Archive · 21 Aug 2026
UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 Begins With Key Guidelines
The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination starts at 9 a.m.
today.
The first paper is the Essay paper.
Today, students will write the exam until noon.
On some later dates, there will be both morning and afternoon sessions.
Students must bring two recent passport photos for every session.
Everyone must complete face authentication at the exam centre.
They must also bring the original identification document listed on their admit card.
Phones, smartwatches, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed, even if they are switched off.
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 begins at 9 a.m. with Paper I, the Essay paper.
Today’s examination will be held in one shift from 9 a.m. to noon.
Exams on August 22, 23, 29 and 30 will take place in two shifts.
Candidates must carry two recent passport-sized photographs for each examination session.
Face authentication is mandatory, while phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices are prohibited.
- Who
- Candidates appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026.
- What
- The examination begins with Paper I, the Essay paper, alongside requirements for photographs, face authentication and original identification.
- When
- The exam begins at 9 a.m. today; later examinations on August 22, 23, 29 and 30 will have two shifts.
- Where
- At the designated UPSC examination centres.
- Why
- To conduct the Civil Services Main Examination under the commission’s identification and security requirements.
- Exam
- UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026
- Opening paper
- Paper I: Essay
- Today’s schedule
- 9 a.m. to noon, single shift
- Two-shift dates
- August 22, 23, 29 and 30
- Required photographs
- Two recent passport-sized photographs for each session
- Authentication
- Face authentication is required at the examination venue
- Prohibited items
- Mobile phones, pagers, smartwatches, cameras, Bluetooth devices and other communication equipment