink Line (Line 7)
• Magenta Line (Line 8)
• Grey Line (Line 9)

The move is aimed at ensuring smooth travel arrangements for candidates appearing in the UPSC Prelims examination.

For further details and official updates, candidates can visit UPSC Official Website