The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) conducts the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) as a screening examination for various Group B and Group C posts in the Uttar Pradesh state government. Candidates preparing for government jobs in Uttar Pradesh should understand the UPSSSC PET 2026 eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and recruitment process before applying.
The UPSSSC PET is not a direct recruitment examination. Instead, candidates who obtain a valid PET score may become eligible to apply for relevant main examinations and recruitment processes, subject to the specific notification and eligibility requirements for each post. Popular recruitment opportunities associated with PET include Lekhpal, Junior Assistant, Village Development Officer (VDO), and other eligible Group C posts.
UPSSSC PET Exam 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Uttar Pradesh Preliminary Eligibility Test (UPSSSC PET) |
| Conducting Authority | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Exam Purpose | Screening for eligible government recruitment examinations |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Class 10 pass or equivalent, subject to the official notification |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer, as per the stated pattern |
| Job Type | Indirect route to eligible government recruitment; not a direct job exam |
| Official Website | upsssc.gov.in |
What Is the UPSSSC PET Exam?
The UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test is a qualifying or screening examination used by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission to shortlist candidates for various eligible recruitment examinations. It helps candidates establish their eligibility to participate in subsequent selection stages for specified posts.
Candidates generally need to qualify in PET or possess the required PET score to participate in recruitment processes for posts covered by the relevant UPSSSC notification. The next stage may involve a main written examination, skill test, document verification, or other selection procedures, depending on the post.
Is UPSSSC PET a Job-Based Exam?
No, UPSSSC PET is not a direct government job examination. Passing PET does not guarantee appointment to any post. It serves as an initial screening stage for recruitment to eligible Uttar Pradesh government positions.
After obtaining the required PET score, candidates can apply for relevant vacancies when the commission releases the corresponding recruitment notification. They must satisfy the post-specific eligibility conditions and clear all required selection stages.
Government Jobs Available Through UPSSSC PET
Depending on the recruitment notification, PET scores may be used for shortlisting candidates for posts such as:
- UP Lekhpal
- Junior Assistant
- Village Development Officer (VDO)
- Forest Guard
- Other eligible Group C posts under the Uttar Pradesh government
The posts covered, PET score requirements, and shortlisting procedures may change between recruitment notifications. Candidates should check the official advertisement for each vacancy.
UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Dates and Shift Timings
According to the schedule details provided, the UPSSSC PET 2026 examination is scheduled across multiple dates and shifts.
| Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Dates | October 25, October 30 and November 1, 2026 |
| Shift 1 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Shift 2 | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Duration | 2 hours per shift |
| Exam Mode | Offline OMR-based examination |
Candidates should verify their assigned examination date, shift, reporting time, and examination centre on their admit card. The reporting time may be earlier than the examination start time to allow security checks and document verification.
UPSSSC PET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates should review the educational qualification, age limit, and applicable relaxations before applying for the UPSSSC PET examination.
Educational Qualification
Candidates who have passed Class 10 (High School) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board are generally eligible to apply, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates with higher educational qualifications may also be eligible if they satisfy the prescribed requirements.
Age Limit
The commonly stated age range for UPSSSC PET is 18 to 40 years. However, candidates must confirm the applicable age calculation date and age-limit conditions in the official notification.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation may be available to eligible reserved-category candidates and other specified groups according to Uttar Pradesh government rules. The applicable relaxation depends on the candidate’s category and the official notification.
Important: PET eligibility does not automatically establish eligibility for every post. Individual recruitment advertisements may prescribe additional qualifications, age limits, domicile conditions, or other requirements.
UPSSSC PET Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSSSC PET examination is conducted in offline mode using an OMR answer sheet. Candidates answer multiple-choice questions covering general knowledge, language, reasoning, numerical ability, and data interpretation.
| Exam Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 1 mark |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Question Type | Multiple-choice questions |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer |
| Examination Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
Candidates should practise solving questions within the two-hour time limit. They should also read the instructions carefully before marking their answers on the OMR sheet.
UPSSSC PET Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics
The PET syllabus covers general awareness, language comprehension, numerical ability, reasoning, and data analysis. The following subject-wise distribution reflects the commonly reported 100-mark pattern and should be checked against the official syllabus applicable to the examination.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Indian History | 5 |
| Indian National Movement | 5 |
| Geography | 5 |
| Indian Economy | 5 |
| Indian Constitution and Public Administration | 5 |
| General Science | 5 |
| Elementary Arithmetic | 5 |
| General Hindi | 5 |
| General English | 5 |
| Logical Reasoning | 5 |
| Current Affairs | 10 |
| General Awareness | 10 |
| Unseen Hindi Passage | 10 |
| Graph Interpretation | 10 |
| Table Interpretation and Analysis | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
1. Indian History and National Movement
Important topics include ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, the Indian freedom struggle, major historical events, and prominent leaders of the national movement.
2. Geography and Indian Economy
Candidates should prepare Indian and world geography, rivers, mountains, climate, natural resources, agriculture, economic development, and basic concepts related to the Indian economy.
3. Indian Constitution and Public Administration
This section covers the Constitution of India, fundamental rights and duties, the parliamentary system, governance, public administration, and important constitutional institutions.
4. General Science
The science syllabus includes fundamental concepts from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Candidates should focus on basic scientific principles and their everyday applications.
5. Elementary Arithmetic
Important topics include number systems, percentages, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, averages, profit and loss, simple calculations, and other elementary mathematical concepts.
6. General Hindi and English
Candidates should prepare grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, comprehension, and language usage. Hindi preparation may also include synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and sentence correction.
7. Logical Reasoning
This section may cover analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, direction sense, relationships, and other basic reasoning questions.
8. Current Affairs and General Awareness
Candidates should revise important national and international events, government schemes, awards, sports, important appointments, and other relevant general-awareness topics.
9. Unseen Hindi Passage
Candidates should practise reading comprehension, identifying the central idea, understanding vocabulary in context, and answering questions based on unseen passages.
10. Graph and Table Interpretation
This section tests the ability to understand and analyse charts, graphs, tables, and numerical data. Candidates should practise comparing values, calculating percentages, identifying trends, and solving data-based questions.
UPSSSC PET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates appearing for the examination should follow the instructions mentioned on their admit cards and issued by the examination authorities.
- Admit Card: Carry a printed copy of the UPSSSC PET admit card.
- Photo ID Proof: Bring an original, valid photo identity document accepted by the examination authority, such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving licence.
- Reporting Time: Reach the examination centre well before the reporting deadline printed on the admit card.
- Prohibited Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, electronic devices, or unauthorised study materials into the examination hall.
- Stationery: Carry the permitted pen and other items specified in the admit card instructions.
- OMR Sheet: Follow the invigilator’s instructions when filling in the answer sheet.
- Verification: Cooperate with frisking, identity verification, and other security procedures.
- Examination Rules: Follow all instructions issued by the examination centre and avoid prohibited activities.
Candidates should not rely on general reporting-time estimates when their admit card specifies a different deadline.
How to Prepare for UPSSSC PET 2026?
Candidates can improve their preparation by following a structured study plan.
- Understand the syllabus: Identify all subjects and prioritise areas that need more practice.
- Practise previous question papers: Familiarise yourself with the question format and commonly tested concepts.
- Revise current affairs: Review important national, international, and Uttar Pradesh-related developments.
- Improve numerical ability: Practise arithmetic and data interpretation regularly.
- Take mock tests: Attempt timed tests to improve accuracy and time management.
- Avoid negative marking: Read each question carefully and make informed choices.
- Check official updates: Follow the UPSSSC website for admit cards, notices, and recruitment announcements.
What Happens After Qualifying for UPSSSC PET?
After the PET examination, candidates should check the result and scorecard released by the commission. Those meeting the requirements for a particular recruitment can apply when the relevant vacancy notification is issued.
The commission may use PET scores to shortlist candidates for the next stage. Depending on the post, selection may involve a main examination, typing or skill test, document verification, or other prescribed procedures.
Candidates should remember that qualifying for PET is only one part of the recruitment process. Final selection depends on the applicable rules, vacancies, merit, and performance in the required selection stages.
UPSSSC PET 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the full form of UPSSSC PET?
UPSSSC PET stands for Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission Preliminary Eligibility Test.
2. Is UPSSSC PET a government job exam?
It is a screening examination, not a direct recruitment examination. A qualifying PET score may be used for shortlisting candidates for eligible government recruitment processes.
3. Who can apply for UPSSSC PET?
Candidates who satisfy the educational, age, and other eligibility conditions in the official notification can apply. Class 10 pass or equivalent is the commonly stated minimum educational qualification.
4. What is the age limit for UPSSSC PET?
The commonly stated age range is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxations for eligible categories as prescribed by the authorities.
5. How many questions are asked in UPSSSC PET?
The commonly reported examination pattern consists of 100 multiple-choice questions carrying 100 marks.
6. Is there negative marking in UPSSSC PET?
Yes. Under the stated examination pattern, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates should verify the applicable rules in the official notification.\
7. Which jobs can candidates apply for after PET?
Depending on the applicable recruitment notifications, opportunities may include Lekhpal, Junior Assistant, VDO, Forest Guard, and other eligible Group C posts.8. Where can candidates check official UPSSSC PET updates?
Candidates can visit the official UPSSSC website at https://upsssc.gov.in/ for official notifications, admit cards, results, and recruitment announcements.
Conclusion
The UPSSSC PET 2026 is an important screening examination for candidates seeking eligible Uttar Pradesh government jobs. Understanding the eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and selection process can help candidates prepare effectively. However, PET qualification does not guarantee a job; candidates must meet the requirements and clear the subsequent stages prescribed for their chosen post.
For the latest and most accurate information, candidates should refer to official UPSSSC notifications and carefully read the instructions provided with their admit cards.