The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 on February 4, 2026. This marks the start of the recruitment process for some of India’s most prestigious career paths, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other Group A and Group B central services.
This comprehensive guide covers all essential details: vacancies, eligibility, key dates, exam structure, application steps, and preparation tips. Always verify the latest information directly from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
Key Highlights – UPSC CSE 2026
- Notification Date: February 4, 2026
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 933 (tentative figure, including reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities – PwBD)
- Services Included: IAS, IPS, IFS, Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and other All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A & B)
- Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Official Portals: upsc.gov.in (notifications) | upsconline.nic.in (online applications)
The final vacancy distribution may be slightly adjusted based on requirements from various cadre controlling authorities.
Important Dates for UPSC Civil Services 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 4, 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | February 4, 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| UPSC Prelims Examination | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| UPSC Mains Examination | Commencing August 21, 2026 (Friday) |
| Age Limit Calculation Date | August 1, 2026 |
These dates are critical—plan your preparation timeline accordingly. The Prelims is a screening stage, while Mains and Interview determine the final ranking.
Eligibility Criteria – UPSC CSE 2026
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
- IAS, IPS, and certain services: Must be a citizen of India.
- Other services: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (arrived before January 1, 1962), or persons of Indian origin from specified countries with intent to permanently settle in India.
2. Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
- Final-year students may apply provisionally but must produce proof of passing before appearing for the Mains examination.
3. Age Limit (as on August 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (General/EWS category)
- Relaxations:
- OBC: +3 years (up to 35 years)
- SC/ST: +5 years (up to 37 years)
- PwBD: +10 years (additional relaxations for combined categories)
- Ex-servicemen and other specified categories: As per government rules
4. Number of Attempts Allowed
- General/EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited (until upper age limit)
- PwBD: 9 attempts (General/OBC); unlimited for SC/ST/PwBD categories
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern – At a Glance
The examination consists of three successive stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective – Qualifying only)
- General Studies Paper I: 200 marks (counts for merit)
- CSAT Paper II: 200 marks (qualifying – minimum 33%)
- 2 hours each | Negative marking: 1/3rd for wrong answers
- Main Examination (Descriptive – Counts for merit)
- 9 papers (total 1750 marks):
- Essay (250 marks)
- General Studies I, II, III, IV (250 marks each)
- Optional Subject Paper I & II (250 marks each)
- Qualifying Papers: Indian Language & English (300 marks each, qualifying)
- Total written marks: 1750
- 9 papers (total 1750 marks):
- Personality Test (Interview)
- 275 marks
- Final merit list based on Mains + Interview = 2025 marks
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
- Go to the official portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete Part I registration (basic details).
- Proceed to Part II (upload photo, signature, photo ID; pay fee).
- Application Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS male candidates); exempted for female candidates, SC/ST, and PwBD.
- Submit the form before February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM).
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for records.
Double-check all entries—errors can lead to rejection. Withdrawal option is available if needed.
Why UPSC CSE 2026 is Your Big Opportunity
With around 933 vacancies, the 2026 examination cycle offers a realistic shot at securing one of the most respected and impactful government jobs in India. These positions come with immense responsibility, job security, and the chance to shape public policy and governance.
Start your preparation immediately: build a strong base with NCERT textbooks, stay updated with current affairs, practice previous years’ papers, and take regular mock tests. The Prelims exam is approaching fast—make every day count!
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Hi, I’m Varun Pathak, the founder of TheSarkariNaukri.com—a dedicated platform for the latest updates on government jobs (Sarkari Naukri) in India. With years of experience curating reliable information on job vacancies, admit cards, exam results, and preparation strategies, I help thousands of aspirants navigate the competitive world of public sector opportunities. Passionate about job security, career growth, and empowering freshers for roles like IAS, IPS, and PSU positions, I update the site regularly with actionable insights for 2025 and beyond. Let’s connect to turn your career dreams into reality!