UPSC Combined Recruitment Test for various posts scheduled on 27.09.2026. Check detailed exam pattern, syllabus, centers, and admit card release info.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an addendum notification regarding the Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) for various posts. This crucial update provides essential details about the examination schedule, pattern, syllabus, and test centers for candidates aspiring to join as Administrative Officer Grade-I, Manager Grade-I / Section Officer, and Accounts Officer. The offline Pen and Paper Based test is scheduled for September 27, 2026, and candidates are advised to review all details carefully to prepare effectively.
Exam Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) |
| Posts Covered | Administrative Officer Grade-I, Manager Grade-I / Section Officer, Accounts Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 59 (8+19+32) |
| Exam Date | 27.09.2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper Based) |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Medium of Test | English Only |
| Admit Card Release | One week prior to the exam date |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in (not mentioned in PDF, but standard UPSC domain) |
Exam Schedule
The Combined Recruitment Test will be conducted in a single forenoon session:
| Date | Day | Session | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27.09.2026 | Sunday | Forenoon | 09:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M |
Exam Centers
The test centers are bifurcated based on the advertised vacancies. Candidates will be assigned a center as per their application for specific posts. No request for change of test center will be entertained.
For Vacancy No. 25060803428 (Administrative Officer Grade-I) and 25060805428 (Manager Grade-I / Section Officer):
- Ahmedabad
- Bhopal
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Dispur (Guwahati)
- Jaipur
- Jammu
- Kochi
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Port Blair
- Ranchi
- Vishakhapatnam
For Vacancy No. 25091309413 (Accounts Officer):
- Delhi
- Srinagar
- Leh
- Kargil
Exam Pattern
The Recruitment Test will follow an objective type pattern with negative marking. Candidates must be mindful of the marking scheme while attempting the questions.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Objective Type, Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | One-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer. |
| Unattempted Questions | No penalty for questions not marked. |
| Medium | English Only |
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus for the Combined Recruitment Test covers a wide range of subjects to assess the candidates’ overall aptitude and knowledge relevant to the posts.
I. Scheme of the Test
The test will be of two hours duration. All questions will carry equal marks. The test will be objective type questions with multiple choices of answer. The medium of the test will be English only. There will be penalty for wrong answers. Every wrong answer will carry a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question. If no answer is marked for a question, there will be no penalty for that question. The Test will carry a maximum of 300 marks.
II. Syllabus of the Test
The examination will cover the following subjects:
- English Language Test
- General Mental Ability
- Current events of National and International importance
- Developmental issues and current trends in Indian Economy
- Fundamentals of Computer Applications
- Basics of Financial Aptitude
- Human Resource Management
- Basics of Material Management
Admit Card
E-Admit Cards for the Combined Recruitment Test will be released approximately one week prior to the date of the Recruitment Test. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for updates and download their admit cards well in advance.
How to Download Admit Card (General Steps):
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
- Navigate to the ‘Admit Cards’ section.
- Click on the link for ‘E-Admit Card – Combined Recruitment Test 2026’.
- Enter your Registration ID / Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Verify the details displayed on the admit card.
- Download and print multiple copies for future reference and exam day.
Selection Process & Interview Standards
The selection process for these posts involves a Recruitment Test (RT) followed by an Interview. The weightage for the RT and Interview will be 75:25 respectively for those candidates shortlisted from the Recruitment Test and who qualify for the Interview.
Standard of Suitability for the Interview:
Candidates must meet the following minimum suitability standards in the interview:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General/EWS Category | 50 and above |
| OBC | 45 and above (on relaxed standards) |
| SC/ST | 40 and above (on relaxed standards) |
| PwBD (Gen/EWS/OBC/SC/ST) | 40 and above (on relaxed standards) |
What to Expect on Exam Day
Appearing for a UPSC exam requires meticulous planning and adherence to rules. On exam day, candidates should:
- Reporting Time: Arrive at the test center well before the scheduled reporting time to complete entry formalities.
- Admit Card & ID: Carry a printout of the E-Admit Card and a valid Photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID) in original.
- Stationery: Bring a black ballpoint pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
- Prohibited Items: Do not carry electronic gadgets (mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators), study material, or any other unauthorized items into the examination hall.
- OMR Sheet: Carefully fill in your details on the OMR sheet and follow all instructions for marking answers.
- Rough Work: Use only the space provided in the test booklet for rough work.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
With the exam date set for 2026, candidates have ample time for preparation. For the final phase, consider these tips:
Effective Revision:
- Focus on high-weightage topics from the syllabus.
- Revise notes regularly and use flashcards for quick recall.
- Practice previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
Mock Tests:
- Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
- Analyze your performance in mock tests to identify weak areas and work on them.
Time Management:
- Develop a strategy for managing time during the exam, especially considering the negative marking.
- Prioritize questions you are confident about and avoid spending too much time on a single question.
Health & Well-being:
- Maintain a healthy diet and get adequate sleep.
- Engage in light physical activity to reduce stress.
- Stay calm and confident; believe in your preparation.
Recommended Books
Based on the specified syllabus for the UPSC Combined Recruitment Test, here are highly recommended books that cover the core subjects:
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Test | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi / Arihant Publications |
| General Mental Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Current Events of National & International Importance | Manorama Yearbook / Lucent’s General Knowledge | Various / Dr. Binay Karna |
| Developmental Issues and Current Trends in Indian Economy | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh / Economic Survey | Ramesh Singh |
| Fundamentals of Computer Applications | Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy | Kiran Prakashan |
| Basics of Financial Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma |
| Human Resource Management | Human Resource Management | K. Aswathappa / L.M. Prasad |
| Basics of Material Management | Materials Management: Text and Cases | P. Gopalakrishnan |
Note: These are standard recommended books. Always refer to the official syllabus for specific topics and depth of study. Supplement with current affairs magazines and online resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the date of the UPSC Combined Recruitment Test?
A1: The Combined Recruitment Test is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 09:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M.
Q2: Will there be negative marking in the exam?
A2: Yes, there will be a penalty for wrong answers. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect response.
Q3: When will the admit cards be released?
A3: E-Admit Cards will be released approximately one week prior to the date of the Recruitment Test. Candidates should check the official UPSC website for updates.
Q4: Can I change my allotted exam center?
A4: No, the notification explicitly states that no request for change of test center will be entertained.
Q5: What is the weightage of the Recruitment Test and Interview in the final selection?
A5: The Recruitment Test (RT) and the Interview shall carry a 75:25 weightage respectively for those candidates who are shortlisted from the RT and qualify the interview.
Q6: Is the exam bilingual (Hindi and English)?
A6: No, the medium of the test will be English only, as specified in the notification.
Q7: What documents are required on the exam day?
A7: Candidates must carry their E-Admit Card printout and a valid Photo ID proof (in original) along with a black ballpoint pen.
Q8: What are the minimum marks required in the interview?
A8: The suitability standards for the interview are 50 and above for General/EWS, 45 and above for OBC, and 40 and above for SC/ST/PwBD categories (on relaxed standards).