UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026: Essay Paper Begins Today, Key Guidelines for Candidates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will begin the Civil Services Main Examination 2026 today with Paper-I (Essay). The exam is scheduled from 9 AM to 12 noon in a single shift. According to the official schedule, the examination will be held in two shifts on August 22, 23, 29 and 30 — the first from 9 AM to 12 noon and the second from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

UPSC has issued a set of guidelines that all candidates must follow at the examination centre. Candidates are advised to carry two recent passport-sized photographs for each session of the examination. These photographs may be required for identification purposes or for the undertaking form that must be filled out in case of any discrepancy.

The Commission has made face authentication mandatory for all candidates at the examination venue. If there is a failure, discrepancy or error in face authentication, or if a candidate fails to produce the original photo ID mentioned in the e-Admit Card, the candidate may be asked to fill out an undertaking provided by the venue supervisor. This undertaking must be supported by the candidate's photograph.

Strict restrictions on electronic devices are in place. The use of mobile phones, pagers, electronic equipment, programmable devices, storage media such as pen drives, smartwatches, cameras, Bluetooth devices, or any other communication-related equipment is strictly prohibited at the examination centre. This applies whether the device is switched on or off. Possession of such items can lead to disqualification.

The Civil Services Mains examination is the second stage of the three-stage selection process for prestigious government services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary examination appear for the Mains, which consists of written papers followed by a personality test (interview).

The Mains syllabus includes an essay paper, four General Studies papers, and two optional subject papers. There are also two qualifying papers in English and an Indian language, the marks of which are not counted in the final merit list. The essay paper tests a candidate's ability to express ideas clearly and coherently on a given topic.

UPSC has urged candidates to carefully read the instructions on their e-Admit Card and follow all COVID-19 or other health protocols, if any, as specified. Candidates are advised to reach the examination centre well before the reporting time to complete the necessary formalities, including face authentication and document verification.

For the latest updates, candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website. This live article will be updated with new information as it becomes available from the Commission regarding the conduct of the examination, any changes in schedule, or important announcements for aspirants.