Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) introduced three new examination centers at Bhubaneswar, Kanpur, and Meerut for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2026
Total number of examination centers increased from 80 to 83
23,000 candidates applied to these new centers
Bhubaneswar center received 10,656 applications, reducing burden on Cuttack center
Kanpur center received 6,938 applications, easing pressure on Lucknow center
Meerut center received 5,902 applications, reducing dependence on Ghaziabad center
UPSC implemented revised mechanism for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates
805 PwBD candidates received their preferred examination center in Delhi area alone
Total applications received for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2026: 819,372
Commission introduced dropdown option in CSP-2026 application form for candidates to indicate preferred nearby cities
Data collected will serve as survey for identifying feasible locations for future additional examination centers
