The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued important instructions for candidates appearing for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, scheduled to be held on August 21, 22, 23, 29 and 30. The examination will be conducted in two shifts, with the morning session from 9 am to 12 noon and the afternoon session from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

According to the instructions, candidates must carry two recent passport-sized photographs for each session of the examination. The Commission has also made face authentication mandatory for all candidates at the examination venue as part of the identity verification process.

Candidates may be required to fill out an undertaking provided by the venue supervisor in case of failure, discrepancy or error during face authentication. The undertaking may also be required if a candidate fails to produce the original identity proof mentioned in the e-Admit Card or faces any other unforeseen issue at the examination centre.

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The UPSC has strictly prohibited candidates from carrying mobile phones, pagers, smartwatches, cameras, Bluetooth devices, programmable devices, storage media such as pen drives and other electronic equipment capable of communication. The restriction applies whether such devices are switched on or off, and violations may lead to disciplinary action, including a ban from appearing in future examinations.

Candidates have also been advised not to carry valuables, costly items, books, bags or other unnecessary belongings to the examination venue. The Commission has clarified that no arrangement will be made for safekeeping of prohibited or valuable items and it will not be responsible for any loss.

Candidates must reach their examination venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of each session. This additional time is required for face authentication, identity verification and frisking. The Commission has made it clear that no candidate will be permitted to enter the examination venue after the examination has commenced under any circumstances.

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