UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for IAS, IPS & Allied Services

Last updated Feb 09, 2026
Feb 04, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026
Last updated Feb 09, 2026

🔔 Overview - UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 to recruit candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Central Services. The examination will be conducted in multiple stages including Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Particular Details
Examination Name Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission
Job Category Central Government Jobs
Services Covered IAS, IPS, IFS & Group A / B Services
Vacancies (Expected) Approx. 933
Application Mode Online
Official Website www.upsc.gov.in
Application Portal https://upsconline.nic.in

📅 Important Dates

Event Date
Notification Release Date 04 February 2026
Online Application Start Date 04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply Online 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM)
Civil Services Prelims Exam 24 May 2026
Admit Card Release Last working day of preceding week
Main Examination To be notified
Interview / Personality Test To be notified

📌 Eligibility Criteria

🇮🇳 Nationality

  • IAS / IPS / IFS: Must be a Citizen of India

  • Other Services:

    • Citizen of India, or

    • Subject of Nepal / Bhutan, or

    • Tibetan refugee (before 01.01.1962), or

    • Person of Indian origin (with eligibility certificate)

🎓 Educational Qualification

  • Candidate must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized university

  • Final-year students are eligible to apply

  • Proof of passing degree required at interview stage

🎯 Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)

Criteria Age
Minimum Age 21 Years
Maximum Age 32 Years
Date of Birth Range 02 Aug 1994 – 01 Aug 2005

Age Relaxation:

  • SC / ST – 5 Years

  • OBC – 3 Years

  • Defence Services Personnel – 3 Years

  • Ex-Servicemen – Up to 5 Years

  • PwBD – Up to 10 Years

🔁 Number of Attempts

Category Attempts
General / EWS 6
OBC 9
SC / ST Unlimited
PwBD 9 (Gen/OBC), Unlimited (SC/ST)

📊 Vacancy Details (Service-Wise)

Approximate 933 vacancies, including 33 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Major Services Covered:

  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

  • Indian Police Service (IPS)

  • Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

  • Indian Revenue Service (IT & Customs)

  • Indian Audit & Accounts Service

  • Indian Railway Management Service

  • DANICS / DANIPS

  • Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service

  • Pondicherry Civil Service

Final vacancy count may vary after confirmation from cadre controlling authorities.

💰 Application Fee

Category Fee
General / OBC / EWS ₹100
SC / ST Nil
PwBD Nil
Women Candidates Nil

  • Fee payable online only

  • Main Examination fee: ₹200 (if qualified)

📚 Exam Scheme & Pattern

🟢 Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)

Paper Marks Duration
General Studies Paper-I 200 2 Hours
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) 200 2 Hours

  • Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark per wrong answer

  • CSAT: 33% qualifying mandatory

  • Marks not counted in final merit

🔵 Stage 2: Main Examination (Written)

Paper Type No. of Papers
Qualifying Papers 2
Merit Papers 7
Interview 275 Marks

  • Total Merit Marks: 1750 (Written) + 275 (Interview)

🟣 Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test

  • No minimum qualifying marks

  • Final merit based on Mains + Interview

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Syllabus

📝 Application Process – Step by Step

  1. Visit https://upsconline.nic.in

  2. Create account and generate Universal Registration Number (URN)

  3. Complete Common Application Form (CAF)

  4. Fill Exam-Specific Application Form

  5. Upload photo, live photo & signature

  6. Pay application fee (if applicable)

  7. Submit and note Application Number

  8. Download confirmation for reference

📌 Key Instructions for Candidates

  • Only online applications are accepted

  • No correction or withdrawal after submission

  • Aadhaar is recommended for easy verification

  • Mobile phones & electronic devices are strictly banned in exam hall

  • Face authentication mandatory at exam centre

  • Admit card available online only

✅ Final Note

The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious recruitment processes, offering entry into the country’s top administrative services. Candidates are advised to carefully read the notification, apply within the deadline, and start focused preparation for each stage of the examination.

Check Notification Document