The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification, inviting online applications for approximately 933 vacancies across prestigious Group A and Group B services. These include IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and several other Central Civil Services.
Eligible candidates holding a graduate degree can apply online through the UPSC portal. The online application process begins on 04 February 2026 and will close on 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 – Key Highlights
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 |
| Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS & Central Services |
| Job Type | Group A & Group B |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy Details
The vacancies include posts under:
- All India Services – IAS, IPS, IFS
- Central Services Group A – IRS, Indian Audit & Accounts, Railway Management, Defence Accounts, Postal Services, etc.
- Central Services Group B – DANICS, DANIPS, AFHQ Civil Service, PONDICS
Total Expected Vacancies: 933 (Approx.)
UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
Final-year students are also eligible, subject to document verification at the interview stage.
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST – 5 years
- OBC – 3 years
- PwBD – Up to 10 years
UPSC Civil Services 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
UPSC CSE 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Application End | 24 February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination Pattern
The Preliminary Exam is a screening test and its marks are not included in the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT | 200 | 2 Hours |
Key Rules
- Both papers are objective (MCQs)
- CSAT is qualifying (33% minimum)
- Negative marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
- Only Paper I marks decide cutoff for Mains
UPSC CSE 2026 Main Examination Pattern
The Main Examination consists of 9 descriptive papers, out of which 7 are merit-counting.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper B | English | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II–V | General Studies I–IV | 1000 |
| Paper VI–VII | Optional Subject | 500 |
Total Written Marks: 1750
Interview / Personality Test
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Interview | 275 |
Final Merit Marks
- Written Exam: 1750
- Interview: 275
- Total: 2025 Marks
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the Civil Services Examination 2026 form
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit before 24 February 2026
UPSC CSE 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
👉 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Q2. How many vacancies are announced?
👉 Approximately 933 posts
Q3. What is the minimum qualification?
👉 Graduation in any discipline
Q4. What is the age limit?
👉 21 to 32 years (with relaxation)
Q5. When will the Prelims exam be conducted?
👉 24 May 2026
Q6. How many attempts are allowed?
