UPSC Prelims Exam Shift Timings 2026: Check GS Paper 1 & CSAT Schedule
UPSC Prelims 2026: The UPSC will conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination for GS Paper 1 and CSAT tomorrow, on 24 May 2026 in two shifts. The candidates who are going to appear for the exam must download their admit card from the official website of UPSC. Check this article to know the exam timings and schedule.
Key Points
- UPSC Prelims 2026 is on May 24, 2026; download admit cards from upsc.gov.in.
- Exam in two shifts: GS (9:30-11:30 am), CSAT (2:30-4:30 pm); report 1 hour prior.
- Exam is offline (paper-pen & OMR); carry admit card & ID; no prohibited items.
UPSC Prelims 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is going to conduct the UPSC Prelims 2026 tomorrow, on 24 May 2026. The candidates who have applied for the UPSC Prelims 2026 must download their admit cards from the UPSC’s official website- upsc.gov.in. The admit card is available in a pdf format. The admit card is an essential document as there will be no entry in the examination hall without it. The UPSC Prelims exam includes two papers:
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Paper I: General Studies
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Paper II: CSAT
UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Shift Timings
The UPSC will conduct the Prelims exam in two shifts, where GS paper will be conducted in Shift 1 and CSAT will be held in shift 2. Candidates who are appearing for the examination can check the detailed schedule in the table below:
| Paper/Shift | Shift Timings |
| General Studies (Shift I) | 09:30 am - 11:30 am |
| CSAT (Shift II) | 02:30 pm - 04:30 pm |
UPSC Prelims 2026 Reporting Time
Candidates are advised to reach the exam venue at least 1 hour before the exam starts. Reaching the examination centre early is suggested to avoid last minute hassles and to easily go through all the security checks and formalities that are being conducted at the examination centre.
| Paper | Exam Time | Reporting Time |
| Paper I | 09:30 am - 11:30 am | 08:30 am |
| Paper II | 02:30 pm - 04:30 pm | 01:30 pm |
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Exam Mode
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted in Offline mode (Paper-Pen & OMR). Candidates will mark their answers on an OMR answer sheet provided at the test centre. The exam consists of objective-type questions and will be held for 2 hours duration for each paper.
ALSO CHECK:
UPSC Prelims 2026 Instructions for Candidates
Aspirants appearing in the UPSC Prelims 2026 must follow these important instructions:
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Download the admit card from the official UPSC website before the exam day.
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Carry a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.) to the exam centre.
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Reach the reporting area well before the time mentioned on the admit card.
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Do not carry prohibited items like mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, or study material inside the exam hall.
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Follow all centrepiece and safety rules strictly as instructed by the exam invigilators.
Upasna is an education journalist and subject matter expert with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape. Currently contributing to the Exam Prep Section of Jagran Josh, Upasna specializes in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations. Her academic expertise, coupled with her own firsthand experience preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, helps her provide strategic preparation insights and a comprehensive perspective to aspirants. She holds a Master's degree in Forensic Chemical Sciences. Apart from delivering valuable exam resources, Upasna is a passionate communications professional who also enjoys reading and writing.
