UPPSC RO/ARO Revised Mains Exam Date 2026 Announced-Check Schedule & Details

The wait is finally over for thousands of aspirants who have been meticulously preparing for the Samiksha Adhikari (Review Officer) and Sahayak Samiksha Adhikari (Assistant Review Officer) Mains Examination. In a significant relief to candidates facing a scheduling conflict, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has officially released the Revised Mains Exam Date 2026.

Originally scheduled for late January, the exam dates have been shifted slightly to accommodate candidates appearing for other state-level examinations, specifically the UPSSSC Junior Assistant exam. The Commission has now confirmed that the UPPSC RO/ARO Mains 2023-24 (conducted in 2026) will take place on 2nd and 3rd February 2026. This decision ensures that aspirants do not have to choose between two career-defining opportunities. At jobalertsfree.com, we bring you the confirmed schedule, shift timings, and official links to help you plan your final revision strategy effectively.

Key Highlights: UPPSC RO/ARO Mains 2026

Before diving into the detailed schedule, here is a quick snapshot of the critical information you need to know right now.

Detailed Exam Schedule & Shift Timings

The UPPSC has released a structured timeline for the three papers involved in the Mains examination. It is crucial to note the gaps between shifts to manage your mental energy on the big day.

Day 1: Monday, 2nd February 2026

• Paper I (General Studies):
• Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Type: Objective (120 Questions)
• Paper II (General Hindi & Drafting):
• Part 1 (Conventional/Subjective): 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
• Part 2 (General Vocabulary – Objective): 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
• Note: There is no break between Part 1 and Part 2 of the Hindi paper; they are conducted in a single sitting session.

Day 2: Tuesday, 3rd February 2026

• Paper III (Hindi Essay):
• Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Type: Subjective (3 Essays to be written)

Why Was the Date Revised?

Many candidates were in a state of panic as the original dates (January 31 and February 1) clashed directly with the UPSSSC Junior Assistant 2025 Mains Exam, which was scheduled for February 1, 2026. A large section of RO/ARO aspirants had also qualified for the Junior Assistant exam.

Acknowledging the numerous representations sent by students via email and social media, the Commission acted promptly. By shifting the RO/ARO Mains to February 2 and 3, the clash has been resolved, allowing eligible candidates to appear for both examinations without stress.

How to Download the Revised Time Table Notice

To verify the official details yourself, follow these simple steps on the official portal:

1. Visit the Website: Open your browser and go to uppsc.up.nic.in.
2. Check Notifications: Look at the “Information Bulletin” or “What’s New” section on the right side of the homepage.
3. Find the Link: Click on the link titled “NOTICE REGARDING ADVT.NO. A-7/E-1/2023, RO/ARO (MAINS) EXAM-2023 REVISED SCHEDULE.”
4. Download PDF: The official PDF will open. Save it to your device.
5. Verify: Check your specific shift timings and ensure you do not confuse the dates with the old schedule.

Admit Card & Exam Center Details

With the exam just weeks away, the UPPSC RO/ARO Mains Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released around 20th to 25th January 2026.

• Exam Centers: Unlike the Prelims, the Mains exam is usually conducted in a limited number of districts (typically Prayagraj, Lucknow, and Ghaziabad).
• What to Carry: You will need your printed Admit Card, two passport-sized photos, and a valid original Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID).

Salary Structure & Job Profile

Motivation is key during these final days of preparation. Here is a reminder of what you are fighting for:

• Review Officer (RO):
• Pay Level: Level 8 (Grade Pay ₹4800)
• Basic Pay: ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100
• In-Hand Salary: Approx. ₹65,000 – ₹75,000+ per month.
• Role: Posted in the Secretariat (Lucknow) or UPPSC (Prayagraj). Work involves file management, drafting, and reviewing policies.
• Assistant Review Officer (ARO):
• Pay Level: Level 7 (Grade Pay ₹4600)
• Basic Pay: ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400
• In-Hand Salary: Approx. ₹58,000 – ₹68,000+ per month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What are the new dates for the UPPSC RO/ARO Mains Exam 2026?

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission has revised the schedule. The exam will now be conducted on 2nd February 2026 (Monday) and 3rd February 2026 (Tuesday). The previous dates of January 31 and February 1 stand cancelled to avoid a clash with the UPSSSC Junior Assistant exam.

Q2. When will the UPPSC RO/ARO Mains Admit Card 2026 be released?

The Admit Cards are typically released 10 days before the examination. You can expect the download link to become active on the official website by the 3rd or 4th week of January 2026 (likely around Jan 24th). Keep checking jobalertsfree.com for the direct link.

Q3. Is there negative marking in the UPPSC RO/ARO Mains exam?

Yes, negative marking applies to the objective sections of the Mains exam. For Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II Part-2 (General Vocabulary), 0.33 marks (one-third) will be deducted for every wrong answer. There is no negative marking for the subjective (descriptive) portions.

Q4. Will the exam centers for Mains be the same as Prelims?

No, the exam centers for the Mains examination are different and fewer in number compared to the Preliminary stage. The Mains exam is generally conducted in three major districts: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Lucknow, and Ghaziabad. Your specific center will be mentioned on your Admit Card.

Q5. Can I use a gel pen for the descriptive paper in RO Mains?

It is strictly advised to use a black ballpoint pen for the OMR sheets (Objective papers). For the descriptive (subjective) papers like Essay and Hindi Drafting, you may use a blue or black ballpoint or gel pen, but ensure the ink does not smudge. A ballpoint pen is generally safer.

Q6. Is the Computer Typing Test conducted on the same day as Mains?

No, the Typing Test is not conducted on the same day as the written Mains exam. Candidates who qualify the written Mains will be called for the Skill Test (Typing) separately later in the year. This test is mandatory primarily for the ARO post and specifically requires Kruti Dev font knowledge.

Q7. What is the minimum qualifying mark for the Hindi Essay paper?

While there is no specific sectional cutoff officially declared beforehand for the Essay paper alone, candidates must maintain a decent score to clear the overall merit. However, for SC/ST candidates, the minimum efficiency standard is generally 35%, and for others, it is 40% in the aggregate of the Mains exam.

Q8. Has the number of vacancies changed for RO/ARO 2023-24?

As of the latest notice in January 2026, the total number of vacancies remains 411. Any increase or decrease in seats is usually notified before the declaration of the final result. Currently, the recruitment is proceeding for 322 RO posts and varying ARO posts across departments.

Conclusion

The revision of the UPPSC RO/ARO Mains Exam Date 2026 to February 2nd and 3rd is a welcome move that allows aspirants to breathe a sigh of relief. With the confusion over dates cleared, your entire focus must now shift to revision, especially for the Hindi Drafting and Essay papers, which are the rank deciders.

Do not let the change in schedule break your momentum. Use these extra few days to polish your vocabulary and current affairs. For the fastest updates on the Admit Card release and Answer Keys, stay tuned to jobalertsfree.com. We wish you the very best—go crack that exam and secure your seat in the Secretariat!

Important Official Links

• Official Website: https://uppsc.up.nic.in
• https://uppsc.up.nic.inDownload Revised Schedule Notice: Click Here for PDF (Check “What’s New” Section)
• Download Admit Card (Link Active Soon): jobalertsfree.com/admit-card

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