The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 began nationwide on May 24, with 8,19,372 candidates competing for 933 vacancies. Conducted in two sessions, the exam is being held under strict security, including CCTV surveillance and jammers, with new centres added in Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut (Pics/PTI)
Updated On: 2026-05-24 11:52 AM IST
Compiled by : Tarun Verma
A total of 8,19,372 candidates have enrolled for UPSC CSE 2026 for approximately 933 positions. The preliminary examination for UPSC CSE is being held in two sessions across the country
The General Studies Paper I commenced at 9:30 a.m., while the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II will be conducted in the afternoon
Tight security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance, jammers and intensive checking, have been put in place to ensure smooth and fair conduct of the examination
Candidates arrived at a their respective exam center's for the examination and expressed hope to do well in the examination
In an effort to decongest examination centres for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2026, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced three new examination centres at Bhubaneswar, Kanpur, and Meerut
As per the official statement from UPSC, the total number of centres for the Preliminary Examination has increased from 80 to 83
