The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification on February 04, 2026. UPSC has announced approximately 933 vacancies for various Civil Services and Posts under the Civil Services Examination, 2026. Interested candidates can apply online from February 04 to February 27, 2026 through the official UPSC website. Applicants must register on the UPSC Online portal before applying and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
UPSC CSE 2026: Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to serve the nation in prestigious administrative positions. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 933 |
| Examination Notice No. | 05/2026-CSE |
| Registration Dates | 04th February to 24th February 2026 |
| Last Date for Application | 2 27th February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24th May 2026 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam → Main Exam → Interview/Personality Test |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy Details
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 includes approximately 933 vacancies across 23 different services. This includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category. Reservation will be provided for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disability as per government norms.
Services Under UPSC CSE 2026:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Group ‘A’
- Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Group ‘A’
- Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III)
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’
- DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service), Group ‘B’
- DANIPS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service), Group ‘B’
- Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’
- Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’
PwBD Vacancy Distribution:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Blindness and Low Vision | 7 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 11 |
| Locomotor Disability (including Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy) | 8 |
| Multiple Disabilities (from categories a to c, except blind & deaf combination) | 7 |
| Total PwBD Vacancies | 33 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains complete details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, syllabus, and selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes instructions for online registration, photograph upload, fee payment, and examination centers.
Download UPSC CSE 2026 Notification PDF
UPSC CSE 2026 Apply Online
The UPSC CSE Apply Online 2026 process is now open for all eligible candidates. Aspirants can fill the application form through the official UPSC online portal. The application process includes four modules: Account Creation, Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF), and Examination Specific Module. Candidates must upload necessary documents including photograph, signature, and supporting certificates, and pay the required fees to successfully submit the form.
Direct Link to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
https://upsconline.nic.in/Candidates applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 must complete the process online only through upsconline.nic.in. A valid personal email ID and contact number are mandatory, as all communications including admit cards will be sent via email.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in |
| 2 | Create an account if you’re a new user or login with existing credentials |
| 3 | Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile |
| 4 | Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details |
| 5 | Upload photograph (live photo capture required) and signature as per specifications |
| 6 | Fill the Examination Specific Module including centre preference and optional subject |
| 7 | Make the application fee payment online (if applicable) |
| 8 | Review all details carefully and submit the application |
| 9 | Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference |
Important Notes:
- Candidates will NOT be allowed to withdraw applications after submission
- No corrections/alterations/modifications are allowed after submission
- Aadhaar Card is strongly recommended as ID document for seamless verification
- Candidates must provide details of one Photo ID Card (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License)
UPSC CSE 2026 Application Fee
Candidates applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 are required to pay examination fees as applicable. The fee varies according to the category of the applicant and must be paid online during the application process.
| Category | Preliminary Exam Fee | Main Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- | Rs. 200/- |
| Female Candidates | Nil | Nil |
| SC/ST Candidates | Nil | Nil |
| PwBD Candidates | Nil | Nil |
Payment Methods:
- Net Banking
- Credit/Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay)
- UPI Payment
Important: Fee once paid shall NOT be refunded under any circumstances.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications. Below are detailed criteria:
Nationality Requirements:
For IAS, IFS, and IPS:
- Must be a citizen of India
For Other Services:
- Citizen of India, OR
- Subject of Nepal, OR
- Subject of Bhutan, OR
- Tibetan refugee (came to India before 01.01.1962), OR
- Person of Indian origin from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, or Vietnam
UPSC CSE 2026 Age Limit
Candidates must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on August 1, 2026.
Date of Birth: Between 02.08.1994 and 01.08.2005 (both dates inclusive)
UPSC CSE 2026 Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | No relaxation | 32 years |
| OBC | 3 years | 35 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years | 37 years |
| PwBD (General/EWS) | 10 years | 42 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years | 45 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years | 47 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years | 37 years |
| Defence Personnel (disabled in operations) | 3 years | 35 years |
Note: SC/ST/OBC candidates covered under Ex-servicemen or PwBD categories are eligible for cumulative age relaxation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Educational Qualification
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Requirement | Graduate degree from a recognized University |
| Appearing Candidates | Can apply (must produce proof before Interview) |
| Professional Degrees | MBBS, BDS, Veterinary Science (internship completion required) |
| Equivalent Qualifications | Technical/Professional qualifications recognized by Government |
Note: Candidates appearing in their final year examination can also apply, but must produce the degree/certificate before the Interview/Personality Test.
Number of Attempts:
| Category | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 6 attempts |
| OBC | 9 attempts |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (till age limit) |
| PwBD (General/EWS/OBC) | 9 attempts |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited |
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 consists of two successive stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total | — | 400 | — |
Important Points:
- Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature with minimum 33% marks required
- Only Paper-I marks are counted for Preliminary merit
- Negative marking: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Both papers are compulsory
- Questions available in Hindi and English
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written + Interview)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV (Ethics) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 |
| Written Total | — | 1750 |
| Personality Test | Interview | 275 |
| Grand Total | — | 2025 |
Qualifying Papers:
- Minimum 25% marks required in Indian Language
- Minimum 25% marks required in English
- Marks not counted for final merit ranking
UPSC CSE 2026 Examination Centres
Check UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 centres:
Preliminary Examination Centres (83 centres):
The Preliminary Examination will be conducted at 83 centres across India including:
- North India: Delhi, Chandigarh, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Dehradun, Shimla, Jammu, Srinagar, etc.
- South India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Puducherry, etc.
- East India: Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Guwahati (Dispur), Siliguri, etc.
- West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, etc.
- Northeast: Aizawl, Imphal, Shillong, Kohima, Itanagar, Gangtok, Agartala, etc.
Main Examination Centres (27 centres):
Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj, Raipur, Ranchi, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada.
Important Notes:
- Centre allotment on “first-apply-first-allot” basis
- Ceiling on number of candidates per centre (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, Nagpur)
- No request for centre change will be entertained
- PwBD candidates can opt for desired centre even after ceiling is reached
UPSC CSE 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
- 12-13 times candidates shortlisted based on total vacancies
- Only for qualification to Main Examination
- Marks NOT counted for final merit
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written Test)
- 9 papers (7 counted for merit + 2 qualifying)
- Total 1750 marks
- Approximately 2 times candidates called for Interview
Stage 3: Personality Test/Interview
- 275 marks
- Tests mental caliber, social traits, current affairs knowledge
- Final merit = Main Exam + Interview marks (Total 2025 marks)
UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 04th February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 04th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27th February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 24th May 2026 |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the UPSC CSE 2026 application is 27th February 2026 at 6:00 PM. Candidates should apply online well before the deadline.
Q2. How many vacancies are there in UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans: Approximately 933 vacancies are available across 23 different Civil Services and Posts.
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans: Candidates must be between 21-32 years as on 01.08.2026 (relaxation applicable for reserved categories).
Q4. Is there an application fee for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans: Yes, Rs. 100/- for Preliminary Exam and Rs. 200/- for Main Exam (exempted for Female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates).
Q5. When will the UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam 2026 be conducted?
Ans: The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24th May 2026.
Q6. Can I change my exam centre after applying?
Ans: No, centre change requests will NOT be entertained under any circumstances.
Q7. What is the selection process for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans: Three-stage process: Preliminary Exam (screening) → Main Exam (written) → Personality Test/Interview.
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Released – Apply Online for 933 Vacancies at Civil Services Examination ETAR NOTIFICATION KOTHA THEKE PELEN ????
WEBSITE EA TOO POSTPONED NOTICE DICCHE…
CHECK KORUN & CONFORM MESSEGE DIN…
“The Notification of Civil Services Examination, 2026 and
Indian Forest Service Examination, 2026, scheduled to be
notified on 14.01.2026, has now been postponed due to
administrative reasons and the same will be notified in due
course”
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification is Released. Karmasandhan Never deliver any wrong info by intention.