Strict security, monitoring deployed at exam centers to ensure safe conduct of UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026

New Delhi: Candidates arrived at examination centres in Delhi on Saturday to appear for the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, which is being conducted in two sessions from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

In Lucknow, the second day of the examination saw thorough security screening protocols, with candidates permitted entry to examination centres only after undergoing strict verification. Police personnel have been deployed across centres to maintain security as crowds of candidates and guardians gathered outside the venues.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were in place at BhawNiketan College in Jaipur for the second day of the examination. Administrative officials and security personnel were deployed to review safety measures and ensure candidates could enter from 8:00 AM for a peaceful and orderly process.


The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is scheduled to take place across five days on August 21, 22, 23, 29, and 30.

The Union Public Service Commission conducted the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026, including the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination 2026, today, i.e., 24 May 2026, at 2,072 examination venues in 83 examination centres (cities) across the country. Out of a total of 8,19,732 candidates who had applied for the examination, nearly 5.49 lakh candidates, that is around 67 per cent, appeared for the examination, UPSC said on May 24.

This year, against 1016 vacancies notified for the Civil Services Examination, 2026, a total of 13,343 candidates have been shortlisted for the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026.