The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has confirmed the examination schedule for the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026, notified under Advertisement No. 16-Exam/2026. The PET will be held on 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 in two shifts every day — the first shift from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon and the second shift from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
PET is the single screening gateway for almost every Uttar Pradesh Group C recruitment. The online application window ran from 03 August 2026 and, after an extension prompted by OTP and portal issues, closed on 07 September 2026. Only Class 10th pass candidates aged 18 to 40 years as on 01 July 2026 were eligible, and the score obtained remains valid for three years.
UPSSSC PET 2026 — important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 01 August 2026 |
| Online application begins | 03 August 2026 |
| Last date to apply online (extended) | 07 September 2026 |
| Last date to pay exam fee | 08 September 2026 |
| Form correction / edit window last date | 08 September 2026 |
| PET exam dates | 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 |
| Exam shifts | 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Admit card | Released before the exam on upsssc.gov.in |
The PET 2026 application window closed on 07 September 2026 and the correction window ended on 08 September 2026. Registered candidates should now focus on the exam scheduled for 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 and download the admit card from upsssc.gov.in when it is released.
What PET 2026 is used for
PET does not fill any post by itself. It shortlists candidates for the main examinations of Uttar Pradesh Group C posts such as Lekhpal, Village Development Officer, Junior Assistant, Computer Operator, Forest Guard, Livestock Extension Officer and several technical cadres. Each of those recruitments is notified separately, and only PET-qualified candidates can apply.
Eligibility criteria
Educational qualification
- High School (Class 10th) or an equivalent examination passed from a recognised board.
- Additional post-specific qualifications, such as a degree, diploma or typing certificate, apply only when you fill the main examination form for a particular post.
Age limit as on 01 July 2026
| Category | Age / relaxation |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 18 to 40 years |
| SC / ST / OBC | Up to 5 years relaxation as per UP Government rules |
| UP state employees | 5 years relaxation |
| Skilled sportspersons | 5 years relaxation |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years relaxation after deducting service period |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 15 years relaxation |
Application fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC / EWS | Rs. 185 |
| SC / ST | Rs. 95 |
| PH (Divyang) | Rs. 25 |
UPSSSC PET 2026 exam pattern
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (OMR based) |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Marks | 100 marks |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Language | Hindi and English |
| Subjects | General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Science, History, Geography, Indian Economy, Constitution & Public Administration, Hindi, English, Reasoning, Arithmetic and Analysis |
| Negative marking | As specified in the official notification |
Selection process after PET
- PET 2026 (Tier 1) — 100-mark screening test; score valid for three years.
- Main examination or skill / physical test (Tier 2) for the specific Group C post.
- Document verification and final merit list as per the post-wise notification.
Salary of UPSSSC Group C posts filled through PET
| Pay Level | Basic pay (7th CPC) | Typical posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Rs. 18,000 – Rs. 56,900 | Group C support staff, peon-grade posts |
| Level 2 | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 | Junior Assistant and clerical posts |
| Level 3 | Rs. 21,700 – Rs. 69,100 | Forest Guard and similar field posts |
| Level 4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 | Computer Operator, Stenographer grade posts |
| Level 5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300 | Lekhpal-linked cadres, Livestock Extension Officer |
With Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance added, entry-level gross pay for these posts currently works out to roughly Rs. 26,000 to Rs. 48,000 per month depending on the level and city class. You can check a precise figure for any level using our salary calculator.
If Uttar Pradesh adopts the 8th Central Pay Commission recommendations in line with earlier practice, basic pay could be revised upward by a fitment factor estimated in the 1.86 to 2.86 range, pushing Level 1 entry basic well above Rs. 33,000 and Level 5 above Rs. 55,000. Our 8th CPC salary calculator lets you model each scenario.
How to download the PET 2026 admit card
- Visit upsssc.gov.in and open the admit card / e-admit card section.
- Select Preliminary Eligibility Test 2026 (Advt. No. 16-Exam/2026).
- Log in with your registration number and date of birth.
- Check your exam date, shift and centre carefully.
- Download and print the admit card and carry a valid photo ID to the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Q.What is the UPSSSC PET 2026 exam date?
The Preliminary Eligibility Test 2026 will be held on 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 in two shifts daily — 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Q.What was the last date to apply for UPSSSC PET 2026?
The application window opened on 03 August 2026 and closed on 07 September 2026 after an extension; the fee payment and correction window ended on 08 September 2026.
Q.What is the eligibility for UPSSSC PET 2026?
Candidates must have passed High School (Class 10th) or an equivalent examination and be aged 18 to 40 years as on 01 July 2026, with One Time Registration (OTR) completed.
Q.How long is the UPSSSC PET score valid?
The PET 2026 score remains valid for three years and can be used to apply for UPSSSC Group C main examinations during that period.
Q.What is the UPSSSC PET 2026 exam pattern?
It is an offline objective test with 100 questions for 100 marks in 2 hours, covering general knowledge, current affairs, science, history, geography, economy, constitution, Hindi, English, reasoning and arithmetic.
Q.What salary do posts filled through UPSSSC PET offer?
Group C posts recruited via PET usually fall in Pay Level 1 to Level 5, with basic pay between Rs. 18,000 and Rs. 92,300 plus DA, HRA and other allowances.