Special Metro Arrangements for UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 on May 24

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is set for May 24, with special arrangements by Delhi Metro to assist candidates. Metro services on specific lines will start earlier to ensure timely arrival at exam centers. The examination, a gateway to prestigious services like IAS and IPS, is expected to attract a large number of candidates. With heightened security and transport readiness, the initiative aims to facilitate a smooth experience for examinees. Read on for detailed information about the exam schedule and metro services.

By Ambika Singh May 22, 2026, 11:00 IST

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Scheduled for May 24

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026: Regarded as a dream for countless young aspirants nationwide, the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination is set to take place on Sunday, May 24. To facilitate candidates attending the exam, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has implemented special measures. On the day of the UPSC Prelims, certain metro lines will start operations earlier than usual, ensuring that candidates can reach their exam venues punctually without any travel hassles.

Details of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination

**UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination on May 24**
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination on Sunday, May 24. This exam is one of the most esteemed competitive assessments in the country, serving as a gateway for selecting candidates for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. As in previous years, a significant number of candidates are anticipated to participate this time, with approximately 933 vacancies available through this recruitment process, as per the UPSC notification.

Examination Structure and Timing

**Examination to be Held in Two Shifts**
The UPSC Prelims will be conducted in two distinct shifts. The first paper, General Studies (GS), is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by the second paper, CSAT, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Candidates are encouraged to arrive at their respective exam centers well ahead of the scheduled start time, which is why the Delhi Metro has opted to begin its services earlier than usual.

Revised Metro Timings for UPSC Candidates

**Which Metro Lines Have Revised Timings?**
As per the DMRC, metro services on Line-7, Line-8, and Line-9 will commence at 6:00 AM on Sunday. These lines include the Pink Line (Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar), the Magenta Line (Krishna Park Extension to Botanical Garden), and the Grey Line (Dhansa Bus Stand to Dwarka). Typically, these metro lines start at 7:00 AM on Sundays, but due to the UPSC examination, operations will begin an hour earlier.

Train Availability and Schedule

**Trains Available Every 15 Minutes Until 7:00 AM**
Delhi Metro has announced that from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, trains will run every 15 minutes on these lines. After this period, services will revert to the regular Sunday schedule. The DMRC emphasizes that this special arrangement is made solely for the convenience of candidates attending the UPSC examination, aiding them in reaching their exam centers on time.

Standard Operations on Other Metro Lines

**Standard Timetable Applicable on Other Metro Lines**
The DMRC has clarified that services on all other metro lines will adhere to the regular Sunday timetable, commencing from 6:00 AM as usual.

Heightened Security and Transport Readiness

**Administration on Alert for the Examination**
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is known for its rigorous nature and prestige. Each year, hundreds of thousands of candidates participate. On the examination day, there is considerable movement of candidates throughout Delhi and nearby areas. Consequently, transport and security agencies are on high alert. The initiative by Delhi Metro is being recognized as a significant step toward enhancing travel facilities for candidates.