New Delhi: Union Public Service Commission introduced three new UPSC exam centres for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2026 to reduce congestion and improve accessibility for candidates.
The new centres were established in Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut. As a result, the total number of preliminary examination centres increased from 80 to 83.
Nearly 23,000 candidates selected the newly added centres. Officials said the move reduced pressure on nearby centres and improved convenience for aspirants.
UPSC Chairman Dr Ajay Kumar said the Commission aimed to make the examination process more accessible, efficient and candidate-friendly. He added that the initiative would help reduce geographical and physical barriers for aspirants.
Further, the Commission strengthened accessibility measures for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. Under the revised system, PwBD candidates received their preferred centres even if authorities had to create additional capacity.
UPSC exam centres reduce pressure on nearby cities
Bhubaneswar centre received 10,656 applications and eased the burden on Cuttack. Similarly, Kanpur attracted 6,938 applications and reduced pressure on Lucknow.
Moreover, the newly introduced Meerut centre received 5,902 applications. Officials said the centre helped candidates from western Uttar Pradesh by reducing dependence on Ghaziabad.
UPSC also introduced a dropdown option in the application form to collect candidate preferences for nearby cities. The Commission said the data would help identify locations for future examination centres.
According to officials, UPSC received 8,19,372 applications for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2026 this year.
The Commission stated that the reforms reflected its continued focus on fairness, transparency and improved examination infrastructure.
