📑 Table of Contents

• 1. Quick Overview – UPSC CRT 2026
• 2. Important Dates & Schedule
• 3. Core Details – Vacancies, Exam Scheme & Syllabus
• 4. List of Exam Centres & City Codes
• 5. How to Prepare for the UPSC CRT
• 6. Critical Warnings – Read Carefully
• 7. Important Links for UPSC Recruitment
• 8. Related Sarkari Nokrii Updates
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔗 Quick Links to Related UPSC Updates

• All Latest UPSC Recruitment & Exam Notifications
• Latest Government Job Notifications 2026

Quick Overview – UPSC Combined Recruitment Test 2026

Important Dates – UPSC CRT 2026 Schedule

Core Details – Vacancies, Exam Scheme & Syllabus

About the Combined Recruitment Test

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a Revised Addendum Notice superseding the previous notice dated 30 April 2026. This new corrigendum announces a Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) that will serve as the shortlisting mechanism for candidates applying to three distinct recruitment drives under the Ministry of Defence and the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh. This combined test streamlines the selection process, allowing candidates to appear for a single examination to be considered for multiple high-level Group 'A' and Group 'B' gazetted posts.

Vacancy Breakdown – 59 Posts Across 3 Recruitments

The 59 vacancies advertised under this combined test are distributed as follows:

• Recruitment 1: Administrative Officer Grade-I (08 Posts)
  • Department: Naval Headquarters, Directorate of Civilian Personnel, Ministry of Defence.
  • Advertisement No.: 08/2025, Vacancy No. 25060803428.
  • Category-wise break-up: UR-04, EWS-01, OBC-02, SC-01.
• Recruitment 2: Manager Grade-I / Section Officer (19 Posts)
  • Department: Canteen Stores Department (CSD), Ministry of Defence.
  • Advertisement No.: 08/2025, Vacancy No. 25060805428.
  • Category-wise break-up: UR-07, EWS-03, OBC-04, SC-03, ST-02.
• Recruitment 3: Accounts Officer (32 Posts)
  • Department: Finance Department, Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • Advertisement No.: 13/2025, Vacancy No. 25091309413.
  • Category-wise break-up: UR-02, EWS-03, ST-27, PwBD-02*.
  • *Note: PwBD vacancies are horizontal reservation within the above categories.

All 59 posts offer a prestigious career path in the central government and union territories, with attractive pay scales and allowances as per the 7th Pay Commission.

Scheme of the Test (Detailed)

The Union Public Service Commission has laid out a clear and structured scheme for the Combined Recruitment Test. Candidates must note the following mandatory rules:

• Duration: The test will be of two hours duration (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM).
• Question Type: The paper will consist of Objective Type Questions with multiple choices of answer (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: All questions carry equal marks. The total maximum marks for the test are 300.
• Medium of Test: In a major revision from the previous addendum, the medium of the test will now be both Hindi as well as English. Candidates can choose to answer in either language.
• Negative Marking: There will be a penalty for wrong answers. Every wrong answer will carry a deduction of one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

Detailed Syllabus for the CRT

To clear the UPSC CRT 2026, candidates must thoroughly prepare the following 8 core subjects/topics:

1. English Language Test: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence structure, and basic writing skills.
2. General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, numerical aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
3. Current Events of National and International Importance: Recent developments in politics, economy, sports, science, and technology over the last 1-2 years.
4. Developmental Issues and Current Trends in Indian Economy: Economic surveys, budget highlights, GDP growth, inflation, fiscal policy, and economic challenges.
5. Fundamentals of Computer Applications: Basic computer knowledge, MS Office suite, internet usage, email, and cyber security basics.
6. Basics of Financial Aptitude: Accounting principles, financial statements, budgets, and basic taxation.
7. Human Resource Management: Basic concepts of HR, staffing, training, performance appraisal, and labor laws.
8. Basics of Material Management: Procurement, inventory control, supply chain basics, and stores management.

Selection Process: Weightage and Interview Cut-offs

The final selection of candidates will not be based solely on the written test. The UPSC has established a clear weightage system and minimum qualifying standards for the interview stage.

• Weightage: The Recruitment Test (RT) will carry a weightage of 75%, while the Interview will carry a weightage of 25% for those candidates who are shortlisted.
• Interview Qualifying Marks (Standard of Suitability): To be considered for the interview, candidates must meet the following minimum marks in the written test based on their category:
  • General / EWS Category: 50 and above.
  • OBC Category: 45 and above (on relaxed standards).
  • SC / ST Category: 40 and above (on relaxed standards).
  • PwBD (Gen/EWS/OBC/SC/ST): 40 and above (on relaxed standards).

It is crucial for candidates to understand that the interview is not just a formality; a 25% weightage means it can significantly impact the final merit list.

List of Exam Centres & City Codes

The UPSC has designated 18 test centres across the country for this combined recruitment test. Candidates will be allotted a centre based on their preference and administrative convenience. The list of centres along with their official codes is as follows:

Important Note: No request for change of test centre will be entertained under any circumstances, as per the official UPSC notice. Candidates must carefully select their preferred centre while applying or accept the centre allotted to them.

How to Prepare for the UPSC Combined Recruitment Test 2026

With the exam date set for 27 September 2026, candidates have approximately two months to prepare. Here is a strategic guide to help you ace the CRT:

1. Download the Official Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Start by downloading the official PDF linked above. Familiarize yourself with the exact syllabus topics and the marking scheme (300 marks, negative marking).
2. Create a Structured Study Plan: Allocate time for each of the 8 syllabus topics. Since the test is combined for 3 different posts, focus on the common foundation (General Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Computer basics) and then strengthen your specific domain knowledge (HRM, Material Management, Financial Aptitude).
3. Master the Negative Marking Strategy: Since 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer, accuracy is more important than speed. During practice tests, do not guess blindly. If you are unsure between two options, use elimination tactics to minimize the risk of negative marks.
4. Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to reading national and international news. Focus on government schemes, economic policies, and defence-related news (given the posts are under MoD).
5. Practice Previous Year Papers: While UPSC CRT patterns are unique, solving general UPSC CSAT and other CAPF/Defence exam practice papers will help you build speed and accuracy for General Mental Ability and English.
6. Revise the Basics: Ensure you are comfortable with the fundamentals of Computer Applications (MS Office, Internet) and Financial Aptitude (basic accounting, balance sheets). These are often high-scoring areas if prepared well.

Important Links – UPSC CRT 2026

📊 Special Dashboard – UPSC Recruitment & Exam Updates

For the latest updates on UPSC examinations, recruitment notifications, admit cards, and results, bookmark this dashboard. We track all official announcements from the Union Public Service Commission here.

🔗 More Sarkari Nokrii Updates for You

• RBI Lucknow Medical Consultant Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now
• BPCL Non-Management Recruitment 2026 – 154 Posts

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UPSC CRT 2026

📄 Official Sources Used

All facts and dates in this post have been verified against the following official document:

• UPSC Official Corrigendum / Revised Addendum: Recruitment to Eight vacancies for Administrative Officer, Nineteen for Manager, Thirty-two for Accounts Officer (Dated 30.07.2026)

Final Words – Start Your Preparation Today

The UPSC Combined Recruitment Test 2026 is a golden opportunity for aspirants looking to secure a prestigious Group 'A' or 'B' gazetted post in the central government. With a clear syllabus, transparent exam scheme, and a single combined test reducing the administrative burden, the Commission has streamlined the process for both candidates and themselves.

We strongly advise all eligible candidates to download the official notice, understand the negative marking policy, and begin a rigorous study plan immediately. Given that the exam is in September, time is of the essence. Best of luck to all aspirants!