UPSSSC PET 2026 – Preliminary Eligibility Test Notification

UPSSSC PET 2026 – Preliminary Eligibility Test Notification

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow has released the notification for Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026, the mandatory qualifying examination for candidates seeking to apply for Group ‘C’ posts under UPSSSC’s jurisdiction across Uttar Pradesh. This article covers the eligibility, exam pattern, fee and how to apply.

Important – Time-Sensitive Notice

The last date for online application and fee payment is 01 September 2026 – the same day this article is published. Candidates who have not yet applied should complete their application immediately. A separate correction window remains open until 08 September 2026 only for candidates who have already submitted their application and fee.

UPSSSC PET 2026 – Overview

What Is PET and Why It Matters

PET is a mandatory two-tier screening examination introduced by the UP Government for all Group ‘C’ recruitment under UPSSSC’s purview. A candidate’s PET score, once obtained, remains valid for use across various UPSSSC main examination advertisements for up to three years, and candidates can apply to specific main examinations only if they hold a valid PET score card. Only fully eligible candidates should begin the PET application process, since eligibility for a specific post-based main exam is assessed separately at that stage.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum educational qualification: High School (10th Class) or an equivalent recognized qualification.
• Candidates must possess this qualification before the last date of submission of the application.
• Age: minimum 18 years and maximum 40 years, as on 01 July 2026.
• One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSSSC website is mandatory before applying for PET-2026.

Age Relaxation

Application Fee

Dependents of freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, outstanding sportspersons and women candidates pay the fee applicable to their original category. Fee is payable through Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI or SBI E-Challan only.

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Examination Pattern

The syllabus includes Indian History (covering the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Culture and subsequent periods) among other core General Studies and Reasoning topics, as per the detailed syllabus approved by UP Government Personnel Section-3.

How to Apply

1. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on upsssc.gov.in, if not already registered.
2. Log in using your OTR number or registered mobile number, and generate OTP to proceed.
3. Verify your OTR-linked details, which auto-populate in the PET-2026 application form.
4. Fill in remaining details – Intermediate qualification (if applicable), marital status, EWS status, UP Government employee status, freedom fighter dependent, ex-serviceman, outstanding sportsperson, disability category and age relaxation claims.
5. Accept the declaration and submit to generate your 11-digit Registration Number.
6. Pay the applicable fee online, then download/print the confirmed application form once payment is reconciled.
7. Complete the entire process on or before 01 September 2026.

Application Correction Window

Candidates can modify permissible details in their submitted application – such as email, Intermediate qualification, marital status, EWS status, government employee status, freedom fighter dependent status, ex-serviceman status, sportsperson status, disability category and age relaxation claims – using the “Modify Submitted Application” option, available from 10 August 2026 to 08 September 2026. No corrections will be entertained after this date, whether online or offline.

About PET and Its Role in UP Recruitment

Since November 2020, the UP Government has mandated a two-tier examination system for all Group ‘C’ recruitment conducted by UPSSSC, with PET serving as the common first-tier screening test across departments. This means a candidate needs to clear PET only once (with the score valid for the following recruitment cycles) to become eligible to apply for multiple different Group ‘C’ main examinations advertised by various UP Government departments during the score’s validity period, rather than appearing for a separate preliminary test for each individual recruitment.

Why Clearing PET Does Not Guarantee a Job

Candidates should understand that merely applying for, appearing in, or even scoring well in PET-2026 does not automatically entitle them to consideration for any specific post – PET is purely a screening and shortlisting mechanism. Once PET results are declared, separate main examination advertisements will be issued by UPSSSC for individual departments and posts, and only candidates holding a valid PET score card meeting that post’s specific eligibility criteria (qualification, age, category) will be able to apply for the corresponding main examination.

What Happens If Multiple Valid PET Scores Exist

If a candidate holds valid PET scores from more than one year within the validity window when applying for a specific main examination, the Commission normalizes scores across different PET editions and uses the candidate’s highest valid normalized score for shortlisting purposes. This means candidates who did not perform as well in an earlier PET attempt but have since improved need not worry that an older, lower score will count against them, as long as at least one of their PET scores remains within the valid period at the time of the relevant main examination advertisement.

A Reminder on Payment and Download Discipline

Since the notification explicitly warns candidates not to click any button repeatedly or refresh/close the browser while a fee payment is being confirmed, candidates should be patient during the payment step and wait for confirmation before taking any further action, to avoid a failed reconciliation that could delay their application. Once payment succeeds, downloading and printing the final application form immediately is strongly advised, since the Commission has made clear it will not be held responsible for any delay in this regard once the application window closes.

Important Links

• Notification PDF
• Official Website
• NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the last date to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026?

01 September 2026, the same day this notification is being covered.

2. What is the application fee?

Rs. 185/- for General/OBC, Rs. 95/- for SC/ST, and Rs. 25/- for Persons with Disability.

3. What is the age limit?

18 to 40 years, as on 01 July 2026.

4. What qualification is required?

High School (10th Class) pass or an equivalent recognized qualification.

5. What is the exam pattern?

100 objective-type questions, 100 marks, 2 hours’ duration.

6. Is One Time Registration (OTR) mandatory?

Yes, OTR must be completed before applying for PET-2026.

7. Until when can candidates correct their application?

Until 08 September 2026, for permissible fields only.

8. How long is the PET score valid?

The PET score remains usable for applying to eligible UPSSSC main examinations for up to three years, as per Government Order provisions.

9. Does clearing PET guarantee selection for a job?

No, PET is only a qualifying screening test; final selection depends on separate main examinations for specific posts.

10. How should candidates apply?

Online only, through upsssc.gov.in; offline applications are not accepted.

11. Can a candidate submit more than one PET application?

No, only one application per candidate is permitted for PET-2026.

12. Is age relaxation available for UP Government employees?

Yes, up to 5 years’ relaxation as per Government Order.

13. What is the fee payment mode?

Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or SBI E-Challan only.

14. Can fee already paid be adjusted if payment fails to reflect?

Yes, through the “Update Your Transaction ID by Double Verification Mode” option on the Commission’s website.

15. Who conducts this examination?

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow.