UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially sent out the notice for the 2026 Civil Services Examination (CSE). This is one of the most important tests in India. It is used to hire people for top jobs like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and many more.
This post will help you grasp all the crucial information about the UPSC CSE 2026 in a clear and simple way if you plan to take it.
Overview of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Number | 05/2026-CSE |
| Notification Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 933 (including 33 PwBD vacancies) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in |
Services Included in UPSC CSE 2026
The examination is conducted for recruitment to various prestigious services, including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Management Services
- Indian Trade Service
- DANICS, DANIPS
- Pondicherry Civil & Police Services
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
- And several other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services
Total expected vacancies: 933, which includes reserved vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Qualification Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible to apply (must produce proof before the interview) |
| Professional Degrees | MBBS and equivalent candidates must complete an internship before Interview |
Candidates must possess a graduate degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 21 to 32 years |
| SC/ST | Up to 37 years (5 years relaxation) |
| OBC | Up to 35 years (3 years relaxation) |
| Defence Services Personnel | 3 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years of relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years of relaxation |
Date of Birth Range:
Candidates must be born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005.
Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 6 Attempts |
| OBC | 9 Attempts |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (within age limit) |
| PwBD | 9 for General/OBC/EWS, Unlimited for SC/ST |
Examination Pattern
The Civil Services Examination consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Two papers (200 marks each)
- Total 400 marks
- Negative marking applicable
- Serves as a screening test
Stage 2: Main Examination
- Written Examination (9 papers)
- Interview/Personality Test (275 marks)
- Marks of Mains + Interview determine final ranking
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 (Prelims) + ₹200 (Mains) |
| SC/ST/Women/PwBD | Exempted |
Fee must be paid online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
Candidates must apply online through: www.upsc.gov.in
Application Process:
- Create an account on the UPSC Online Application Portal.
- Complete Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Fill examination-specific module.
- Upload:
- Photograph
- Live photo capture
- Signature (three times on white paper using black ink)
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit and take a printout for future reference.
Important:
- No correction is allowed after submission.
- Applications cannot be withdrawn.
- Only online applications are accepted.
Selection Procedure
The selection process consists of:
- Preliminary Examination
- Objective type
- Screening stage
- Negative marking applicable
- Main Examination
- Written examination (Essay + General Studies + Optional subject papers)
- Qualifying language papers
- Interview / Personality Test
- 275 marks
- Final merit list prepared based on Mains + Interview marks
Candidates are allotted services based on:
- Final rank
- Service preferences
- Medical fitness
- Category reservation rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q2. When will the UPSC Prelims 2026 be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination will be held on 24 May 2026.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification?
A candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.