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UPSC Prelims 2026: Significant news has surfaced for students preparing for the UPSC exams. It has been announced that the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted on May 24. Additionally, the Commission has recently released the UPSC Prelims admit cards on its official website. All candidates are strongly advised to carry a printed copy of their admit card with them to the examination center. No candidate will be granted entry into the exam hall without a valid admit card. Furthermore, students are urged to carefully read all rules and instructions related to the examination to ensure that they are not debarred from the exam due to any inadvertent error.

What items are permitted inside the exam hall?

The UPSC has issued clear instructions stating that only a limited number of items are permitted inside the exam hall. Candidates are allowed to carry only a plain clipboard or hardboard—provided it bears no writing or markings—into the hall. Additionally, only one black ballpoint pen is permitted, as this is the only instrument allowed for marking answers. At the examination center, candidates will be provided with rough sheets directly by the invigilator. This implies that there is no need for you to bring any paper or notes from outside. Adherence to the rules during the examination is crucial, as even a minor oversight could lead to complications.

Which items are strictly prohibited?

The UPSC has placed a complete ban on several items within the exam hall. Candidates are strictly forbidden from carrying books, notes, loose sheets of paper, or any form of written material. Furthermore, there is a strict prohibition on calculators, electronic devices, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, pagers, or any other type of communication device. Even maps, logarithm tables, slide rules, or any drawing instruments are not permitted inside the examination hall. If any student violates these rules, strict action may be taken against them, and they could even be barred from appearing in future examinations. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to exercise utmost caution during the exam.

Marking Scheme and Essential Advice for Students

In the UPSC Prelims, there is negative marking for every incorrect answer. The General Studies paper consists of a total of 100 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks. If an answer is incorrect, one-third of the marks—i.e., 0.33 marks—are deducted. Furthermore, if more than one answer is provided for a single question, it is also treated as an incorrect response. Therefore, it is crucial to answer only after careful consideration. The Commission has also advised candidates to use only black ballpoint pens. Students should refrain from panicking; instead, they should prepare with a calm mind and attempt the examination while strictly adhering to the prescribed rules. A sound strategy combined with self-confidence is the key to success.