The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted on May 24, 2026, across hundreds of centres nationwide. According to official data, approximately 5.49 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, with Delhi recording the highest turnout among all cities.
The Prelims consisted of two papers — General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II. The GS paper was widely described by experts as unconventional, difficult, and highly unpredictable, suggesting that cutoff marks may be lower compared to previous years. The CSAT paper remains qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum of 33 percent to clear.
The UPSC Prelims result 2026 is expected in the second week of June 2026 based on previous year trends. Candidates who qualify will proceed to the UPSC Mains examination scheduled for August 21, 2026. The result will be released in PDF format at upsc.gov.in with roll numbers of qualified candidates. Aspirants are advised to start their Mains preparation immediately without waiting for the Prelims result.
- Exam date: May 24, 2026
- Candidates appeared: Approximately 5.49 lakh
- Result expected: Second week of June 2026
- Mains exam: August 21, 2026
