UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026 indicate crucial information on the schedule of the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026  which is tentatively scheduled for May 24, 2026, across 80 exam centres. Based on the previous year UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026 will be from 9: 30 AM to 4:30 PM.

All candidates will be required to report 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination following which gates will be closed. This means that UPSC Prelims entry time or actual exam timings will start from 9 AM onwards. Find session-wise UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026 here!

UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026

UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 is divided into two parts, GS Paper I and GS Paper II, also known as CSAT. Both GS Paper I and GS Paper II (CSAT) of UPSC Prelims are held on the same day in two separate sessions. The GS Paper I is held in the morning shift, while the GS Paper II (CSAT) is held in the afternoon shift. 

The UPSC Prelims exam 2026 takes place in two sessions, each lasting two hours, with a gap of three hours between the two sessions. The morning session is held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for the General Studies Paper I, while the afternoon session is held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM for the General Studies Paper II (CSAT).

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Here are the UPSC Prelims exam timings 2026 for GS Paper I and CSAT:

UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026

UPSC Prelims Calendar 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the tentative schedule for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026. Below are the UPSC Prelims Calendar 2026:

UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 Schedule 

The UPSC Prelims 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026 in two shifts at 80 exam centres. UPSC will soon release the Prelims admit cards having details of exam timings indicating reporting time/entry time and gate closing time. Candidates must strictly adhere to these timelines otherwise they won’t get entry to the exam hall. 

The UPSC Prelims 2026 schedule is as follows:

The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 will be conducted in a strictly timed environment. Candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall after the commencement of the test. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the exact start and end times and to reach the venue well in advance. Both papers are mandatory, and qualifying for the CSAT paper is essential to have the GS Paper I evaluated.

UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2026

UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2026 informs candidates about the time during which they are allowed entry inside the examination hall. According to new guidelines (issued in 2024), the gates of UPSC and the gates of Prelims exam centres will be closed 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam for both shifts. 

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This means in the morning shift, the gate closes at 9:00 AM, as the UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Exam commences at 9:30 AM, and for the afternoon shift, the gate closes at 2:00 PM, as the UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) Exam begins at 2:30 PM. 

The UPSC candidates appearing for the UPSC Prelims Exam need to report to the Exam Centre before the closing of the gate, as they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall after the closing of the gate.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Previous Years Papers And Solutions

UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings 2026

Being familiar with UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings 2026 is crucial if you are planning to appear for the exam this year. It will help you plan the day in advance and avoid any unnecessary stress or last-minute confusion. Knowing the exact timing of each paper ensures that you reach the examination center on time and complete all formalities without hassle.

Here is tentative UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings 2026 based on previous year:

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Indian Forest Service Prelims Exam Timings 2026

The Indian Forest Service Prelims Exam Timings 2026 is the same as the UPSC IAS Prelims exam, consisting of the General Studies Paper-I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper-II. While the Preliminary exam is common for both Indian Forest Service (IFoS) and IAS however the Main exam and interview stages for the IFoS are separate from those for the IAS, with the IFoS Mains. Both services are part of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The main exams of the two are not conducted altogether. Candidates must have to apply for their choice of exam separately. Also, the candidates have to choose only one optional for CSE whereas IFoS has a provision of selecting two optionals.

Indian Forest Service Prelims Exam Timings 2026 Here;

How Knowing UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026 Will Help?

Knowing the UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026 can significantly improve your exam day strategy. It helps:

• Ensures timely arrival and avoids entry denial

• Helps plan travel, question paper strategy, and breaks effectively

• Reduces stress by removing last-minute confusion.

• Aids in aligning mock tests with actual exam hours.

• Supports better revision and time management between papers.

• Follow rules set by the Union Public Service Commission on the exam day.

UPSC Prelims Timing Guidelines 2026

To ensure a smooth and stress-free examination day, UPSC has outlined specific timing-related guidelines that all candidates must follow. Adhering to these will help avoid last-minute confusion or disqualification. Here are the key timing-related guidelines for UPSC Prelims 2026:

• Reach the Venue Early: Candidates should aim to reach their exam centre at least 60–90 minutes before the scheduled start time. This helps in completing security checks and finding your designated seat without any rush.

• No Entry After Gate Closure: As per UPSC norms, entry to the examination centre closes 10 minutes before the scheduled start of each session. That means no entry after 9:20 AM for Paper I and after 2:20 PM for Paper II.

• Document Verification: Carry your admit card along with a valid government-issued ID proof (such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport). Without these, entry will not be allowed.

• Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Keep a buffer for potential delays caused by traffic congestion, weather issues, or public transport challenges.

• Prohibited Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, or any electronic gadgets. These are strictly banned inside the exam premises, even if switched off.

• Minimalist Dress Code: Wear plain, simple clothes without any metallic accessories or large buttons. Candidates are advised to avoid wearing jewellery, smart accessories, or shoes with thick soles.

• Follow Invigilator Instructions: Arrive early enough to listen carefully to the instructions provided by the invigilators. These briefings are essential and contain useful information for filling out OMR sheets and other administrative details.

Also Read: What to carry in UPSC Prelims Exam Centre

By adhering to these UPSC Prelims timing guidelines, candidates can maintain focus and perform with confidence. Punctuality and preparedness are crucial on the examination day to ensure that your months of preparation are well-reflected in your performance.

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