The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that it will commence operations earlier than usual on select routes this Sunday, May 24, 2026, to facilitate candidates appearing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Preliminary Examination. This initiative aims to ensure smooth and timely travel for thousands of aspirants across the National Capital Region.
Routes with Early Metro Services
According to an official statement, metro trains will start running from 5:00 AM instead of the regular Sunday schedule on the following corridors:
- Red Line: Rithala to Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda)
- Yellow Line: Samaypur Badli to HUDA City Centre
- Blue Line: Dwarka Sector 21 to Noida Electronic City / Vaishali
- Magenta Line: Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden
- Violet Line: Kashmere Gate to Raja Nahar Singh (Ballabhgarh)
These routes cover major residential and transit hubs, ensuring candidates from various parts of the city can reach their exam centers conveniently.
Frequency and Duration
Trains on these lines will operate with a frequency of 15 minutes during the early morning hours, gradually increasing to normal frequency from 6:00 AM onwards. The early service will be available until 8:00 AM, after which the regular Sunday timetable will resume.
Additional Arrangements
The DMRC has also deployed additional staff at key stations to assist passengers and manage crowd flow. Announcements regarding the early service will be made at stations and on trains. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and keep a buffer time for security checks.
This is not the first time the DMRC has extended support for major examinations. Similar arrangements were made during the UPSC Prelims 2025 and other competitive exams, reflecting the corporation's commitment to facilitating students.
Impact on Regular Commuters
While the early service is primarily for UPSC aspirants, regular commuters can also benefit from the extended hours. However, the DMRC has clarified that the frequency on non-listed routes will remain unchanged, and passengers on those lines should check the regular Sunday schedule.
For real-time updates, the DMRC recommends using its official app or website, as well as following social media handles for any last-minute changes.
