{"id":256,"date":"2025-07-15T02:45:27","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=256"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:31:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:01:46","slug":"upsc-prelims-timings-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Prelims Timings 2026 for GS Paper 1 and CSAT"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Why_Are_UPSC_Prelims_Timings_Important\">Why Are UPSC Prelims Timings Important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Schedule_2026\">UPSC Prelims Exam Schedule 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timings_2026\">UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Reporting_Time_for_UPSC_Prelims\">Reporting Time for UPSC Prelims<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Detailed_UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Day_Timings\">Detailed UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_Timing_Guidelines\">UPSC Prelims Timing Guidelines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Duration_of_UPSC_Prelims_Papers\">Duration of UPSC Prelims Papers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Tips_for_Managing_UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timings\">Tips for Managing UPSC Prelims Exam Timings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_Regarding_UPSC_Prelims_Timing_Details\">Common Mistakes to Avoid Regarding UPSC Prelims Timing Details<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#Final_Words_on_UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timings_2026\">Final Words on UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-timings-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timing_FAQs\">UPSC Prelims Exam Timing FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-paper-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>UPSC Prelims Exam 2026<\/strong><\/a> is scheduled to take place on <strong>Sunday, May 24, 2024<\/strong>, in offline mode. The exam will be conducted across 80 exam centres nationwide in two shifts. The UPSC Prelims consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both papers are held on the same day, making it a crucial stage for candidates aspiring to qualify for the Mains examination.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1E21ykqUzCpTiRscN2Cb_pjdyfqJ5Wvcx\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPSC 2025 Prelims GS Paper I Download PDF\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_UPSC_Prelims_Timings_Important\"><\/span><b>Why Are UPSC Prelims Timings Important?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims timings are essential for proper planning and efficient time management during the exam. Knowing the schedule allows candidates to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach the examination center on time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid last-minute stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allocate adequate time for both General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) papers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the rules set by the UPSC regarding reporting and entry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-admit-card-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Schedule_2026\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Exam Schedule 2026<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Prelims exam schedule typically includes two papers conducted on the same day:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>General Studies (GS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is the first paper and tests your knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, polity, and more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The second paper assesses your reasoning, comprehension, and quantitative abilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timings_2026\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the last few years, UPSC has not changed its exam timing and duration of the prelims exam based on the 2024 UPSC prelims exam. The expected UPSC Prelims exam timings for UPSC Prelims Civil Services Exam 2026\u00a0 are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 113px;\" width=\"737\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Exam Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Start Time<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>End Time<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper 1: General Studies (GS)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9:30 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11:30 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paper 2: CSAT<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2:30 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4:30 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is essential to follow these timings strictly, as late entry is not permitted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reporting_Time_for_UPSC_Prelims\"><\/span><b>Reporting Time for UPSC Prelims<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates must report to the examination centre well in advance to complete security checks and verification processes. Late entry is strictly prohibited as per the guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates should report at least <\/span><b>30-40 minutes before the start of the exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entry to the exam hall usually begins <\/span><b>one hour before the exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and closes <\/span><b>10 minutes before the exam starts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Paper 1 (GS), reach by <\/span><b>8:30 AM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to complete formalities like seating arrangements and document verification.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Paper 2 (CSAT), arrive by <\/span><b>1:30 PM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Detailed_UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Day_Timings\"><\/span><b>Detailed UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Prelims exam is conducted in two sessions: the morning session for General Studies Paper-I and the afternoon session for CSAT (Paper-II). Candidates must adhere to the specified timings for entry, examination, and breaks as mentioned in the admit card.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 102px;\" width=\"733\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Session<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Reporting Time<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Entry Closes<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Exam Start Time<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Exam End Time<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Morning Session (GS)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8:30 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9:20 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9:30 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11:30 AM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Afternoon Session (CSAT)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1:30 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2:20 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2:30 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4:30 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-exam-centre-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPSC Prelims Exam Centre 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Timing_Guidelines\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Timing Guidelines<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure a hassle-free experience, adhere to the following UPSC Prelims timing guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Plan your travel<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Factor in traffic and weather conditions to avoid delays.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Carry required documents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bring your admit card, valid ID proof, and other essentials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid prohibited items<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators, are not allowed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Follow dress code instructions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Wear simple clothing without large buttons or accessories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Arrive early<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reporting on time gives you enough breathing space to settle down.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Duration_of_UPSC_Prelims_Papers\"><\/span><b>Duration of UPSC Prelims Papers<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each paper in the UPSC Prelims has a duration of <\/span><b>two hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The total exam duration, excluding breaks, is four hours. With a break of three hours between the two sessions, candidates can use the time to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a light meal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relax and mentally prepare for the CSAT paper.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review any last-minute notes if required.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Managing_UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timings\"><\/span><b>Tips for Managing UPSC Prelims Exam Timings<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some basic but fundamental tips to utilise the time allotted in the UPSC Prelims Exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use a wristwatch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Since electronic devices are not allowed, a simple wristwatch can help you track time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prioritise sections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Attempt easier questions first to save time for difficult ones.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid overthinking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Move on if you get stuck on a question; revisit it later if time permits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Practice with mock tests<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Simulating the actual exam timings during practice builds familiarity and confidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_Regarding_UPSC_Prelims_Timing_Details\"><\/span><b>Common Mistakes to Avoid Regarding UPSC Prelims Timing Details<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the common mistakes that aspiring UPSC aspirants should avoid while preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Arriving late<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Candidates are not allowed entry after the gates close.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mismanaging break time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Utilize the interval to refresh but avoid heavy meals that may cause drowsiness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ignoring time limits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Keep track of time during the exam to attempt all sections effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Words_on_UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timings_2026\"><\/span><b>Final Words on UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2026<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the UPSC Prelims exam timings and adhering to them is a critical part of your preparation. By familiarizing yourself with the schedule, reporting time, and paper duration, you can focus entirely on your performance on the exam day. Make sure to follow the provided timing guidelines and avoid any last-minute hiccups to ensure a smooth experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Exam_Timing_FAQs\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Exam Timing FAQs<br \/>\n<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-257 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-257{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-257 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-257{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-257.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-257.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-257.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-257.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-257.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1734941330\"><div id=\"sp-ea-257\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-257\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2570\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2570\" aria-controls=\"collapse2570\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the start time for the UPSC Prelims exam?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse2570\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-257\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2570\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The General Studies paper starts at <\/span><b>9:30 AM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and the CSAT paper begins at <\/span><b>2:30 PM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2571\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2571\" aria-controls=\"collapse2571\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the reporting time for UPSC Prelims?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2571\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-257\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2571\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Candidates should report by <\/span><b>8:30 AM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for the morning session and <\/span><b>1:30 PM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for the afternoon session.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2572\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2572\" aria-controls=\"collapse2572\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How long is each UPSC Prelims paper?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2572\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-257\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2572\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Both GS and CSAT papers are <\/span><b>two hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> long.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2573\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2573\" aria-controls=\"collapse2573\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What happens if I\u2019m late to the exam center?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2573\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-257\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2573\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Latecomers are not allowed entry after the gate closes 10 minutes before the exam starts.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2574\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2574\" aria-controls=\"collapse2574\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the UPSC Prelims gate closing time?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2574\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-257\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2574\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The UPSC Prelims gate closing time is 9:00 AM for GS paper and 2:00 PM for CSAT paper<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get details about the UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date, scheduled for May 24, 2026. Learn about the timing, duration of GS Paper I &#038; CSAT and other information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4557,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[178,180,176,177,175,174,179,173],"class_list":["post-256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-art-and-culture","tag-geography","tag-gs-paper-1","tag-history","tag-mains","tag-prelims","tag-society","tag-upsc"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=256"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5935,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256\/revisions\/5935"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}