UPPSC PCS 2026: exam date, pattern, syllabus and how to apply
The Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Examination is how the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) recruits Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Block Development Officers and the other state posts in its advertisement. The 2026 cycle was advertised on 25 June 2026 (Advertisement No. A-1/E-1/2026). The date most candidates want: UPPSC's exam calendar for 2026 proposes the PCS (Preliminary) Examination 2026 for Sunday 6 December 2026 (checked 20 October 2026). The calendar itself says its dates are probable and may change, so watch for the admit card. This guide covers the date, eligibility, the pattern, the syllabus and a plan for the weeks that are left.
UPPSC PCS at a glance
| Conducting body | Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, Prayagraj |
| What it is for | State civil services and upper subordinate posts in Uttar Pradesh |
| Stages | Preliminary (objective), Main Examination (written), interview |
| Prelims mode | Pen and paper, OMR sheet, two papers on one day |
| Prelims questions | Paper I (GS): 150; Paper II (CSAT): 100 |
| Prelims time | 2 hours for each paper |
| Marking | One-third of a question's marks off for a wrong answer; nothing off for a blank |
| Languages | Hindi and English |
| How often | One cycle per advertisement; PCS 2026 is the current one |
| Official website | uppsc.up.nic.in |
UPPSC PCS 2026 exam date
The UPPSC exam calendar 2026, issued on 30 January 2026, lists "Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026" for Sunday 6 December 2026 (checked 20 October 2026). The same calendar notes that all its dates are probable and may change in special circumstances.
The advertisement does not fix the date itself: it says the date and the centre will be given on the e-admission certificate. So the final word is the admit card and any notice on the UPPSC home page. Paper I is timed from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Paper II from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Our UPPSC PCS exam dates page keeps the latest checked date.
How to apply for UPPSC PCS
Applications for PCS 2026 ran from 25 June to 27 July 2026 on uppsc.up.nic.in, with correction and fee reconciliation until 3 August 2026. The window is closed. If you applied, the next step is to download the e-admission certificate from the Commission's site when it is released.
For the next cycle, the steps are:
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) at otr.pariksha.nic.in. The OTR number is your registration number for every UPPSC application.
- Read the advertisement on uppsc.up.nic.in (posts, age, reservation, fee).
- Log in with your OTR number and fill the PCS application form.
- Pay the fee and submit; correct any mistakes within the correction window.
- Download the e-admission certificate before the exam.
Documents to keep ready: High School certificate (the date of birth on it is the one used), graduation certificate or marksheet, category and domicile certificates if you claim reservation, and a photograph and signature in the size the form asks for.
UPPSC PCS eligibility: a bachelor's degree from a recognised university by the last date for applications; some posts need more, as stated against them. Age is counted on 1 July 2026: at least 21 and not over 40 (born between 2 July 1986 and 1 July 2005). SC, ST and OBC candidates of Uttar Pradesh and some other categories get five more years. Reservation and age relaxation are for permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
UPPSC PCS exam pattern
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | General Studies I | 150 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Prelims | General Studies II (CSAT), qualifying at 33% | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Mains | General Hindi | 150 | 3 hours | |
| Mains | Essay (three essays of about 700 words) | 150 | 3 hours | |
| Mains | General Studies I to VI | 200 each | 3 hours each | |
| Interview | Personality test | 100 |
How prelims is marked. In Paper I, 200 marks are shared by 150 questions. A wrong answer loses one-third of that question's marks; a blank answer loses nothing; marking more than one answer counts as wrong. Paper II is 2 marks a question with the same one-third penalty. You must sit both papers. Paper II only needs 33% (66 of 200); the call for the Main Examination is decided by Paper I marks, and about fifteen times the vacancies are called.
Mains and final merit. The eight mains papers total 1,500 marks; GS V and GS VI are on Uttar Pradesh. Final selection uses mains plus the interview; prelims marks are not added. You may answer in English, Hindi or Urdu unless a paper says otherwise.
UPPSC PCS syllabus
Prelims Paper I covers current events, history of India and the national movement, Indian and world geography, polity and governance including Panchayati Raj, economic and social development, environment and climate change, general science, and all of these with special reference to Uttar Pradesh.
Paper II covers comprehension, communication, logical reasoning, decision making, general mental ability, elementary mathematics up to Class X, and General English and General Hindi up to Class X.
The full topic list is on our UPPSC PCS syllabus page and on the Commission's syllabus page.
A six-week plan to 6 December
- Week 1: Take one full UPPSC PCS mock test (both papers) to find your level. List your three weakest GS areas.
- Week 2: History, national movement and UP history. One Paper II sectional set every other day, so CSAT is never left to the end.
- Week 3: Polity, governance and economy, with UP schemes and Panchayati Raj. One full mock at the end of the week.
- Week 4: Geography (India, world and UP) and environment. Current affairs of the last 12 months, 30 minutes a day.
- Week 5: General science and revision of your notes. Two full mocks, timed as on the day: Paper I in the morning, Paper II in the afternoon.
- Week 6: Light revision, one last full mock early in the week, and no new topics.
With one-third off a wrong answer, attempting a question is worth it only when you can rule out at least one option; negative marking: when to guess works through the numbers. The UPSC CSAT article explains a qualifying CSAT paper in the same format.
Useful links
- UPPSC official website (apply online, admit cards, notices)
- One Time Registration
- UPPSC exam calendar 2026
- UPPSC syllabus page
- Free UPPSC PCS mock tests
- UPPSC PCS syllabus
- UPPSC PCS exam dates
- UPSC prelims and CSAT explained
- BPSC 72nd CCE: exam date and how to apply
Frequently asked questions
What is the UPPSC PCS 2026 exam date?
The UPPSC exam calendar 2026 proposes Sunday 6 December 2026 for the preliminary (checked 20 October 2026). The calendar says its dates may change, and the exact date and centre come on the e-admission certificate.
Is there negative marking in UPPSC PCS prelims?
Yes. A wrong answer loses one-third of that question's marks, in both papers. A blank answer loses nothing, and marking more than one option counts as a wrong answer.
How many marks are needed to pass UPPSC CSAT?
Paper II is qualifying at 33%, which is 66 out of 200. Its marks are not added to the merit for the Main Examination, which uses Paper I only.
What is the age limit for UPPSC PCS 2026?
At least 21 and not over 40 on 1 July 2026. SC, ST and OBC candidates of Uttar Pradesh and some other categories get five years more, as the advertisement sets out.
Can I write UPPSC PCS in Hindi?
Yes. The prelims papers are in Hindi and English, and the mains can be answered in English, Hindi or Urdu except where a paper says otherwise. General Hindi is compulsory in the mains.
Can I still apply for UPPSC PCS 2026?
No. Applications closed on 27 July 2026 and corrections on 3 August 2026. Complete your OTR now so you are ready for the next advertisement.