The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification for recruitment to approximately 933 vacancies in prestigious All India and Central Civil Services including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Eligible graduates can apply online from 04 February 2026 to 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) at the official UPSC website.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 |
| Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS & Central Group A & B |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree (Any Discipline) |
| Age Limit | 21–32 Years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website |
Vacancy Details (Approx. 933 Posts)
The vacancies include:
- All India Services – IAS, IPS, IFS
- Central Group A Services – IRS, Indian Audit & Accounts, Indian Railway Management, Indian Defence Accounts, Indian Postal Service, etc.
- Central Group B Services – DANICS, DANIPS, AFHQ Civil Service, PONDICS, etc.
Final vacancy numbers may vary as per government requirements.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
- Final year students can apply (must produce proof before Interview stage)
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum: 21 Years
- Maximum: 32 Years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: Up to 10 Years
Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC / ST | Unlimited (within age limit) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Exempted |
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
Final merit is based on Mains + Interview marks only.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude) | 200 | 2 Hours |
✔ CSAT is qualifying (33% minimum)
✔ 1/3 negative marking
✔ Prelims marks not counted in final merit
Main Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper B | English | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Essay | 250 | |
| GS I | 250 | |
| GS II | 250 | |
| GS III | 250 | |
| GS IV (Ethics) | 250 | |
| Optional Paper I | 250 | |
| Optional Paper II | 250 |
Total Written Marks: 1750
Interview Marks: 275
Final Merit Total: 2025 Marks
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
- Visit official website: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill CSE 2026 application form.
- Upload photograph, signature & required documents.
- Pay application fee (if applicable).
- Submit before deadline and download confirmation.
FAQs – UPSC CSE 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available?
Approximately 933 posts across All India & Central Services.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q3. What is the age limit?
21–32 years (with category-wise relaxation).
Q4. What is the selection process?
Prelims → Mains → Interview.
Q5. When is the Prelims exam?
24 May 2026.
