About the UPSSSC PET Recruitment 2026
The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow, has issued Advertisement No. 16-Exam/2026 on 01 August 2026, announcing the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) - 2026. This examination serves as a mandatory initial screening stage for individuals seeking various Group 'C' government positions under the Commission's jurisdiction. Candidates who successfully qualify in PET become eligible to apply for subsequent Main Examinations specific to different posts.
Eligibility for UPSSSC PET 2026
Candidates must possess a High School (10th) or an equivalent qualification to be eligible for PET-2026. It is essential that this qualification is obtained before the final date of application submission. The PET is a general eligibility test, and specific educational requirements for individual Group 'C' posts will be detailed in their respective Main Examination advertisements.
Age Requirements for UPSSSC PET 2026
Applicants for PET-2026 must be at least 18 years old and not older than 40 years as of 01 July 2026. Age relaxations are provided for various reserved categories as per government regulations.
Age Relaxation Details
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|
| SC / ST / OBC and other reserved categories | As specified by the Government from time to time |
| Classified/skilled sportspersons | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years, after deducting actual military service rendered |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Divyangjan) | 15 years |
| UP State Government employees | 5 years |
Application Fee for UPSSSC PET 2026
The application fee for UPSSSC PET 2026 varies by category and includes an online processing charge. Payment can be made through Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan.
| Category | Application Fee | Online Processing Fee | Total Fee |
|---|
| Unreserved (General) | Rs. 160.00 | Rs. 25.00 | Rs. 185.00 |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | Rs. 160.00 | Rs. 25.00 | Rs. 185.00 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Rs. 70.00 | Rs. 25.00 | Rs. 95.00 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Rs. 70.00 | Rs. 25.00 | Rs. 95.00 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Divyangjan) | - | Rs. 25.00 | Rs. 25.00 |
UPSSSC PET 2026 Examination Pattern
The Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) - 2026 will consist of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, totaling 100 marks, to be completed within 2 hours. A negative marking of ¼ mark will be applied for each incorrect answer. The difficulty level for academic subjects will align with the Secondary/Senior Secondary standards set by NCERT.
| S. No. | Subject | Marks |
|---|
| 1 | Indian History | 05 |
| 2 | Indian National Movement | 05 |
| 3 | Geography | 05 |
| 4 | Indian Economy | 05 |
| 5 | Indian Constitution & Public Administration | 05 |
| 6 | General Science | 05 |
| 7 | Elementary Arithmetic | 05 |
| 8 | General Hindi | 05 |
| 9 | General English | 05 |
| 10 | Logic & Reasoning | 05 |
| 11 | Current Affairs (Indian and Global) | 10 |
| 12 | General Awareness | 10 |
| 13 | Unseen Hindi Passage Comprehension & Analysis (2 passages, 5 questions each) | 10 |
| 14 | Graph Interpretation & Analysis (2 graphs, 5 questions each) | 10 |
| 15 | Table Interpretation & Analysis (2 tables, 5 questions each) | 10 |
Detailed Syllabus for UPSSSC PET 2026
The comprehensive syllabus for UPSSSC PET-2026 covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Indian History: Topics from Indus Valley Civilization to the socio-economic impact of British Rule.
- Indian National Movement: Key phases and leaders of the freedom struggle, including Mahatma Gandhi, revolutionary movements, and the Government of India Act, 1935.
- Geography: Physical, political, climate, time zones, and demographic aspects of India and the world.
- Indian Economy: Economic development from 1947 to post-2014 reforms, including Five-Year Plans, Green Revolution, and GST.
- Indian Constitution & Public Administration: Fundamental features, rights, duties, parliamentary and federal systems, judicial structure, and local governance.
- General Science: Basic concepts from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Elementary Arithmetic: Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, equations, squares, exponents, and averages.
- General Hindi: Grammar topics like Sandhi, antonyms, synonyms, idioms, and literary works.
- General English: English grammar and comprehension of unseen passages.
- Logic & Reasoning: Comparisons, ranking, relationships, odd one out, calendar, clock, cause and effect, coding-decoding, and deductive reasoning.
- Current Affairs: Significant national and international events.
- General Awareness: Knowledge about India's neighbours, countries, capitals, currencies, Indian Parliament, national/international days, world organizations, tourist places, art, culture, sports, research organizations, books, authors, awards, climate change, and environment.
UPSSSC PET Score Validity and Normalization
The score obtained in PET-2026 will be valid for a period of 3 years from the date the result is officially declared and uploaded on the UPSSSC website. If a candidate possesses multiple valid PET scores, they may use their highest normalized score when applying for a Main Examination. In cases where the PET is conducted in multiple shifts or days due to a large number of applicants, a score normalization process will be implemented to ensure fair comparative evaluation.
How to Apply Online for UPSSSC PET 2026
Candidates interested in applying for UPSSSC PET 2026 must follow these steps:
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR): Ensure you have completed OTR on the UPSSSC website (upsssc.gov.in) as it is mandatory since 14.07.2026.
- Login for Application: Use your OTR number or registered mobile number to log in for the PET-2026 application. An OTP will be sent for verification.
- Fill Application Details: Your OTR details will auto-populate. Fill in any remaining required information such as Intermediate qualification (if applicable), marital status, EWS status, UP state employee status, dependent of freedom fighter, ex-serviceman status, outstanding sportsperson status, disability category, and any additional age relaxation claims.
- Submit Declaration: Read and agree to the declaration, enter the verification code, and click "Submit" to generate your 11-digit Registration Slip. Save this for future reference.
- Pay Application Fee: Click "Proceed for Payment" on the Registration Slip page and pay the prescribed fee using online modes (Credit Card/Debit Card/Internet Banking/UPI) or SBI e-Challan.
- Download & Print Application: After successful payment, download and print your submitted application form. The application process is only complete once you have done this.
Only one online application per candidate is permitted for PET-2026.
Application Correction for UPSSSC PET 2026
Candidates can modify certain details in their submitted application form through the "Modify Submitted Application" option on the UPSSSC website homepage. This correction window is available from 10 August 2026 to 08 September 2026. Permissible changes include email, Intermediate qualification, marital status, EWS status, UP state employee status, freedom fighter dependent status, ex-serviceman status, outstanding sportsperson status, disability category, and additional age relaxation details. Note that name, date of birth, and mobile number linked to OTR cannot be changed once the PET-2026 registration number is generated. No correction requests will be accepted after the deadline.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Candidates must accurately indicate their category in the application.
- High School or equivalent certificate is the sole valid proof of age.
- Self-attested copies of relevant documents may be required for verification.
- Admit cards will provide exam date, time, district, and centre details; no changes will be permitted.
- Providing incorrect information may lead to debarment from PET and future examinations.
- Malpractice or indiscipline during the exam will result in candidature cancellation and debarment as per the UP Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
- All official communications will be published on the UPSSSC website; candidates should check regularly.
- Specific rules apply to married male candidates with multiple living wives and women married to such men regarding eligibility.
- For online application difficulties, contact the Commission at 0522-2720814 or via the official website.
