UPSC Expands Exam Centers to Enhance Accessibility for Civil Services Prelims 2026
UPSC adds 3 new exam centers to decongest Civil Services Prelims 2026

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has added three new examination centers in Bhubaneswar, Kanpur, and Meerut for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. This expansion aims to alleviate congestion at existing centers, benefiting approximately 23,000 candidates and enhancing accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- 01The total number of examination centers for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination increased from 80 to 83.
- 02Bhubaneswar received 10,656 applications, Kanpur attracted 6,938, and Meerut had 5,902 applications.
- 03UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar emphasized the initiative's goal of making the examination process more candidate-friendly and inclusive.
- 04805 PwBD candidates in the Delhi area were allocated their preferred examination centers.
- 05UPSC has received a total of 819,372 applications for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026.
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In a move to improve accessibility and reduce congestion for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced three new examination centers located in Bhubaneswar, Kanpur, and Meerut. This expansion has increased the total number of centers from 80 to 83, accommodating nearly 23,000 candidates. UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar stated that the initiative aims to enhance the examination experience, making it more candidate-friendly and efficient. The Bhubaneswar center, for instance, has already received 10,656 applications, significantly alleviating pressure on the Cuttack center. Similarly, the Kanpur center attracted 6,938 applications, easing the burden on Lucknow, while Meerut welcomed 5,902 applications, benefiting candidates in western Uttar Pradesh. The UPSC has also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) can select their preferred centers, with 805 PwBD candidates in the Delhi area successfully allocated their choices. To further enhance its infrastructure, UPSC has introduced a dropdown option in the application form for candidates to indicate nearby preferred cities, aiding future center establishment.
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The addition of new examination centers will help reduce congestion and improve accessibility for candidates, particularly benefiting those with disabilities.
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