Drop in Registrations for CiUPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Live Updates: Check Key Guidelines, Reporting Time

The number of aspirants appearing for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 in Hyderabad has seen a slight decline this year. As per the data released, 43,676 candidates have registered to take the exam in the city, compared to 45,153 applicants in 2024.
Exam Scheduled for Sunday
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a crucial step in the recruitment process for India’s top bureaucratic positions, will be held on Sunday. The examination will be conducted in two sessions:
- Paper I: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Paper II: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
A total of 95 examination centres have been set up across Hyderabad for smooth conduct of the exam.
Tight Security and Strict Protocols
The Hyderabad district administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the exam proceeds without any disruptions. These include the installation of jammers at all centres to prevent the use of electronic devices, and the setup of a dedicated control room to monitor the process throughout the day.
Candidates are being urged to strictly follow the exam timings and entry rules. Entry gates will open 90 minutes before the exam begins and close 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each paper. Once inside, no candidate will be allowed to leave the centre before the completion of the paper.
Importance of Timeliness
Officials have highlighted the importance of punctuality to avoid disqualification. Recalling past incidents, Gopala Krishna, Director of Brain Train, said:
“Last year, a few students lost their attempt as they arrived late for the afternoon session. This is a serious exam, and candidates must be present at the venue at least 45 minutes before the gate closure time to avoid any issues.”
Guidelines for Candidates
The administration has issued a checklist for all candidates to ensure they come fully prepared and compliant with the examination rules.
What to Carry
- e-Admit Card (printed copy is mandatory)
- Original valid Photo ID proof (like Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, etc.)
- Black ball point pen and pencil
- Self-photographs (as per instructions on admit card)
- Transparent water bottle
- Simple analog wristwatch (digital or smartwatches not permitted)
Entry and Exit Rules
- Candidates must reach the centre well in advance. Gates will close 30 minutes before the exam begins.
- There is no facility to store personal belongings such as bags or gadgets at the centres, so candidates are advised not to bring any prohibited items.
Items Strictly Prohibited
To maintain the integrity and fairness of the examination, the following items are strictly banned inside the exam premises:
- Mobile phones
- Digital or smartwatches
- Bluetooth devices
- Any form of electronic gadgets
- Carry bags or pouches
- Lighters or matchboxes
Violation of these guidelines can lead to disqualification from the examination, and in some cases, legal consequences under examination malpractice laws.
Final Note for Aspirants
With lakhs of candidates competing for a few hundred positions in the Indian Civil Services, the preliminary exam is the first and most competitive hurdle. Despite the marginal drop in registration numbers in Hyderabad, the seriousness of the examination remains unchanged.
Candidates are advised to:
- Thoroughly read the instructions on the UPSC e-admit card
- Plan their commute and reach the venue well in time
- Remain calm and focused during the exam
- Avoid last-minute hassles by preparing necessary documents and items a day before
The UPSC Civil Services exam is not just a test of knowledge, but also of discipline and preparedness. With proper planning and adherence to the rules, aspirants can ensure they don’t lose out on their opportunity due to avoidable mistakes.