UPSC CSE Mains Admit Card 2026 Released: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the e-Admit Cards for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Candidates who qualified for the preliminary round can now access and download their hall tickets. The UPSC Mains 2026 examination is scheduled to take place over two consecutive weekends from August 21 to August 30, 2026.
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026: Key Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 |
| Admit Card Status | Released / Available for Download |
| Exam Dates | August 21, 22, 23, 29, and 30, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Descriptive Pen & Paper) |
How to Download UPSC Mains 2026 Admit Card
Candidates can download their e-Admit Card by following these simple steps:
- Access the Portal: Open the official UPSC examination portal.
- Locate the Link: Click on the link titled “e-Admit Card: Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026”.
- Choose Login Method: Select whether to log in using your Registration ID (RID) or Roll Number.
- Enter Credentials: Provide your Date of Birth, Registration ID/Roll Number, and the security captcha.
- Download & Print: Click “Submit” to view your admit card. Download the PDF and take a clear printout to carry to the examination hall.
UPSC Mains 2026 Exam Schedule and Timings
The examination will be conducted across two shifts each day:
- Forenoon Session: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
| Date | Forenoon Session (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) |
| August 21, 2026 | Paper-I (Essay) | No Paper |
| August 22, 2026 | Paper-II (General Studies-I) | Paper-III (General Studies-II) |
| August 23, 2026 | Paper-IV (General Studies-III) | Paper-V (General Studies-IV) |
| August 29, 2026 | Paper-A (Indian Language) | Paper-B (English) |
| August 30, 2026 | Paper-VI (Optional Subject – Paper 1) | Paper-VII (Optional Subject – Paper 2) |
Important Guidelines and Documents Required
Candidates appearing for the Mains exam must take note of the following rules:
Mandatory Documents: Carry a printed hard copy of your e-Admit Card along with the original Photo ID Proof (such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving Licence) mentioned on the admit card.
Discrepancy Reporting: Carefully verify your name, photograph, roll number, and exam center. In case of any error, contact the UPSC facilitation counter immediately.
Prohibited Items: Smartwatches, mobile phones, calculators, digital devices, and study materials are strictly banned inside the examination premises.
