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UPSC Civil Services exam day checklist

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Reporting: Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before each session starts; no late entry under any circumstances.

Carry

e-Admit Card
Photo ID given in the application (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence or Govt photo ID)

Do not bring

Mobile phone, even switched off; pagers
Smart watches, cameras, Bluetooth devices, pen drives
Any electronic or communication device
Valuables, smart/digital watches, IT gadgets, books, bags (no safe-keeping)

Also remember

Face authentication at the venue is mandatory for all
Arrive early for identity verification and frisking
Scribe change can be requested up to 7 days before the exam

Source: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 notice No. 05/2026-CSE (paras 2.2, 8-11) (2-4). Your admit card’s own instructions come first if they differ.

The night before

Print the admit card and check your name, photo, date, shift and centre address against your ID.
Keep the original photo ID named on the admit card, and a second one in case of a mismatch.
Find the centre on a map and plan to arrive well before the reporting time: gates close on time.
Read the instructions printed on your own admit card: they are the final word for your exam.