UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Date October – Complete Guide, Eligibility & Admit Card

UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Date October

UPSSSC PET 2026 exam date is officially confirmed: the Preliminary Eligibility Test will be held on 23, 24, and 25 October 2026 in two shifts daily — First Shift 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Second Shift 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This confirmation came via the official notice dated 9 September 2026 (Advertisement No. 16-Exam/2026) issued by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC). This guide is for every 10th-pass candidate aged 18–40 who wants to crack UP’s gateway exam for Lekhpal, VDO, Junior Assistant, Forest Guard, and 20,000+ Group C posts. Below you will find the exam date, admit card timeline, syllabus, eligibility, salary, application fee, and step-by-step process — all in one place.

✅ Quick Answer
UPSSSC PET 2026 will be conducted on 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 in two shifts per day (10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 3:00 PM–5:00 PM) as confirmed by UPSSSC via official notice dated 9 September 2026. The admit card date has not yet been announced but will be notified separately through upsssc.gov.in. Qualifying this 100-mark OMR exam unlocks access to 20,000+ UP Group C government jobs with a salary starting at Rs.21,700/month.
📋 UPSSSC PET 2026 — Key Facts at a Glance
  • Conducting Body: Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC)
  • Advertisement No.: 16-Exam/2026 (dated 01 August 2026)
  • Exam Date: 23, 24 & 25 October 2026
  • Exam Shifts: Shift 1 — 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Shift 2 — 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Total Marks: 100 marks | 100 MCQ questions | 2 hours duration
  • Negative Marking: ¼ mark deducted per wrong answer
  • Minimum Qualification: Class 10 (High School) pass from recognised board
  • Age Limit: 18–40 years as on 1 July 2026
  • Application Fee: Rs.185 (General/OBC) | Rs.95 (SC/ST) | Rs.25 (PwD)
  • Score Validity: 3 years from result declaration date
  • Official Website: upsssc.gov.in
  • Notification Download: Download Official Notice (Telegram)

📋 Table of Contents

What is UPSSSC PET 2026?

UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Date October
UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Date October

UPSSSC PET — Preliminary Eligibility Test — is the mandatory state-level screening exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission for recruitment to Group B and Group C government posts in UP. Without a valid PET score, no candidate can appear for UPSSSC’s main examinations for any Group C post, no matter how qualified they are.

Introduced to simplify UP’s recruitment process, PET replaces the old system where separate preliminary exams were held for each post. One PET attempt, one score — valid for 3 years — opens the door to dozens of UPSSSC recruitments: Lekhpal, Village Development Officer (VDO), Junior Assistant, Forest Guard, X-Ray Technician, Cane Supervisor, and more.

The 2026 cycle was officially launched via Advertisement No. 16-Exam/2026 dated 1 August 2026. As per UPSSSC’s official notice dated 9 September 2026, the written examination will be held on 23, 24, and 25 October 2026 — making this the first time the PET has been scheduled across three consecutive days with six total examination slots.

FeatureDetails
Full NamePreliminary Eligibility Test (PET)
Conducted ByUPSSSC, Lucknow
Exam LevelState-Level (Uttar Pradesh)
Exam TypeQualifying / Screening
ModeOffline (Pen-and-paper OMR)
MediumHindi and English
PurposeGateway for all UPSSSC Group C main exams
Score Validity3 years from result declaration

Who Should Apply for UPSSSC PET 2026?

UPSSSC PET 2026 is relevant to a wide section of candidates across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Check if you match one of these profiles:

  • 🎓 Class 10 pass graduates and above — any Indian citizen with High School certificate is eligible, whether 10th pass, 12th pass, or a graduate.
  • 🏫 Students in Class 11–12 — if you pass Class 10 before the application deadline, you qualify to sit PET now and use the score for 3 years.
  • 👨‍🌾 Rural youth targeting Lekhpal or VDO — PET is the mandatory gateway for Revenue Lekhpal and Village Development Officer posts under the UP government.
  • 🌳 Candidates seeking Forest Guard or Wildlife Guard posts — UP Forest Department regularly recruits through PET-qualified candidates.
  • 📋 Office seekers targeting Junior Assistant or Clerk posts — these high-demand posts open exclusively for PET qualifiers.
  • 🏥 Aspirants for health department posts — X-Ray Technician, Women Health Worker, and other health department Group C posts require PET clearance.
  • 🚜 Agriculture candidates targeting Cane Supervisor or Agricultural Technical Assistant — agri-sector UP government jobs fall under UPSSSC’s PET-mandatory framework.
  • 🔄 Candidates who missed PET 2025 — PET 2026 is your fresh chance; a 3-year valid score starting from 2026 result covers multiple recruitment cycles through 2029.

Salary & Group C Posts After Qualifying PET 2026

UPSSSC PET does not itself carry a salary — it is a qualifying exam. However, clearing PET with a good score opens access to dozens of UP government posts. The in-hand salary for most PET-linked Group C posts ranges from Rs.25,000 to Rs.37,000 per month (7th Pay Commission), with the basic pay starting at Rs.21,700 and going up to Rs.69,100 depending on the post and grade.

Group C PostPay ScaleGrade PayIn-Hand (Approx.)
Revenue LekhpalRs.21,700 – Rs.69,100Rs.2,000Rs.28,000 – Rs.32,000/month
Village Development Officer (VDO)Rs.5,200 – Rs.20,200Rs.2,000Rs.25,000 – Rs.30,000/month
Junior Assistant / ClerkRs.5,200 – Rs.20,200Rs.2,000Rs.25,000 – Rs.28,000/month
Forest Guard / Wildlife GuardRs.5,200 – Rs.20,200Rs.1,900Rs.24,000 – Rs.27,000/month
X-Ray TechnicianRs.5,200 – Rs.20,200Rs.2,800Rs.28,000 – Rs.33,000/month
Cane SupervisorRs.5,200 – Rs.20,200Rs.2,000Rs.25,000 – Rs.28,000/month
Agricultural Technical AssistantRs.5,200 – Rs.20,200Rs.1,900Rs.24,000 – Rs.27,000/month

In addition to basic pay, all UP government employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Allowance, Travel Allowance, and pension under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). In the previous PET cycle (PET 2025), over 20,994 vacancies were released across Lekhpal, X-Ray Technician, Junior Assistant, and other posts for PET-qualified candidates. A similar or higher number is expected after PET 2026 results.

Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit for UPSSSC PET 2026

Before applying, verify that you meet all eligibility conditions set in Advertisement No. 16-Exam/2026. The eligibility criteria for UPSSSC PET 2026 are straightforward: minimum Class 10 pass and age between 18 and 40 years as on 1 July 2026.

  • Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
  • Educational Qualification: Passed High School (Class 10) or equivalent from a recognised board. Intermediate, graduation, post-graduation, and diploma holders are also fully eligible.
  • Age Limit: Minimum 18 years and maximum 40 years as on 1 July 2026.
  • Domicile: Candidates from outside Uttar Pradesh can appear in PET; however, reservation and age relaxation benefits apply only to UP domicile holders of reserved categories.
  • Date of Birth Proof: Only the date of birth recorded in the Class 10 (High School) certificate is accepted.

Category-Wise Age Relaxation:

CategoryAge Relaxation
General (UR)No relaxation — maximum 40 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) — UP Domicile+3 years (maximum 43 years)
SC / ST — UP Domicile+5 years (maximum 45 years)
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)+15 years
Ex-Servicemen3 years after deducting military service period
Skilled Sportspersons (UP Domicile)+5 years
UP State Government Employees (Regular)+5 years

Application Fee (Category-Wise):

CategoryApplication Fee
General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)Rs.185
SC / STRs.95
PwD (Persons with Disabilities)Rs.25

How to Apply for UPSSSC PET 2026 — Step-by-Step Process

UPSSSC PET 2026 applications are submitted online through the official UPSSSC website. Note: The application window was 3 August to 7 September 2026 (extended). The correction window closes 8 September 2026. If you have already applied, ensure corrections are done before the deadline.

  1. Complete OTR (One Time Registration): Visit upsssc.gov.in. If you do not have an OTR number, register first. Without OTR, no PET application can be submitted.
  2. Login to Candidate Portal: Use your OTR number and password to log in. Click on “Apply Online” for PET 2026 (Advt. No. 16-Exam/2026).
  3. Fill the Application Form: Enter personal details, educational qualification, category, and exam city preference. Ensure name and date of birth exactly match your Class 10 certificate.
  4. Upload Photo and Signature: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the prescribed format and size specified in the notice.
  5. Pay the Application Fee: Pay online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or IMPS as per your category (Rs.185/Rs.95/Rs.25). Keep the payment receipt.
  6. Submit and Print: After final submission, download and print the application form confirmation. Store it safely for future reference and document verification.
  7. Correct If Needed: If you made any error in non-fixed fields (email, qualification, category details, etc.), use the “Modify Submitted Application” option with OTP verification. Correction window: 10 August to 8 September 2026. Name, DOB, and mobile number cannot be changed after OTR lock-in.
  8. Download Admit Card: UPSSSC will announce admit card separately through upsssc.gov.in. Admit cards are typically released 3–4 weeks before the exam. Watch the official website and our Telegram channel for updates.
💡 Pro Tip
Download the official UPSSSC PET 2026 notification PDF from this link and verify your eligibility directly from the source before submitting your application. Never rely solely on third-party websites for fee amounts, age relaxation, or document lists — always cross-check with the official advertisement. For admit card, bookmark upsssc.gov.in and check every 2–3 days starting from early October 2026.

UPSSSC PET 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The UPSSSC PET 2026 exam consists of 100 objective-type (MCQ) questions carrying 100 marks, to be completed in 2 hours (120 minutes). The exam is pen-and-paper OMR-based. There is a negative marking of ¼ mark (0.25 marks) for each wrong answer. The syllabus covers 15 sections spanning history, geography, economy, science, language, reasoning, and data interpretation — at Secondary and Senior Secondary difficulty level.

Section No.SubjectQuestionsMarks
1Indian History55
2Indian National Movement55
3Geography55
4Indian Economy55
5Indian Constitution & Public Administration55
6General Science55
7Elementary Arithmetic55
8General Hindi55
9General English55
10Logic & Reasoning55
11Current Affairs1010
12General Awareness1010
13Hindi Unseen Passage (Apathit Gadyansh)1010
14Graph Interpretation1010
15Table Interpretation & Analysis1010
Total100100

Key Preparation Insight: Sections 13, 14, and 15 together carry 30 marks — the highest combined weight. Graph and table interpretation are frequently underestimated by candidates; daily practice of 15–20 data interpretation questions is the fastest route to boosting your score. Current Affairs (10 marks) and General Awareness (10 marks) together contribute 20 marks — a month of focused news reading can be decisive.

UPSSSC PET 2026 vs Other UP Government Exams

Many candidates wonder how UPSSSC PET 2026 compares with other major UP and state government examinations. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide the right focus:

ParameterUPSSSC PET 2026UP Police ConstableUPPSC PCS (State Services)
Conducting BodyUPSSSCUPPRPBUPPSC
Minimum Qualification10th Pass12th PassGraduation
Posts After ExamGroup C (Lekhpal, VDO, etc.)Constable (Police)PCS Officer (Group A/B)
Starting SalaryRs.21,700/monthRs.21,700/monthRs.56,100/month (PCS)
Score/Result Validity3 yearsCycle-specificCycle-specific
Negative Marking¼ mark per wrong answerNo negative marking⅓ mark per wrong answer
Exam Duration2 hours (120 min)2 hours2 hours per paper
Number of StagesPET + Post-specific MainsWritten + DV + MedicalPre + Mains + Interview
Competition LevelVery High (40–60 lakh applicants)Extremely HighExtremely High
Best For10th/12th pass seeking stable govt job12th pass, fitness-orientedGraduates seeking officer-grade posts
🔵 Expert Verdict
For candidates who have passed Class 10 and want a stable UP government job within 1–2 years, UPSSSC PET 2026 is the single most important exam to clear in 2026. One good PET score (aim for 65+ marks) opens access to Lekhpal, VDO, Junior Assistant, and 20,000+ more posts over the next 3 years — without re-appearing in any preliminary exam. No other UP state exam offers this leverage at 10th-pass level.

Pros and Cons of Appearing in UPSSSC PET 2026

Before you invest 2–3 months of preparation, weigh the genuine advantages and limitations of UPSSSC PET 2026:

✅ Advantages of UPSSSC PET 2026

  • 10th Pass Eligible: One of the very few government exams open to Class 10 pass candidates — no graduation required.
  • 3-Year Score Validity: Clear PET once and apply for multiple Group C recruitments through 2029 without re-appearing.
  • Gateway to 20,000+ Vacancies: PET 2025 cycle unlocked 20,994 Group C posts; PET 2026 is expected to unlock a similar or larger pool.
  • Predictable Syllabus: The 15-section, 100-mark format is unchanged year-on-year — ample previous papers and mock tests available.
  • Low Application Fee: At Rs.185 for General/OBC and Rs.95 for SC/ST, PET is one of the most affordable government exams in India.

⚠️ Limitations of UPSSSC PET 2026

  • Not a Direct Recruitment: PET alone does not give you a job — you must separately appear for and clear the post-specific Main Examination after qualifying.
  • Negative Marking Risk: ¼ mark deducted per wrong answer means reckless guessing can drop your score significantly.
  • High Competition: Estimated 40–60 lakh candidates appear; cut-offs typically range from 40–60 marks — you need 65+ to be safe across most posts.

Important Terms Related to UPSSSC PET 2026

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the UPSSSC PET 2026 process confidently:

  • UPSSSC: Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission — the state government body headquartered in Lucknow that conducts PET and all subsequent Group C main exams in UP.
  • PET (Preliminary Eligibility Test): The mandatory qualifying screening exam; not a recruitment exam in itself, but the gateway that allows candidates to apply for UPSSSC’s Group C posts.
  • OTR (One Time Registration): A one-time registration number issued by UPSSSC. Mandatory before applying for any UPSSSC exam — without OTR, no application form can be submitted.
  • Group C Posts: Non-gazetted government posts below Group B level, including Lekhpal, VDO, Junior Assistant, Forest Guard, and others — all requiring PET clearance from 2021 onwards.
  • Lekhpal: A revenue official under the UP Revenue Department responsible for land records. One of the most popular PET-linked posts with thousands of vacancies per cycle and a salary of Rs.21,700–Rs.69,100/month.
  • VDO / Gram Vikas Adhikari: Village Development Officer under UP Panchayati Raj Department — responsible for rural development work and scheme implementation. Pay Scale: Rs.5,200–Rs.20,200 + Grade Pay Rs.2,000.
  • PET Score Validity: As per UP Government Personnel Section-3 Order No. 316/47-Ka-3-2025 dated 28 April 2025, PET scores are valid for 3 years from result declaration — up from 1 year in earlier cycles.
  • Normalisation: Since PET 2026 is conducted across 3 days and 6 shifts, UPSSSC may apply statistical normalisation to the scores to account for varying difficulty levels across shifts — final scorecard reflects the normalised score.
  • OMR (Optical Mark Recognition): PET is a pen-and-paper OMR test where candidates mark answers on a special sheet. OMR sheets are machine-scanned and tabulated.
  • Cut-off Score: The minimum score required to qualify PET and be eligible for post-specific mains. Expected cut-off for PET 2026: 40–60 marks (category-wise), with safe score at 65+ marks.

Important Dates & Timeline — UPSSSC PET 2026

EventDate
Official Notification Released1 August 2026
OTR & Application Form Start Date3 August 2026
Application Last Date (Extended)7 September 2026
Application Correction Window10 August – 8 September 2026
Fee Payment Last Date8 September 2026
Exam Date Announcement Notice9 September 2026 (Official)
Admit Card Release (Expected)To be notified separately (approx. early October 2026)
UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Date23, 24 & 25 October 2026
Exam Shift 110:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Exam Shift 23:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Result Declaration (Expected)December 2026 (check official site)
Link NameURL
UPSSSC Official Websiteupsssc.gov.in
Download Official Exam Date NoticeDownload PDF (Telegram)
UPSSSC OTR Registration Portalupsssc.gov.in (OTR Login)
NCS Government Jobs Portalncs.gov.in
PIB Official Government Presspib.gov.in
India.gov.in (Govt Services)india.gov.in

Conclusion — UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Date Confirmed

UPSSSC PET 2026 is now officially scheduled for 23, 24, and 25 October 2026 — confirmed by the Controller of Examination via official notice dated 9 September 2026. With the application window having closed on 7 September 2026, all registered candidates must now focus entirely on preparation and wait for the admit card announcement on upsssc.gov.in. A strong PET score (aim for 65+ out of 100) is your passport to Lekhpal, VDO, Junior Assistant, Forest Guard, and over 20,000 UP Group C government posts with a salary of Rs.25,000–Rs.37,000/month.

Bookmark this page — we update it every time UPSSSC releases any official notification regarding PET 2026 admit card, result, or cut-off. For instant alerts, follow our official Telegram channel.

📌 Key Takeaways
  • UPSSSC PET 2026 exam is confirmed for 23–25 October 2026 in 2 daily shifts (Official Notice: 9 September 2026).
  • The exam has 100 MCQ questions of 100 marks in 2 hours with ¼ negative marking per wrong answer.
  • Minimum eligibility is Class 10 pass, age 18–40 years; application fee is Rs.185 for General/OBC.
  • A qualified PET score is valid for 3 years, unlocking access to multiple UPSSSC Group C recruitments through 2029.
  • In-hand salary for PET-linked Group C posts ranges from Rs.25,000 to Rs.37,000/month under 7th Pay Commission.
  • Admit card date will be notified separately — watch upsssc.gov.in from early October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About UPSSSC PET 2026

What is the UPSSSC PET 2026 exam date?

The UPSSSC PET 2026 exam date is 23, 24, and 25 October 2026, confirmed by official notice No. 1303/36/Three(Exam-1)/2026/Section-2 dated 9 September 2026. The exam will be held in two shifts daily — First Shift from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Second Shift from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Candidates are advised to regularly check upsssc.gov.in for admit card release updates.

When will the UPSSSC PET 2026 admit card be released?

The UPSSSC PET 2026 admit card date has not been announced yet. As per the official notice dated 9 September 2026, the admit card will be notified separately through the official UPSSSC website. Based on previous cycles, admit cards are typically released 3–4 weeks before the exam date. Candidates should check upsssc.gov.in regularly from early October 2026 onwards.

Who is eligible to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026?

Any Indian citizen who has passed Class 10 (High School) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board is eligible for UPSSSC PET 2026. Candidates with higher qualifications (12th, graduation, post-graduation) are also eligible. The age limit is 18 to 40 years as on 1 July 2026, with relaxation for OBC (+3 years), SC/ST (+5 years), PwBD (+15 years), and other reserved categories as per UP government rules.

What is the application fee for UPSSSC PET 2026?

The UPSSSC PET 2026 application fee is Rs.185 for General and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, Rs.95 for SC and ST candidates, and Rs.25 for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates. The fee is paid online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or IMPS. Note: The application window has closed (7 September 2026), but the correction window remains open until 8 September 2026.

What posts can I apply for after clearing UPSSSC PET 2026?

After qualifying UPSSSC PET 2026, you become eligible to apply for all UPSSSC Group C main examinations announced during the 3-year validity period of your PET score. Key posts include Revenue Lekhpal, Village Development Officer (VDO), Junior Assistant, Forest Guard, X-Ray Technician, Cane Supervisor, Agricultural Technical Assistant, and many more. In the previous PET 2025 cycle, over 20,994 vacancies were released across these categories.

What is the UPSSSC PET 2026 syllabus and exam pattern?

The UPSSSC PET 2026 exam has 100 objective-type questions for 100 marks, to be completed in 2 hours. The syllabus covers 15 sections: Indian History, National Movement, Geography, Indian Economy, Constitution, General Science, Elementary Arithmetic, General Hindi, General English, Logic and Reasoning, Current Affairs, General Awareness, Hindi Unseen Passage, Graph Interpretation, and Table Interpretation. Negative marking is ¼ mark per wrong answer. Sections 13, 14, and 15 (Data and Language Comprehension) together carry 30 marks — the highest combined weight.

How long is the UPSSSC PET 2026 score valid?

The UPSSSC PET 2026 score is valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration, as per UP Government Personnel Section-3 Order No. 316/47-Ka-3-2025 dated 28 April 2025. This means if PET 2026 results are declared in December 2026, your score remains valid until approximately December 2029, allowing you to apply for multiple UPSSSC Group C recruitment notifications during that period.

Is there negative marking in UPSSSC PET 2026?

Yes, there is negative marking in UPSSSC PET 2026. For every incorrect answer, ¼ mark (0.25 marks) is deducted from your total score. There is no penalty for questions left unanswered (unmarked). This makes it important to attempt only those questions you are reasonably confident about, and to avoid random guessing, especially in sections you are less prepared for.

What is a good score to target in UPSSSC PET 2026?

Based on previous UPSSSC PET cut-off trends, the general category cut-off ranges between 40 and 60 marks. However, to be safely shortlisted for competitive Group C posts like Lekhpal and VDO, candidates should target 65 or above out of 100. SC/ST candidates generally qualify at 5–10 marks lower than the general cut-off. With 30 marks from Data Interpretation and 20 marks from Current Affairs/General Awareness, focused preparation in these sections alone can make or break your qualification.

What documents are needed on UPSSSC PET 2026 exam day?

On the day of UPSSSC PET 2026, candidates must carry: (1) Admit Card — printed from the official UPSSSC website; (2) One valid photo identity proof — Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport; (3) Two recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the application). Candidates must also follow any additional instructions printed on the admit card. Entry to the exam hall will be denied without a valid admit card and photo ID.

Last Updated: September 2026 | Source: UPSSSC Official Notice dated 9 September 2026 (Advt. No. 16-Exam/2026) | This guide is regularly updated whenever UPSSSC releases any official notification. Bookmark this page for the latest UPSSSC PET 2026 admit card, result, and cut-off updates.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment-related decisions must be based on official notifications available at upsssc.gov.in. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with UPSSSC or any government body. Candidates are advised to verify all dates, fees, and eligibility criteria from the official advertisement before applying.