UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test for All UP Group C Jobs
| Application Start | 29 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 3 Jul 2026 |
| Exam Date | 5 Sept 2026 |
General/OBC: ₹185 | SC/ST (UP): ₹95 | PwD: ₹25
Fee once paid is non-refundable. Payment via online mode only.
| Total Posts | See notification |
| Post Names | |
| Category | State PSC |
| Location | Uttar Pradesh |
| Minimum Pay | ₹5,200/month |
| Maximum Pay | ₹92,300/month |
| Pay Level | Varies by final post (Pay Level 1–7) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 40 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST (UP): +5 yrs, OBC (UP): +5 yrs, PwD: +15 yrs |
Age relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD candidates as per Government of India norms. Ex-Servicemen and other special categories may get additional relaxation.
10th Pass (Matriculation) minimum — gateway test for all UPSSSC posts
The qualification must be from a recognised university/institution. Candidates in their final year may check if provisional eligibility applies — see official notification for clarity.
PET Score (valid 1 year) → Main Exam for specific posts → Document Verification
Candidates must qualify each stage to advance. Final merit is based on combined performance across all qualifying stages as per the official notification.
- GS Paper I: Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment, Current Affairs (100 marks)
- CSAT Paper II: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Basic Mathematics — Qualifying (minimum 33%)
- GS Papers I–III: History, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment with State focus
- State Specific Paper: State History, Culture, Geography, Economy, Schemes, Official Language
- Optional Subject Paper I & II from approved list (Literature, Social Sciences, Science, Law etc.)
- Essay & Hindi / Official Language Paper
- State affairs, administration, current events, personality, leadership, ethical dilemmas, local language proficiency, social awareness
Note: The official syllabus is published in the recruitment notification. Always download and refer to the official syllabus document for the most accurate and up-to-date topic list for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh.
- Visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission using the link provided below
- Download and read the official notification carefully before filling the form
- Register / Login to the recruitment portal using your email and mobile number
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, certificates — in the specified format and size
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI
- Review all entries carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation/acknowledgement page
Keep the following documents ready in digital form before starting the application. Physical originals are required at document verification after final selection.
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, as per size specified in notification)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper
- Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate — as proof of date of birth
- Educational qualification certificates and all semester/year marksheets
- Caste/Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PwD) certificate from a government Medical Board (if applicable)
- Domicile / Residence certificate of the relevant state (if required)
- Aadhaar Card / Photo identity proof
- Experience certificate for posts requiring prior experience
- Any other document specifically mentioned in the official notification
Sponsored
The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has released the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026 notification — the mandatory qualifying examination that every candidate must clear to apply for any UPSSSC Group C government recruitment in Uttar Pradesh. The PET is one of India's largest examinations, with over 20–37 lakh candidates registering each year, making it the single most important gateway exam for UP government job aspirants.
The minimum qualification to appear for PET is a 10th (Matriculation) pass certificate, although the actual posts you become eligible for depend on the qualification required for each specific recruitment. The age limit is 18 to 40 years with generous UP-specific relaxations — SC/ST and OBC candidates of UP get 5 years, and PwD candidates get up to 15 years of relaxation.
The PET is a single objective-type examination covering Indian History, Indian National Movement, Geography, Indian Economy, Indian Constitution & Public Administration, General Science, Elementary Arithmetic, General Hindi, General English, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and General Awareness. The PET score remains valid for one year and is used as the first-stage screening for all subsequent UPSSSC recruitments such as Lekhpal, Junior Assistant, VDO, Forest Guard, and many more.
There is no direct appointment through PET alone — it qualifies you to apply for and appear in the Main Examinations of specific UPSSSC posts as they are announced throughout the year. A good PET score significantly improves your chances across multiple UP government recruitments. Registering for PET 2026 is essential for anyone serious about a UP state government career.
State Public Service Commissions are constitutional bodies established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India in each state to recruit officers for state civil services. State PSCs conduct rigorous examinations for IAS-equivalent State Administrative Service (SAS), State Police Service, State Forest Service, and various other departmental services. Officers recruited through State PSCs hold key administrative positions within state government machinery, including District Magistrates, Deputy SPs, Block Development Officers, and departmental heads. A career through State PSC is deeply rewarding, offering the chance to directly impact the lives of citizens in your home state while enjoying excellent salary, status, and benefits.
Follow these expert preparation tips to maximise your chances of success in UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh and similar State PSC recruitment examinations:
- State-Specific Syllabus — Download the official syllabus from the PSC website. State PSC syllabi differ significantly from UPSC — study state-specific topics first.
- State History & Culture — Each PSC emphasises the history, geography, culture, economy, and polity of that specific state. Build deep state-specific knowledge.
- Current Affairs — Cover both national and state-level current affairs. State government schemes, budgets, recent appointments, and local developments are tested.
- Optional Subject Selection — Many State PSC Mains exams require optional subjects. Choose one aligned with your academic background and scoring potential.
- Answer Writing Practice — Practise writing structured answers in the medium of your choice (English or regional language). Clarity and structure are rewarded.
- Previous Year Papers — Analyse the last 5-7 years of papers for your specific State PSC to understand recurring topics, question patterns, and marking scheme.
Consistent preparation, regular revision, and timed mock test practice are the most reliable strategies to crack any government examination. Stay disciplined and trust the process.
A career in State PSC offers a well-defined promotion structure. Here is the typical career progression for officers selected through UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh and similar recruitments:
Promotion timelines and pay scales are indicative based on 7th CPC structure and departmental rules. Actual promotions depend on vacancies, DPC decisions, APAR/ACR grading, and departmental examinations. Benefits include annual increments (3% of basic pay), periodic Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions, LTC, medical, and post-retirement pension under NPS/OPS.
The following books are widely recommended by toppers and coaching experts for State PSC examination preparation. These cover the core subjects tested in UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh and similar recruitments:
In addition to books, subscribe to monthly current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Chronicle, Competition Success Review) and practise on online mock test platforms (Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247) to improve speed and accuracy. Quality of preparation matters far more than quantity of books — master a few good books thoroughly rather than reading many superficially.
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is 3 Jul 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the official portal, which often experiences heavy traffic close to the closing date. No applications are accepted after the deadline under any circumstances.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The total number of vacancies for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh will be officially notified by Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission in the recruitment notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the complete vacancy details including category-wise and post-wise distribution once it is released.
Q3. What is the salary offered for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
Selected candidates for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh will receive a monthly salary of ₹5,200 – ₹92,300 as per the 7th Pay Commission pay structure. Beyond the basic pay, government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city classification), Transport Allowance (TA), medical reimbursement, and other benefits as per government norms. Additionally, employees receive annual increments, periodic DA revisions, and post-retirement pension, making the total compensation package highly competitive.
Q4. What is the age limit to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The age limit for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is 18 to 40 years as on the specified cutoff date. Age relaxation is available as follows: SC/ST (UP): +5 yrs, OBC (UP): +5 yrs, PwD: +15 yrs. Candidates must calculate their age carefully as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification. Age proof (10th certificate is generally accepted) must be uploaded during the application process.
Q5. What is the educational qualification required for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is 10th Pass (Matriculation) minimum — gateway test for all UPSSSC posts. This qualification must have been obtained from a recognised university or institution approved by the relevant regulatory body (UGC, AICTE, etc.). The qualification must be completed on or before the last date of application unless the notification specifically provides otherwise. Candidates who are in the final year of the required qualification may also check if they are eligible to apply provisionally.
Q6. How to apply online for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
To apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh, follow these steps: First, visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission. Find the active recruitment section and click on the UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh notification link. Register yourself using your active email ID and mobile number. Log in with your credentials and carefully fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and file size. Pay the applicable application fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Review all entries before final submission. After submitting, download and print the application confirmation page for future reference.
Q7. What is the application fee for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
General/OBC: ₹185 | SC/ST (UP): ₹95 | PwD: ₹25. The application fee is non-refundable once submitted. Payment must be made online through the official portal using Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. SC, ST, and PwD candidates may be exempt from or entitled to a reduced fee — please verify in the official notification.
Q8. What is the selection process for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The selection for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is done through the following stages: PET Score (valid 1 year) → Main Exam for specific posts → Document Verification. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative performance across all qualifying stages. Physical Standards Test (PST) and Medical Examination may also be part of the selection for certain posts. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme for each stage.
Q9. What documents are required to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The following documents are generally required when applying for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh: (1) Recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format within the specified file size. (2) Scanned signature on white paper. (3) Class 10th certificate for date of birth proof. (4) Educational qualification certificates and marksheets. (5) Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable). (6) PwD certificate from a Medical Board (if applicable). (7) Domicile or Residence Certificate (if required for the post). (8) Experience certificate (for posts requiring prior experience). Documents must be clear, self-attested, and within the specified size. Original documents are required at the time of document verification after selection.
Q10. Is UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh a permanent government job?
Yes, UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh offers regular, permanent government employment with Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission. As a State Government position in Uttar Pradesh, it follows the state pay structure with regular increments, DA, and state government retirement benefits. Government employees also enjoy job security, promotions on time scales, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), housing (or HRA), and various other allowances — making this among the most stable and comprehensive career options available in India.
Q11. Where can I find the official notification for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The official notification for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is published on the official website of Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission. The direct link to the official portal is https://upsssc.gov.in. The notification document contains all critical information including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern and syllabus, important dates, application procedure, fee structure, and selection process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete official notification before filling out the application form to avoid any errors or omissions that may lead to rejection.
Q12. Is there negative marking in UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The negative marking policy for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh depends on the specific exam stage. Most Computer Based Tests (CBTs) conducted by central government bodies like SSC, UPSC, and RRB carry a penalty of 0.25 or 0.50 marks per wrong answer. State-level police and teaching exams typically have no negative marking. For banking exams, 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong answer. The exact negative marking scheme for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is mentioned in the official notification and admit card. Candidates should always verify the marking scheme before the exam and avoid random guessing when negative marking is applicable — instead, attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about.
Q13. Can final year students apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
As per standard government recruitment rules, candidates applying for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh must have completed the required qualification of 10th Pass (Matriculation) minimum — gateway test for all UPSSSC posts by the last date of application, unless the official notification specifically permits final year students to apply provisionally. In many central government recruitments (SSC, UPSC, PSUs), final year students are allowed to apply and appear in the exam provisionally — but they must submit proof of completing the qualification at the time of document verification or before joining. State government recruitments vary in this regard. Always read the Eligibility Criteria section of the official notification carefully to confirm whether provisional applications are accepted for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh.
Q14. Is the UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh exam conducted online (Computer Based Test) or offline (OMR-based)?
The examination mode for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is specified in the official notification. Most major central government recruitments — including SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS, and SBI — now conduct all stages as Computer Based Tests (CBTs) at NIELIT-empanelled test centres across India. Candidates log in to the test centre system, read questions on screen, and mark answers using the mouse — no pen or OMR sheet is required. State-level recruitments — particularly state police, state PSC preliminary exams, and some state teacher recruitments — may still conduct exams in the traditional OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) pen-and-paper mode. The specific mode (CBT/Online or OMR/Offline) for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh will be clearly mentioned in the official admit card and notification. Candidates must carry a valid photo ID on the day of examination regardless of the exam mode.
Q15. What is the probation / training period after selection in UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
After selection in UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh, newly appointed candidates undergo a mandatory probation and training period before they are confirmed in service. For central government posts recruited through SSC, the probation period is typically 2 years. For UPSC-recruited civil servants (IAS, IPS, IFS), the Foundation Course at LBSNAA lasts 2 years. Banking probationary officers serve a 2-year probation. Defence officers complete 1-year training at their respective academies (IMA, AFA, INA). Teaching posts generally carry 1-2 year probation at DIET or SCERT. During the probation period, candidates receive full pay and allowances as per their pay scale. They may also be required to pass departmental examinations and practical training assessments before their service is confirmed. Failure to satisfactorily complete the probation period can lead to extension or termination of service.
Q16. When will the admit card for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh be released?
The admit card (also called Hall Ticket or Call Letter) for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is typically released 10–15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official website of Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission. For SSC exams, admit cards are available on the SSC regional websites 1-3 weeks before the exam. For UPSC, it is released about 3 weeks before. For RRB, it is available approximately 4 days before the CBT date. For banking exams (IBPS, SBI), call letters are available on the official banking portal about 7-14 days before. Candidates are required to download their admit card from the official website — it is NOT sent by post. You will need your registration number and date of birth to download it. Always download and take 2-3 colour printouts of your admit card. Carrying a valid government-issued photo ID alongside the admit card is compulsory at the examination centre.
Q17. What is the age calculation cutoff date for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh?
The age of a candidate for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh is calculated as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification — this is usually the last date of application or the 1st of January of the recruitment year, depending on the recruiting body. For SSC exams, age is calculated as on 1st January of the year. For UPSC Civil Services, it is 1st August. For RRB, it is the date of notification. For Banking (IBPS/SBI), it is the first day of the month of the notification. For state police and state PSC, it is typically 1st January or the last date of application as specified. For UPSSSC PET 2026 — Preliminary Eligibility Test Uttar Pradesh, the maximum age is 40 years, with relaxation available as: SC/ST (UP): +5 yrs, OBC (UP): +5 yrs, PwD: +15 yrs. Candidates must calculate their age accurately as on the specified cutoff date and ensure they are within the age limit before applying.