UPSC CSE mains 2026 begins tomorrow; carry 2 passport-size photographs, reiterates commission

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the UPSC CSE mains 2026 in multiple shifts on August 21, 22, 23, 29, and 30. The commission has reiterated CSE mains 2026 exam day guidelines, advising test takers to carry two passport-size photographs for each session for verification purposes.

The commission has also announced that the UPSC CSE 2026 exam question papers will be made available on the official website, upsc.gov.in, for five days, from August 31 to September 4.

After the exams are over, UPSC aspirants can submit representations on the question papers of the civil services main examination. The question paper representation portal (QPReP) can also be accessed on upsconline.nic.in/login.

Candidates appearing for the exam can download the UPSC CSE Mains 2026 admit card using their mobile number/registration number/email and password.

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UPSC CSE Mains 2026: Real-time face-authentication system

Candidates must carry two passport-size photographs. In case of failure, discrepancies, or errors during face authentication, candidates may be required to fill out the undertaking provided by the venue supervisor at the respective examination venue and affix their photograph to it.

UPSC has introduced a face-authentication system that verifies the identity of the test taker by matching their photograph submitted during the application form-filling process with their physical appearance at the exam centre on the exam day.

This year, UPSC conducted face authentication at all 2,072 exam centres across the country during the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary exam held on May 24. According to data released by the UPSC, of the 8,19,732 candidates who registered for the exam, around 5.49 lakh, or 67%, appeared for it.