UPSC Exam Centres 2026: List, Allocation Rules and Guidelines

UPSC exam centres 2026 play a crucial role in a candidate’s journey, as choosing the right location can significantly impact travel logistics and comfort during the grueling examination days. With the official UPSC 2026 Notification released on February 4, 2026, aspirants can now select their preferred cities through the online application portal at @upsconline.nic.in.

UPSC Exam Centres 2026 List (Preliminary and Mains)

The Union Public Service Commission has released separate lists for the Preliminary and Mains examination centers. While the UPSC prelims exam centres 2026 are spread across many major and smaller cities to ensure accessibility, the UPSC mains exam centres 2026 are restricted to state capitals and a few other key hubs.

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UPSC Prelims Exam Centres 2026

The Preliminary examination will be conducted in approximately 80 cities across India. Below is a representative UPSC exam centre city wise list 2026 based on the official notification:

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UPSC Mains Exam Centres 2026

UPSC mains exam centres 2026 are fewer in number compared to the Prelims, focusing on major administrative centers:

Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Raipur, Ranchi, Shillong, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram, and Vijayawada.

UPSC Exam Centre Allocation 2026: The “First-Apply-First-Allot” Rule

Understanding the UPSC exam centre allocation 2026 is vital for every applicant. UPSC follows a strict “First-Apply-First-Allot” mechanism for all centers except for Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur.

• Capacity Limits: Each city has a ceiling on the number of candidates it can accommodate.
• Frozen Centres: Once the capacity of a particular UPSC exam centre state wise list 2026 city is exhausted, it will be frozen and no longer selectable in the application menu.
• Recommendation: Candidates are advised to apply as early as possible after the notification release to secure their nearest exam centre 2026.

UPSC Exam Centre Change Process 2026 and  Correction Window

Many candidates ask about the UPSC exam centre change process 2026. Generally, once a center is allotted, it cannot be changed under normal circumstances.

However, the commission usually provides a UPSC exam centre correction window 2026 for a limited period after the application deadline (February 24, 2026). During this window, candidates may be able to edit certain fields, though the availability of centers remains subject to the “First-Apply-First-Allot” rule. It is important to note that you cannot change your center once the admit cards are issued.

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UPSC Exam Centres 2026 Rules and Guidelines

Adhering to the upsc exam centres 2026 rules is mandatory to avoid disqualification. Key UPSC exam centre guidelines 2026 include:

• Reporting Time: Candidates must reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. Entry is strictly regulated.
• Prohibited Items: Mobile phones (even in switched-off mode), smartwatches, calculators (except for specific optional papers in Mains), and any other electronic communication devices are strictly banned.
• Mandatory Documents: You must carry your printed e-Admit Card along with the original Photo ID card whose number is mentioned in your application.
• Verification: Every candidate must undergo face verification, identity checks, and frisking at the center.

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