UPSC Prelims 2026 Begins With Face Scan Entry Across Chhattisgarh

Face authentication introduced for UPSC Prelims 2026 as over 13,000 candidates appeared for the examination in Raipur and Bilaspur on Sunday. Authorities enforced strict security and reporting guidelines at all centres.

The Union Public Service Commission’s Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted across Chhattisgarh on Sunday with enhanced security arrangements and the introduction of face authentication for candidates entering examination centres.

This year, a total of 13,319 candidates were scheduled to appear for the UPSC prelims in the state. Examination centres were set up in Raipur and Bilaspur, where officials said the process remained largely smooth during the morning session.

Face Scan At Entry

For the first time, candidates had to undergo face authentication before being allowed inside examination centres. Officials deployed face-scanning systems at entry points to verify the identity of examinees.

According to local authorities, the verification process was aimed at preventing impersonation and ensuring tighter monitoring during the highly competitive examination.

Candidates arriving at centres in the morning were seen waiting in queues as security personnel and staff completed authentication checks along with frisking procedures.

Two Shifts Conducted

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination was held in two shifts on May 24. The first session took place from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, while the second paper was scheduled between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

Authorities closed the main gates at 9 am for the morning session. For the afternoon paper, candidates were instructed to report before 2 pm, after which entry was not permitted.

Officials repeatedly appealed to candidates to arrive at least 30 minutes before reporting time to avoid delays caused by verification and security checks.

Raipur Sees Highest Footfall

In Raipur, 22 examination centres were set up for nearly 8,449 candidates. District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh reviewed preparations ahead of the examination and directed departments to maintain strict discipline around centres.

Authorities imposed restrictions on noise and unnecessary movement within a 500-metre radius of examination venues. Police patrol teams were also deployed for continuous monitoring during both shifts.

Officials said confidential examination material was distributed from the district treasury under security supervision.

Tight Security Measures

Security arrangements remained strict throughout the day. Candidates underwent frisking through metal detectors before entering the centres.

Sources familiar with the arrangements said the administration had increased vigilance following concerns over fake candidates and examination-related malpractice reported in competitive exams in recent years.

Local authorities confirmed that all centre superintendents were instructed to ensure compliance with UPSC examination guidelines without exception.

Bilaspur Hosts 14 Centres

In Bilaspur, 4,870 candidates were expected to appear at 14 examination centres across the city.

Several government colleges and schools, including engineering colleges, postgraduate institutions, and higher secondary schools, were designated as examination venues.

Officials said transportation and traffic arrangements were also reviewed in advance to avoid congestion around the centres during reporting hours.

Candidates Focus On Competitive Race

The UPSC Civil Services Examination remains one of the country’s most competitive recruitment tests, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year for posts including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Many candidates in Chhattisgarh arrived at centres early in the morning carrying admit cards and identity documents, while parents waited outside several venues amid tight security restrictions.

With the prelims now underway, candidates will next await the release of answer keys and further updates related to the mains examination process. The UPSC prelims 2026 examination and face authentication system remained among the most discussed developments among aspirants across the state on Sunday.