The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) has become one of the most highly anticipated exams for government job aspirants in UP. While qualifying the UPSSSC PET Examination 2026 does not guarantee a job by itself, it acts as the essential gateway to various prestigious UP government recruitment exams.
Securing a valid PET score makes candidates eligible for Group B and C posts such as Lekhpal, Junior Assistant, Forest Guard, and X-Ray Technician. With lakhs of candidates appearing each year, staying updated on the official notification, application dates, and exam pattern is crucial for strategic preparation.
UPSSSC PET 2026 Notification and Important Dates
On August 1, 2026, the commission released the official UPSSSC PET 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 16-Pariksha/2026. Note: The application window is currently active.
Pro-Tip for Aspirants: Do not wait for the final week to apply. Heavy traffic on the UPSSSC portal often leads to slow loading times and technical glitches. Secure your registration early!
UPSSSC PET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Because the PET serves as a common screening test for multiple vacancies, the eligibility requirements are deliberately broad.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 10 (High School) from a recognized board. There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for the PET.
Age Limit: For General category candidates, the age limit is 18 to 40 years (calculated as per the date mentioned in the official notification).
Age Relaxations: Candidates from reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST) receive age relaxations as per UP government norms. Additional relaxations apply for PwD candidates.
Since a valid PET score keeps numerous career doors open, even candidates unsure of which specific post they want to pursue should appear for this exam.
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How to Fill the UPSSSC PET Application Form 2026
While the registration process is straightforward, following the exact steps ensures your form is not rejected.
UPSSSC PET 2026 Syllabus: What to Study
The PET syllabus emphasizes general cognizance and foundational concepts rather than deep, subject-specific knowledge. Core topics include:
History & Movements: Indian History and the Indian National Movement.
Social Sciences: Geography, Economy, Indian Constitution, and Public Administration.
Science & Math: General Science and Elementary Arithmetic.
Languages: General Hindi and General English.
Logic: General Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
General Knowledge: Current Affairs (National and International), Environmental Studies, and UP-specific General Awareness.
Preparation Tip: Since the exam focuses heavily on NCERT Class 9 and 10 concepts, revisiting standard school textbooks often yields better results than getting lost in high-level reference materials.
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Understanding the exam pattern is the first step toward effective time management on the day of the test.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Total Questions | 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Maximum Marks | 100 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer |
| Score Validity | Valid for 3 years for multiple recruitment exams |
Because of the negative marking, blind guessing can drastically drop your score. Attempt the questions you are highly confident about first, and revisit tricky ones only if time allows. The overall difficulty level is generally considered moderate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for UPSSSC PET 2026?
Any candidate who has passed Class 10 and is between 18 to 40 years of age is eligible to apply. Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
What is the last date to fill out the UPSSSC PET 2026 form?
The last date for UPSSSC PET 2026 registration is September 1, 2026. Candidates can make corrections to their forms until September 8, 2026.
Is there negative marking in the UP PET exam?
Yes. A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every wrong answer. Accuracy is highly important.
How long is the UPSSSC PET score valid?
Your PET scorecard will remain valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration, allowing you to use it for multiple UP recruitment drives during that window.
Can a 10th pass candidate apply for the UP PET?
Yes, a Class 10 (High School) passing certificate is the minimum educational prerequisite to appear for the PET exam.
