UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: notification released for 933 vacancies. Apply online before 24 February 2026. Check eligibility, age limit, exam date, fees, selection process, syllabus and important links.
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This examination is conducted for recruitment to prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A & B services.
The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 will be held on 24 May 2026. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
Job Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 05/2026-CSE |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 Posts |
| Apply Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in |
Services Included
Recruitment will be made for the following major services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Audit & Accounts Service
- Indian Postal Service
- Indian Railway Management Service
- DANICS, DANIPS and other Group A & B services
(Total 23 Services included)
Total Vacancies
- Total Posts: Approximately 933
- PwBD Vacancies: 33 Reserved
- Reservation available for SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwBD categories as per Government rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Final year students can also apply (subject to proof during Mains/Interview stage).
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Candidate must be born between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005.
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| Defence Services Personnel | As per rules |
Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (till age limit) |
| PwBD | 9 (GL/EWS/OBC), Unlimited (SC/ST) |
Application Fees
| Category | Prelims Fee | Mains Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted | Exempted |
| All Female Candidates | Exempted | Exempted |
Payment Mode: Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | To Be Announced |
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
Final merit will be based on marks obtained in Mains + Interview.
Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination
- Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)
- Paper II – CSAT (200 Marks, Qualifying)
- Negative Marking applicable
Main Examination
- 9 Descriptive Papers
- Total Marks: 1750
- Interview: 275 Marks
- Final Merit: 2025 Marks
How to Apply
- Visit official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (URN).
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photograph, live photo capture & signature.
- Select exam centre and pay application fee.
- Submit the form and take printout for future reference.
Note:
- No correction allowed after final submission.
- Aadhaar recommended for verification.
- Face authentication mandatory at exam centre.
Exam Centres
Prelims will be conducted across major cities including:
Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and many more (80+ centres).
Mains will be conducted in 27 centres including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad etc.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Why Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
- Prestigious All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
- High Salary & Government Benefits
- Job Security & Social Status
- Leadership Roles in Administration
Candidates preparing for Civil Services should apply early to secure their preferred exam centre. UPSC CSE is one of the toughest and most prestigious examinations in India. Start your preparation now and ensure timely submission of your application.