BHOPAL: More than 12,000 candidates appeared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 across 36 centres in Bhopal on Sunday. Entry for the morning session closed at 9 am, officials said.
Officials confirmed that 12,091 candidates took the exam at centres set up in government and private schools and colleges across the city. The exam was held in two shifts: 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Most centres accommodated 288 to 384 candidates, while larger venues had capacity for up to 576 candidates.
Candidates were required to report at least 30 minutes before the exam began, as per UPSC guidelines. Authorities did not allow entry after 9 am for the first session.
Admit cards and original photo identity documents were mandatory. Candidates with unclear photographs were asked to carry additional passport-size photographs.
Electronic devices, including mobile phones, smart watches and Bluetooth gadgets, were banned inside examination centres. Authorities warned of strict action against violations.
The UPSC will release a provisional answer key shortly after the prelims. Candidates can use it to estimate their probable scores.
Those who qualify in the prelims will appear for the Civil Services Main Examination, scheduled to begin on August 21, 2026. Officials said all security and logistical arrangements were completed to ensure smooth conduct of the exam.
 Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 across city.){kind=link}