UPSSSC PET 2026 Begins Under Tight Security; Over 35 Lakh Candidates Registered Across Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, October 25, 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) began conducting the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026 across the state on Sunday under tight security and extensive administrative arrangements, with more than 35.41 lakh candidates registered for the examination cycle.

The PET serves as an eligibility gateway for recruitment to several Group C posts in the Uttar Pradesh government, including posts such as Lekhpal and Junior Assistant.

Examination Begins Across 60 Districts

UPSSSC has set up 1,372 examination centres across 60 districts for PET 2026.

The test is being conducted in multiple phases to manage the unusually large number of candidates and reduce pressure on transport and examination infrastructure.

More Than 35 Lakh Candidates Registered

A total of 35,41,297 candidates have registered for PET 2026.

This makes it one of the largest state-level recruitment eligibility examinations in India this year.

Around 5.90 Lakh Candidates Scheduled Per Shift

Authorities have arranged seating for approximately 5,90,217 candidates in each shift.

The examination is being held in two shifts on each scheduled test day.

Exam Spread Across Three Dates

UPSSSC PET 2026 will be conducted on:

October 25, October 30 and November 1, 2026.

The first shift runs from 10 am to 12 noon, while the second shift is scheduled from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Tight Security at Examination Centres

Security personnel were deployed at examination centres across Uttar Pradesh to prevent cheating and impersonation.

Candidates were required to undergo identity verification before entering examination halls, while police and administrative teams managed queues and crowd movement.

Mobile Phones and Bags Kept Outside

Special counters were created outside several examination centres where candidates could deposit mobile phones, bags and other prohibited items.

Authorities said the arrangement was intended to prevent unauthorised electronic devices from entering examination halls while reducing inconvenience for candidates travelling from other districts.

Yogi Adityanath Reviews Preparations

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed arrangements for the examination through video conferencing ahead of the first test day.

He directed district administrations to ensure adequate security, transportation and crowd-management measures.

Special Focus on Safety of Women Candidates

The Chief Minister instructed police and district officials to pay particular attention to the safety of women candidates travelling to and from examination centres.

Police personnel were also asked to remain alert around transport hubs and crowded examination zones.

Extra Buses and Trains Arranged

The state government coordinated with transport authorities to provide additional buses and railway services where necessary.

The measures were aimed at helping candidates travel between districts without facing severe congestion or last-minute transport shortages.

Nine Districts See Particularly Heavy Candidate Load

More than 15,000 candidates per shift are appearing in several major districts, including:

Agra, Aligarh, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Meerut, Moradabad and Prayagraj.

These districts have received additional administrative and policing arrangements because of the higher footfall.

Social Media Monitoring Ordered

Police have also been directed to monitor social-media platforms for rumours, fake question papers or misleading information related to the examination.

Officials warned candidates against trusting unverified messages claiming exam cancellations, paper leaks or changes in examination centres.

Candidates Praise Improved Crowd Management

Some candidates travelling from other districts said arrangements at centres were smoother compared with previous large recruitment examinations.

Designated entry queues and deposit counters helped reduce congestion outside examination centres.

PET Is Gateway to Group C Recruitment

UPSSSC PET does not itself directly appoint candidates to government posts.

Instead, qualifying candidates become eligible to apply for subsequent recruitment stages for various Group C vacancies announced by UPSSSC.

Major Posts Linked to PET

Recruitment processes for posts such as Lekhpal, Junior Assistant and other subordinate government positions typically use PET scores as an initial eligibility criterion.

Candidates therefore view the examination as an important first step toward securing state government employment.

Revised Schedule Introduced in September

UPSSSC had originally planned to conduct PET 2026 on October 23, 24 and 25.

The commission later revised the schedule to October 25, October 30 and November 1.

Multiple Shifts Help Manage Massive Candidate Base

By dividing the examination across six shifts over three days, UPSSSC is attempting to manage the logistical challenge created by more than 35 lakh registrations.

The arrangement also reduces pressure on transportation networks and prevents excessive crowding at examination centres.

Strict Measures Against Malpractice

Authorities have emphasised that impersonation, electronic cheating devices and other unfair means will attract strict action.

Examination centres are being monitored through security checks and administrative supervision to protect the integrity of the test.

More Test Days Still Ahead

The October 25 examinations mark only the first day of PET 2026.

Additional candidates will appear on October 30 and November 1, after which UPSSSC will move toward releasing provisional answer keys and eventually results.

One of Uttar Pradesh’s Largest Recruitment Exercises

With more than 35 lakh registered candidates, PET 2026 represents one of the biggest recruitment-related examinations conducted by the Uttar Pradesh government.

For lakhs of aspirants, performance in PET will determine eligibility for a wide range of future Group C recruitment opportunities across the state.

Source: UPSSSC, The Indian Express, Times of India

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