| FAQ Question | Answer |
| When is the UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination conducted? | The UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is usually conducted in May or June every year as per the annual exam calendar released by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). |
| Is the UPSC Prelims exam date fixed every year? | The exact date may change each year, but the exam is generally held on a Sunday in late May or early June. |
| Where is the official UPSC Prelims exam date announced? | The official exam date is announced through the UPSC Annual Examination Calendar and the Civil Services Examination Notification on the UPSC website. |
| Can the UPSC Prelims exam date be changed after announcement? | UPSC rarely changes exam dates. However, in exceptional circumstances (natural disasters, national emergencies), the date may be postponed. |
| How many papers are conducted on the UPSC Prelims exam date? | Two papers are conducted on the same day: General Studies Paper I and CSAT (General Studies Paper II). |
| What is the gap between Prelims and Mains after the exam date? | Generally, there is a gap of 3 to 4 months between the Prelims exam date and the start of the Mains examination. |
| What happens if a candidate misses the UPSC Prelims exam on the scheduled date? | If a candidate misses the Prelims exam, the attempt is considered used, and the candidate cannot appear for Mains that year. |
| When are UPSC Prelims admit cards released before the exam date? | Admit cards are usually released 2–3 weeks before the Prelims exam date. |
| Is the UPSC Prelims exam conducted on the same date across India? | Yes, the UPSC Prelims exam is conducted on the same date and same day across all examination centers in India. |
| How early should candidates start preparation based on the Prelims exam date? | Candidates are advised to start preparation at least 10–12 months in advance once the tentative exam date is known from the UPSC calendar. |
