UPSC Civil Services Main 2025 Personality Test Rescheduled; Revised Date Announced
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially rescheduled the Personality Test (Interview) for the Civil Services Main Examination 2025 (CSE-Mains 2025) for a select group of candidates. The change comes in light of administrative adjustments linked to Republic Day preparations in New Delhi.
Why the Change?
The interview session originally scheduled for January 22, 2026 (Afternoon Session) has been deferred due to the early closure of government offices on that day because of the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2026. This rehearsal requires extensive planning and logistical arrangements in central government areas, impacting official work schedules and UPSC operations.
Revised Interview Date
Affected candidates will now appear for their Personality Test on:
➡️ Friday, February 27, 2026 – Forenoon Session.
This revised schedule applies only to those candidates who were allotted the afternoon interview on January 22. Other sessions of the ongoing Personality Test — part of the final stage of the Civil Services recruitment process — continue as planned.
Personality Test Schedule Overview
According to the UPSC’s official interview schedule, the Personality Test for CSE-Mains 2025 began in December 2025, with the first phase covering a batch of candidates. The remaining portion of the interview programme is being conducted through January and February 2026, with the final sessions concluding on February 27.
Reporting Time and Instructions
Candidates appearing for the Personality Test should observe the reporting times as specified in their e-summon letters:
- Forenoon Session: 9:00 AM
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM
The commission has also reminded aspirants to carry all essential documents and certificates for identity verification and eligibility.
Travel Allowance for Candidates
UPSC has stated that travelling expenses for eligible shortlisted candidates will be reimbursed. This reimbursement is limited to second-class or sleeper-class train fare, and claim forms must be filled and submitted along with journey tickets as per UPSC guidelines for Travelling Allowance (TA).
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Status
In addition to the interview rescheduling, the UPSC’s Civil Services Examination 2026 notification has been postponed from its original release date of January 14, 2026, due to administrative reasons. The notification — which includes details on the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and application process — is now expected to be issued soon on the UPSC official website.
Once released, eligible candidates will be able to complete the online application process and begin preparations for the Preliminary Examination, likely scheduled for May 24, 2026, as per the current UPSC calendar.
