2026 UPSC Mains Paper A: Rules, Exemption List

A hundred years have passed since India got its first Public Service Commission on 1 October 1926. UPSC Foundation Day on 1 October 2026 marks that full century.

What started as an advisory body under colonial rule eventually became the Union Public Service Commission, an independent constitutional authority governed by Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution.

Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is hosting the centenary across two days, 30 September and 1 October 2026. Day one carried the title Shatabdi Samaroh - Manthan and centred on where civil services go next, how public administration can innovate, and what constitutional values mean in practice.

The Prime Minister attends the 1 October programme. A commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and a book covering 100 landmark judgments that shaped the work of UPSC and State Public Service Commissions are all part of the official releases.

For an aspirant, UPSC foundation day works as a current-affairs topic because it ties history to Indian Polity, governance, constitutional bodies, civil service reforms, and ethics in public administration.UPSC Foundation Day 2026: Key Highlights

Candidates appearing for the first stage of the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 can now view their assigned locations.

The Staff Selection Commission published the official SSC CGL city intimation 2026 update on 21 September 2026.

You must log into your personal dashboard on ssc.gov.in to see the specific details tied to your application profile. The computer-based test runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026.

This early location update exists mainly to help candidates plan their travel arrangements ahead of time. It shows the specific assigned city linked to your exam schedule, but it does not act as your final entry document for the testing centre. The actual Admission Certificate arrives later with the exact venue and day-of rules.

The Union Public Service Commission published the official UPSC Geoscientist notification on 2 September 2026. This document covers 127 tentative openings split between the Central Ground Water Board and the Geological Survey of India. You are looking at a highly specialized UPSC Geoscientist hiring cycle.

The application window closes at 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026. The preliminary test happens on 10 January 2027, and the main written exams follow on 19 and 20 June 2027.

All applications go through the main government portal. The preliminary test is on 10 January 2027 and the main written exams on 19 and 20 June 2027.

All applications are submitted via the main government portal. You must be aged between 21 and 32 as of 1 January 2027 (there are some exceptions). Most positions require a master's degree in chemistry, hydrogeology, geophysics or geology.

Read the full PDF before you fill out the UPSC Geoscientist form. That document lists every physical requirement, exam center, reservation rule, and specific degree needed for each post.