UPSC Prelims May 24: Strict Exam Rules, Prohibited Items, Marking Scheme Clarified

The Union Public Service Commission is set to conduct the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 on May 24, with the commission issuing detailed exam-day instructions, prohibited item guidelines, and marking scheme rules for candidates appearing in one of India’s most competitive examinations. The UPSC has already released the admit cards on its official portal, and candidates have been advised to carefully read all instructions before arriving at their examination centers.

The commission has instructed candidates to carry a printed hard copy of their admit card along with valid photo identification to the examination venue. Candidates must ensure that the details on the admit card are clearly visible and should reach the center well before reporting time to complete verification procedures smoothly. Entry into the examination hall may be denied to those arriving late or failing to produce the required documents.

According to UPSC guidelines, candidates are permitted to carry only essential items inside the examination hall. These include the admit card, a valid photo ID, passport-size photographs if required, and black ballpoint pens for marking answers on the OMR sheet. The commission has specifically instructed candidates to use only black ballpoint pens while filling out response sheets, warning that the use of pencils or colored pens may lead to issues during evaluation.

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The commission has also issued a strict list of prohibited items that are not allowed inside the examination center under any circumstances. Electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, digital pens, cameras, and other communication devices, are completely banned. Candidates are also prohibited from carrying study material, written notes, books, loose papers, bags, or any unfair means-related material into the exam hall. The UPSC warned that possession of such items may lead to cancellation of candidature and disciplinary action.

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers — General Studies Paper I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The commission follows a negative marking system in the examination. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. Candidates have been advised to mark responses carefully on the OMR sheet and avoid overwriting or making stray marks that could affect evaluation.

The commission further instructed candidates to strictly follow invigilator directions during the examination process. Candidates found violating exam rules, attempting unfair practices, or causing disturbances inside the examination center may face immediate disqualification. The UPSC has emphasized that adherence to exam-day protocols is essential to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process for all aspirants appearing in the prestigious civil services examination.

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