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UPSC Exam Center List 2026

UPSC Prelims Exam Centers 2026 Overview

Students are required to select their preferred exam center during the application process. UPSC Prelims Exam Centers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, which means students have a chance of securing their preferred location. The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 is being conducted on 24th May 2026 and Mains exam will take place from August 21, 2026 and will go on for five days. Each year, the number and locations of UPSC Prelims Exam Centres 2026 are confirmed through UPSC Notification, so that it can be accessible all over India overcoming geographical barriers. 

UPSC Prelims Exam Centers 2026 Overview

Feature

Details

Exam Name

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026

Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Total Exam Centers

83 Cities Across India

Choice of Centers

First-Apply-First Allot Basis (Based on availability at the time of registration)

Official Website

www.upsc.gov.in

UPSC Prelims Exam Centers in India 2026

The UPSC ensures the availability of exam centres across various regions of India to provide equal opportunities to all applicants. For the 2026 cycle, UPSC will continue to conduct both the Prelims and Mains examinations in a wide network of cities, including major urban centres and key regional hubs. The list below outlines the cities where the UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held. It largely aligns with previous years, covering major cities to ensure accessibility for candidates nationwide.

UPSC Prelims Exam Centers in India 2026
Sl. No.CENTRESl. No.CENTRESl. No.CENTRE
1AGARTALA30GURUGRAM59PATNA
2AGRA31GWALIOR60SRI VIJAYA PURAM (PORTBLAIR)
3AHMEDABAD32HYDERABAD61PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD)
4AIZAWL33IMPHAL62PUDUCHERRY
5AJMER34INDORE63PUNE
6ALIGARH35ITANAGAR64RAIPUR
7ALMORA (UTTARAKHAND)36JABALPUR65RAJKOT
8ANANTHAPURU37JAIPUR66RANCHI
9CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR (AURANGABAD, MAHARASHTRA)38JAMMU67SAMBALPUR
10BAREILLY39JODHPUR68SHILLONG
11BENGALURU40JORHAT69SHIMLA
12BHOPAL41KANPUR70SILIGURI
13BHUBANESWAR42KARGIL71SRINAGAR
14BILASPUR (CHHATISGARH)43KOCHI72SRINAGAR (UTTARAKHAND)
15CHANDIGARH44KOHIMA73SURAT
16CHENNAI45KOLKATTA74THANE
17COIMBATORE46KOZHIKODE (CALICUT)75THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
18CUTTACK47LEH76TIRUCHIRAPALLI
19DEHRADUN48LUCKNOW77TIRUPATI
20DELHI49LUDHIANA78UDAIPUR
21DHARAMSHALA (HIMACHAL PRADESH)50MADURAI79VARANASI
22DHARWAR51MANDI (HIMACHAL PRADESH)80VELLORE
23DISPUR52MEERUT81VIJAYAWADA
24FARIDABAD53MUMBAI82VISHAKHAPATNAM
25GANGTOK54MYSURU83HANUMAKONDA (WARANGAL URBAN)
26GAUTAM BUDDH NAGAR55NAGPUR  
27GAYA56NASIK  
28GHAZIABAD57NAVI MUMBAI  
29GORAKHPUR58PANAJI (GOA) 

How to Check UPSC Prelims Exam Centre 2026

To ensure a stress-free exam experience, students must know how to check their exact UPSC exam centre location. This can be easily done through the official UPSC portal.

Steps to check your exam centre:

  • Log in to the UPSC portal using your registration ID and password.
  • Navigate to the "Admit Card" section to view your centre details.
  • Note the complete address and any specific instructions for your Prelims or Mains centre.
  • Plan your travel in advance to avoid delays on exam day.

Additionally, refer to the centre lists provided for both Prelims and Mains. These are listed separately to help you identify your test locations for each stage of the examination. Reviewing both lists thoroughly will help you stay prepared and avoid last-minute confusion.

UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Centre Selecting Factors

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing UPSC Exam Centres 2026 are

  1. Nearby Location: Choose a centre close to your home to reduce travel time and stress. This helps with better time management on exam day.
  2. Easy Accessibility: Opt for a centre well-connected by public or private transport. Check for available bus, train, or cab services in advance.
  3. Familiar Environment: If choosing a centre outside your city, select a place you know well. Familiarity with the area can help reduce last-minute confusion.
  4. Seat Availability: Popular centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru fill up fast. Apply early to secure your preferred location.
  5. Weather Comfort: Consider the climate of the city, especially for the Mains exam, which spans several days. Pick a location where the weather won't hinder your performance.
The document UPSC Exam Center List 2026 is a part of the UPSC Course News & Notifications: UPSC.
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC

FAQs on UPSC Exam Center List 2026

1. What are the key factors to consider when selecting a UPSC Prelims exam centre?
Ans. Key factors to consider when selecting a UPSC Prelims exam centre include proximity to the candidate's residence, availability of public transportation, the infrastructure and facilities of the centre, previous experiences or reviews from other candidates, and personal convenience in terms of travel and accommodation arrangements.
2. How can candidates check their UPSC Prelims exam centre details?
Ans. Candidates can check their UPSC Prelims exam centre details by visiting the official UPSC website, where they will need to log in to their account using their registration details. The information regarding the exam centre is typically available on the dashboard or through a designated link provided during the exam notification period.
3. What should candidates do if they want to change their UPSC Prelims exam centre?
Ans. If candidates wish to change their UPSC Prelims exam centre, they must follow the official procedure outlined by the UPSC, which usually involves submitting a request for change within a specified timeframe after the exam centre allocation is announced. However, changes are subject to availability and approval from the UPSC.
4. Are there any specific exam centres designated for differently-abled candidates in the UPSC Prelims?
Ans. Yes, the UPSC provides specific exam centres that are accessible for differently-abled candidates to ensure they can take the exam comfortably. These centres are equipped with necessary facilities, and candidates can indicate their requirements during the application process to ensure proper arrangements are made.
5. What measures are taken to ensure the security and integrity of the UPSC Prelims exam centres?
Ans. To ensure the security and integrity of the UPSC Prelims exam centres, the UPSC implements several measures, including the presence of security personnel, use of biometric verification methods, surveillance cameras, and strict identification checks before candidates are allowed to enter the examination hall. These measures help in maintaining a fair and secure examination environment.

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