The Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is being conducted across the country today, Sunday, under strict administrative and security arrangements. In Patna, authorities deployed extensive security and traffic management measures to ensure the examination proceeds without disruption.
A total of 79 examination centres were set up across the Bihar capital for nearly 39,147 registered candidates. Since early morning, large crowds of aspirants, along with their parents, have been seen outside various centres, waiting for entry and updates.
The examination is being held in two shifts. The General Studies paper was conducted from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while the CSAT paper is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. As the second shift is still underway, officials continue to maintain heightened vigilance at all centres.
Candidates Describe GS Paper as Moderate to Difficult
After the completion of the first shift, several candidates who exited examination centres described the General Studies paper as “moderate to hard” in difficulty level.
Many aspirants said that several questions were lengthy and framed in an indirect or twisted manner, making them time-consuming. According to candidates, time management became one of the biggest challenges during the paper.
The Commission had permitted entry to candidates only up to 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination. Candidates arriving after the reporting deadline were denied entry at the gates.
City Divided Into 30 Zones, Electronic Gadgets Banned
To ensure smooth conduct of the examination, the Patna district administration divided the city into 30 administrative zones. Every examination centre was placed under the supervision of local inspection officers and assistant supervisors-cum-static magistrates.
Apart from this, 30 Zonal Magistrates, 16 Security Magistrates, and adequate police personnel were deployed across the city. Authorities continued monitoring examination centres throughout the day to prevent any disturbance or malpractice.
Special arrangements were also made for traffic control to help candidates reach their centres on time. Traffic police teams and administrative officers remained stationed near major roads and examination venues to avoid congestion.
Officials also enforced a complete ban on electronic devices inside examination halls. Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and other gadgets were prohibited. Continuous announcements were made outside centres reminding candidates about the rules and warning that strict action would be taken against anyone found carrying banned items, including possible debarment from future examinations.
