UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Today: Exam Day Instructions, List Of Allowed And Banned Items Inside Premises

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 today, May 25. Candidates appearing for the examination must adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the commission and ensure that only permitted items are brought into the exam premises.

Admit cards for the preliminary examination were released earlier this month and are available for download at the official websites — upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in. The commission has instructed candidates to retain their admit cards until the final results of the examination are announced.

Exam Day Instructions

Candidates must carry a printed copy of their e-admit card to the examination centre. Entry without the printed admit card will not be permitted. Along with the admit card, a valid photo identity proof — the number of which should match the one mentioned in the admit card — is mandatory.

In cases where the photograph on the admit card is unclear or lacks a name and date, candidates must bring a valid photo ID, two passport-size photographs (with the candidate's name and the date printed on them), and an undertaking. One photograph is required for each session of the examination.

Entry to the exam premises will be allowed up to 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam — until 9:00 AM for the forenoon session and 2:00 PM for the afternoon session. No candidate will be allowed entry after the gates are closed.

Candidates are required to use a black ballpoint pen to fill in the OMR answer sheets and the attendance list. Only simple wristwatches are allowed inside the examination hall.

List of Allowed Items Inside Exam Premises

  • Printed copy of the e-admit card

  • Valid photo identity card

  • Black ballpoint pen

  • Pencil

  • Passport-size photographs (if applicable)

  • Signed undertaking (if applicable)

  • Simple (non-digital) wristwatch

List of Banned Items Inside Exam Premises

  • Mobile phones (even if switched off)

  • Smartwatches or digital watches

  • Bluetooth devices, earphones, and other electronic gadgets

  • Notes, books, papers, or any study material

  • Bags, luggage, purses, or valuables

  • Any communication devices or unauthorized material

Candidates are advised not to bring any banned items, as the examination centres will not make any arrangements for their safekeeping. Possession or use of such items, even if switched off, will lead to disciplinary action. This may include cancellation of candidature, filing of a police complaint (FIR), and debarment from future UPSC examinations.

Candidates must verify that all details on the admit card — including name, photograph, and QR code — are correct. Any discrepancies should be reported to the commission immediately.

Further details are available on the official UPSC websites, upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in.

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