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.