UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Exam: Important Instructions, Admit Card Guidelines, Timings, and Prohibited Items

The UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 commences today, Sunday, May 25, 2025. Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth examination experience

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination(CSE) Preliminary 2025 is being conducted today, Sunday, May 25, 2025, across various centers in the country. Candidates appearing for the examination must adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the UPSC to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the exam. The Prelims consist of two papers: General Studies Paper I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II. The morning session for Paper I will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while the afternoon session for Paper II will be conducted from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Candidates must report to their examination centers well in advance as entry to the venue will close 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. Latecomers will not be allowed under any circumstances.

All candidates must carry a printed copy of their e-Admit Card, which can be downloaded from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in), along with a valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN card, or Driving License. In cases where the photograph on the admit card is unclear, two recent passport-size photographs must also be carried. The admit card must display accurate information and a clearly visible QR code. Candidates should verify all details in advance and report any discrepancies to UPSC immediately.

Strict regulations are in place regarding prohibited items. Electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and any other digital or communication tools are strictly banned inside the examination hall. Candidates are also not allowed to bring books, bags, or any kind of study material. Only simple wristwatches are permitted—smartwatches or digital watches are not allowed. Importantly, there will be no facility at the exam center to deposit or safeguard any prohibited items, so candidates must ensure they leave such belongings at home or in a secure place outside the premises.

Candidates are required to use only black ballpoint pens to mark their answers on the OMR sheets. They should arrive early at the venue to undergo necessary frisking and verification procedures, avoiding last-minute stress or delays. There is no prescribed dress code, but candidates are advised to wear decent and comfortable clothing. UPSC has emphasized that strict compliance with all examination guidelines is mandatory, and any violation may lead to cancellation of candidature or disqualification from the examination process.

Exam Timings(CSE Prelims 2025) :-

morning Session (General Studies Paper I): 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Afternoon Session (CSAT Paper II): 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Candidates are required to report to their respective examination centers at least 1 hour before the commencement of each paper. For GS I, the reporting time is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and for CSAT, between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Entry to the examination venue will close 30 minutes before the start of each session, i.e., at 9:00 AM for GS I and at 2:00 PM for CSAT. Latecomers will not be permitted entry .

Essential Documents to Carry CSE Prelims 2025

Candidates must bring the following items to the examination center:

• Printed e-Admit Card: Ensure that the admit card is clear and legible.
• Valid Photo ID Proof: Accepted IDs include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.
• Two Passport-Sized Photographs: Required if the photograph on the admit card is unclear .

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited inside the CSE Prelims 2025 examination hall:

• Electronic Devices: Mobile phones (even in switched-off mode), smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, or any other communication devices.
• Valuables: Books, bags, notes, or any other personal items.
• Special Watches: Only simple wristwatches are allowed; smartwatches are not permitted .

Candidates are advised not to bring any of these items to the examination center, as no arrangements will be made to store them .

Reporting and Entry Guidelines CSE Prelims 2025

Arrival Time: Arrive at the examination center well in advance to a¹llow time for security checks and frisking.

Entry Closure: Entry to the examination venue will close 30 minutes before the scheduled start of each session.

Examination Venue: Candidates must appear at the examination center mentioned in their e-Admit Card; no changes will be entertained .

Additional Tips

• Dress Code: There is no specific dress code; however, candidates are advised to wear comfortable and decent clothing.
• Use of Pen: Only black ballpoint pens should be used to mark answers on the OMR sheet; using any other color pen may lead to disqualification .

For any discrepancies in the e-Admit Card, candidates should immediately contact the UPSC helpdesk via the contact numbers or email ID provided on the official website.

How to download the UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 admit card:-

• Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
• Step 2: Click on the ‘Admit Cards’ tab visible on the homepage.
• Step 3: Select the link for ‘e-Admit Card for Civil Services preliminary (Examination) 2025
• Step 4: Read the instructions carefully and click on the ‘Yes’ button to proceed.
• Step 5: Enter your registration ID or roll number along with date of birth to download and print the admit Card.

Direct link to download CSE preliminary exam Admit Card

For any discrepancies in the CSE Prelims 2025 e-Admit Card, candidates should immediately contact the UPSC helpdesk via the contact numbers or email ID provided on the official website.

All the best of luck all of you any more other exam updates.