The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, and consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day General Studies Paper I (GS I) in the morning shift and General Studies Paper II (CSAT) in the afternoon shift. Reaching the exam center on time is essential to complete security checks, document verification, and receive important instructions. This guide covers all the key details regarding the UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 and essential guidelines to help candidates plan effectively.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Admit Card
UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 Highlights
UPSC Prelims 2025 will be conducted on May 25, consisting of two papers on the same day. Candidates must strictly adhere to the reporting windows, as entry after gate closure is not permitted. The exam spans two hours per paper with a three-hour break in between, during which candidates must stay at the venue.
| Event | Details |
| Exam Date | Sunday, May 25, 2025 |
| Exam Papers | GS Paper I (Morning), CSAT Paper II (Afternoon) |
| Exam Centres | Across 80 cities in India |
| Break Duration | 3 hours (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM) |
| Mandatory Documents | UPSC Admit Card + Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) |
| Prohibited Items | Mobiles, smartwatches, calculators, and electronic gadgets |
| Entry Restriction | No entry after the gate closes No grace time |
| Disqualification Rule | Missing either paper disqualifies the candidate |
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Exam Day Instructions 2025
UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025
The UPSC Prelims 2025 are conducted in two sessions: Morning and Afternoon. For the Morning Session (GS Paper I), candidates must report by 8:00 AM as gates close strictly at 9:00 AM. The exam runs from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. After a break from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, during which candidates are advised to stay on the premises, the Afternoon Session (CSAT) begins. Reporting starts at 1:00 PM, and gates close at 2:00 PM sharp. The CSAT paper is held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
| Session | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time | Exam Time |
| Morning Session (GS Paper I) | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM sharp | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Afternoon Session (CSAT Paper II) | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM sharp | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Break Duration | Between GS and CSAT Papers | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
Also Read: UPSC Calendar 2026
Why UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 Matters
Arriving early at the UPSC Exam Center 2025 is essential for a hassle-free experience. It gives you enough time to complete security checks, document verification, and settle in before the exam begins. Early arrival also allows you to hear important instructions clearly and stay calm. Considering possible delays like traffic or weather, reaching with a buffer helps avoid any last-minute stress
Security Checks & Frisking
Arriving early ensures you complete metal detection, biometric verification, and frisking without any last-minute rush.
Document Verification
You must present your Admit Card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, etc.). Early arrival gives adequate time for these formalities.
Seating & Instructions
Invigilators provide crucial instructions on OMR filling, marking scheme, and exam protocols. Being seated early helps you absorb these details calmly.
Travel Contingencies
Traffic, public transport delays, or weather issues can crop up unexpectedly. A buffer of 60–90 minutes mitigates these risks.
UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 Important Instructions
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience on the day of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, all candidates must strictly follow the exam-day reporting time, carry essential documents, and adhere to prescribed guidelines.
Reach the Exam Centre Early
Candidates must arrive at the exam venue at least 60 minutes before gate closing time. This allows ample time for verification, frisking, and seating.
Carry Admit Card and Valid ID Proof
It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the UPSC Prelims admit card along with a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
Avoid Prohibited Items
Candidates are strictly prohibited from bringing mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, pen drives, or any type of electronic gadget into the exam hall — even if switched off.
Follow the Dress Code
Wear simple and comfortable clothes without any unnecessary metal objects. Avoid belts with large buckles, jewelry, or any metallic accessories that may trigger frisking delays.
Prefer plain trousers and shirts/kurta-pajamas with minimal pockets.
Stationery Guidelines
Only black ballpoint pens are allowed to mark answers on the OMR sheet.
Do not use pencils, blue or gel pens, as answers marked with them will not be evaluated. UPSC will provide rough sheets; candidates must not bring their own paper or stationery.
Health & Safety Measures
Candidates who wish to wear face masks may do so. It is advisable to carry extra masks and a small transparent bottle of hand sanitizer.
Also Read: What To Carry In UPSC Prelims
UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 Final Tips
To ensure a smooth exam day, visit your exam center a day in advance to avoid confusion. Plan your travel route by checking traffic, public transport, or parking options.
Pre-Visit the Exam Centre
If possible, visit your allotted exam centre a day before the exam. This helps you familiarize yourself with the location, building layout, entry gates, and waiting areas, avoiding any last-minute confusion or delay on the actual day.
Plan Your Route in Advance
Check traffic updates, public transport options, and availability of parking spaces near the center in advance. Having a backup plan for your commute ensures timely arrival, even in case of unexpected delays.
Align Mock Tests with Actual Exam Timings
Practice full-length mock tests at the exact exam timings – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This builds time-management muscle memory and helps your body and mind get accustomed to peak performance during those hours.
Stay Calm and Focused
Reach early to avoid last-minute anxiety. Early arrival also allows time to settle down, locate your seat, listen to instructions, and mentally prepare. A composed mind is key to better performance.
Conclusion
The UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 is a critical aspect of the Civil Services Examination process. Candidates must treat the reporting window with utmost seriousness, as entry is strictly barred after the gate closure times, 9:00 AM for GS Paper I and 2:00 PM for CSAT Paper II. Reaching the venue well in advance, preferably 60 to 90 minutes before the gate closes, not only ensures a smooth and stress-free experience but also provides ample time for security screening, document verification, and receiving vital instructions. Ignoring the official UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 guidelines can result in disqualification.
UPSC Prelims Reporting Time FAQs
If you fail to report by 2:00 PM for the CSAT Paper, you will not be allowed entry. Missing either paper leads to disqualification, so it's crucial to respect the official UPSC Prelims Reporting Time. While you can arrive by 8:55 AM or 1:55 PM, it's risky. You still need to complete frisking, verification, and find your seat. It's recommended to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before the UPSC Prelims Reporting Time window ends. No, UPSC does not allow any grace period. Entry closes sharply at 9:00 AM for the morning paper and 2:00 PM for the afternoon paper, regardless of personal or logistical issues. Early arrival ensures you complete security checks, document verification, and receive critical exam instructions without stress. It also helps manage unexpected delays like traffic or weather disruptions.
What happens if I miss the UPSC Prelims Reporting Time for CSAT?
Can I arrive exactly at the UPSC Prelims Reporting Time?
Is there any relaxation in UPSC Prelims Reporting Time due to traffic or emergencies?
Why is early arrival important for UPSC Prelims Reporting Time?
