UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 :- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. A total of 933 vacancies are expected to be filled through this examination for prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
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The online application process has started on 04 February 2026 and will remain open until 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM). The Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026. Interested candidates can apply online via the official portal upsconline.nic.in.
💡 Recruitment Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 Posts |
| Application Dates | 04/02/2026 to 24/02/2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in | upsconline.nic.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (Till 06:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 7 days after closing |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Birth Date Range: Candidate must have been born not earlier than 02 August 1994 and not later than 01 August 2005.
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years
2. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized University.
- Candidates appearing for their final year examination can also apply provisionally.
💰 Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 100/-
- Female / SC / ST / PwBD: Exempted (Nil)
- Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay/Credit/Debit Card/UPI).
UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026
📝 Selection Process
The Civil Services Examination consists of two successive stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination: Objective type (MCQ) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination.
- Paper I (General Studies) – 200 Marks
- Paper II (CSAT) – 200 Marks (Qualifying with 33%)
- Civil Services (Main) Examination: Written (Descriptive) and Interview/Personality Test.
- Written Exam: 9 Papers (Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I-II, English, Indian Language)
- Interview: 275 Marks
🚀 How to Apply
- Visit the official application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- One Time Registration (OTR): Register yourself on the OTR platform if not done already.
- Fill Application: Login and fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) for CSE 2026.
- Upload Documents: Upload your Photograph, Signature, and Photo ID Card (Aadhaar recommended).
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee of ₹100 (if applicable).
- Submit: Review and submit the application. Take a printout for future reference.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Vacancies: 933 posts (approx) including 33 reserved for PwBD.
- Services: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B services.
- Attempts: 6 for General, 9 for OBC/PwBD (GL/EWS/OBC), Unlimited for SC/ST.
- Photo ID: Details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License) must be provided.
🔗 Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
❓ FAQs
Q1. When is the UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims exam?
Ans. The Preliminary Examination will be held on 24 May 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans. The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM).
Q3. How many vacancies are there in CSE 2026?
Ans. There are approximately 933 vacancies.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the Prelims exam?
Ans. Yes, there is a penalty of one-third (0.33) marks for every wrong answer in the objective type question papers.
UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026
💡 Final Thoughts
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most competitive exams in the country. With 933 vacancies this year, aspirants have a significant opportunity to serve the nation. Candidates are advised to read the detailed notification carefully, especially regarding eligibility and the physical standards, before applying. Ensure you submit your application well before the closing date to avoid last-minute congestion.
UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026