The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be conducting the Civil Services (Mains) Examination, 2025 on August 22 (Friday). With the exam inching
closer, aspirants are now also starting to finalise their exam day essentials. These essentials cover stuff such as which pen to carry, what documents to keep, which items are allowed and prohibited etc. One such big question that aspirants often battle with is which kind of watch is allowed inside the UPSC examination centre. As per the advisory issued by the UPSC for Prelims exam 2025, candidates are allowed to use normal or simple wrist watches inside the examination rooms/ halls. However, aspirants should note that the use of watches fitted with any special accessory that might be used as communication device or smart watches is strictly prohibited. Candidates are not even allowed to take such watches into the examination rooms/ halls. There will also not be any provision made by the Commission to store such watches safely for aspirants while they attempt the exam. So, aspirants should avoid taking such watches to the exam centre. Usually, majority of the examination halls/ rooms do have a wall clock that is mounted in a manner that it is visible to all candidates. The invigilators, too, let candidates know the time periodically, or when asked by candidates. Aspirants should also remember that possession or use of mobile phones and other electronics or communication devices (even in switch off mode) is not allowed. Additionally, "any other incriminating material (notes on e-Admit Cards, papers, erasers etc.) or violation of any instruction shall entail disciplinary action which may include cancellation of candidature of candidate, filing of FIR/ police complaint against the candidate, prohibition from appearing in subsequent Session(s)/ day(s) of the examination. In addition, the Commission may take any other appropriate action as per provisions contained in the Examination Rules," UPSC stated. For the UPSC Mains exam, the Commission will soon release the admit cards too. The UPSC Mains 2025 hall tickets are expected to release on or before August 15. Once released, the admit cards will be available to download from the official UPSC website, i.e. upsc.gov.in.
