Strict entry timing leaves UPSC aspirants stranded across state

Indore: A strict reporting cut-off left several UPSC aspirants stranded outside examination centres in Indore on Sunday as the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted across four cities -- Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur -- in the state.

More than 12,000 candidates appeared at 27 centres in Indore. In Bhopal, around 12,000 candidates sat the exam across 36 centres, while Gwalior saw about 6,000 candidates at 21 centres and Jabalpur recorded around 8,000 candidates.

The Union Public Service Commission conducted the exam in two shifts -- 9.30am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 4.30pm -- across 27 centres in Indore.

Strict entry timings led to disappointment for several candidates who arrived late at examination centres. At some exam centres, aspirants were denied entry after reaching the centre beyond the permitted reporting time of 9 am.

Rohit Shrivastava, a candidate from Ujjain, said he reached the centre nearly 10 minutes late due to traffic congestion near Lav Kush Square while travelling by bus. “This was my first UPSC attempt. I understand rules are important, but there should be some flexibility in exceptional situations,” he said.

Another visitor, Nitin Jain from Damoh, said some aspirants were also turned away for failing to carry mandatory documents. “A few candidates either forgot their admit cards or did not have original identity proof with them. They could not arrange them in time,” he said.

Authorities had instructed candidates to reach centres well in advance as entry was allowed only up to a fixed time. E-admit cards and original photo identity cards were mandatory for entry.

Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, digital gadgets, handbags and other prohibited items were not allowed inside examination centres. Candidates underwent physical frisking and face authentication through the commission’s mobile application before entering examination halls.

A special control room was also set up at the divisional commissioner’s office for smooth conduct of the examination, while police personnel and monitoring teams remained deployed across all centres.