What time does the UPSC Prelims gate close tomorrow?

Morning shift gate closes at 9:00 AM sharp. Afternoon shift at 2:00 PM. No late entry allowed. Reach by 8:30 AM.

Can I carry my phone to UPSC Prelims?

No. Leave your mobile phone at HOME — not in your bag or vehicle. All electronic devices including smartwatches are strictly banned. No safe storage at centres.

What pen should I use for UPSC Prelims OMR?

Black ballpoint pen only. Not blue, not gel pen, not pencil. Carry 2-3 black ballpoint pens.

What is CSAT qualifying marks?

33% — which is 66 out of 200 marks. CSAT is qualifying only. Only Paper I marks count for merit and cutoff.

How many questions should I attempt in Paper I?

Target 65-75 questions with high accuracy (80%+). Each wrong answer costs 0.67 marks. Don't attempt all 100 unless you're confident.

EXAM2026-05-23• By Ash K.

UPSC Prelims 2026 TOMORROW — Final Exam Day Guidelines, Gate Closes 9 AM, What to Carry

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is TOMORROW — Sunday, May 24, 2026. Over 13 lakh candidates will appear for 933 IAS/IPS/IFS posts across exam centres in India.

Detail	Information
Exam Date	May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
Paper I (GS)	9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Paper II (CSAT)	2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Gate Closes	Morning: 9:00 AM \| Afternoon: 2:00 PM
Reach Centre By	8:30 AM (30 min before gate close)
Total Posts	933 (IAS/IPS/IFS + other services)
Candidates	13+ lakh
Paper I	100 MCQs × 2 marks = 200 marks
Paper II	80 MCQs × 2.5 marks = 200 marks
Negative Marking	1/3 of allotted marks per wrong answer
CSAT Qualifying	33% (66/200)
Pen	Black ballpoint pen ONLY
BANNED Items	Mobile, smartwatch, calculator, Bluetooth, bags

TONIGHT CHECKLIST (do these NOW): (1) Print 2 copies of admit card. (2) Keep original photo ID ready — same as on admit card. (3) Pack: 2-3 black ballpoint pens, transparent water bottle, analog watch, light lunch for between papers. (4) Set 2 alarms for 6:30 AM. (5) Sleep by 10 PM. No studying after this point.

Gate timing is strict: Morning shift gate closes at 9:00 AM. Afternoon shift gate closes at 2:00 PM. Late entry is NOT allowed under any circumstances — even 1 minute late means you miss the exam. Plan for traffic, rain, or any delays. Reach by 8:30 AM.

What to carry: Printed admit card (2 copies). Original photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Passport — whichever is mentioned on admit card). Black ballpoint pen (2-3 pens). Transparent water bottle. Analog watch. Light snack/lunch for between papers.

What NOT to carry: Mobile phone — leave it at HOME, not in your bag. Smartwatch, fitness band. Calculator. Bluetooth earpiece. Books, notes, loose papers. Any electronic device. Bags (some centres don't allow). Exam centres have NO safe storage.

Paper I approach: You have 120 minutes for 100 questions. First pass (60 min) — attempt only questions you're sure about. Second pass (40 min) — attempt where you can eliminate 2+ options. Final 20 min — review OMR sheet. Target: 65-75 attempts with 80%+ accuracy.

Between papers: Don't discuss Paper I answers — it changes nothing and kills confidence. Eat lunch. Rest 30 minutes. Light CSAT formula revision if needed. CSAT needs 33% (66/200) — focus on reading comprehension first.

For full UPSC preparation resources, check our UPSC CSE exam guide.

🔗 Official Links

→ UPSC — Admit Card Download → UPSC Official Website

⚠️EXAM TOMORROW — Sleep Now, Study Later

Stop studying NOW. Pack your admit card, ID, and pens. Set 2 alarms. Eat light dinner. Sleep by 10 PM. Reach centre by 8:30 AM. Gate closes 9:00 AM — no exceptions. Good luck.

UPSC Prelims 2026 TOMORROW — Final Exam Day Guidelines, Gate Closes 9 AM, What to Carry

❓Frequently asked questions