Big update for UPSC aspirants. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification, announcing 933 tentative vacancies across India’s top administrative services, including IAS, IPS and IFS.
The online application process for UPSC CSE 2026 has started from February 4, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their forms till February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM) through the official website upsc.gov.in. This recruitment drive is one of the biggest opportunities for graduates aspiring to enter the civil services.
As per the official notification, the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination will be held on May 24, 2026, followed by the Main Examination on August 21, 2026. Candidates are advised to check eligibility criteria, age limit, number of attempts, exam pattern and application steps carefully before applying.
UPSC CSE 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Release Date | February 4, 2026 |
| Application Dates | February 4 – February 24, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (Tentative) |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Personality Test |
| Preliminary Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Main Exam Date | August 21, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CSE 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | February 4, 2026 |
| Online Application Start | February 4, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination | May 24, 2026 |
| Main Examination | August 21, 2026 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies to be filled through UPSC CSE 2026 is approximately 933, including 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- Blindness & Low Vision – 7 vacancies
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing – 11 vacancies
- Locomotor Disability – 8 vacancies
- Multiple Disabilities – 7 vacancies
Note: The final vacancy count may change after confirmation from Cadre Controlling Authorities.
Who Can Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university established by an Act of the Central or State Legislature or an equivalent qualification recognized by UPSC.
Age Limit (as on August 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Age relaxation applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and other reserved categories
UPSC CSE 2026: Number of Attempts
- General Category – 6 Attempts
- OBC – 9 Attempts
- PwBD (General/EWS/OBC) – 9 Attempts
- SC / ST – Unlimited (within age limit)
UPSC CSE 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is as follows:
- ₹100 for General, OBC and EWS candidates
- ₹100 for SC, ST and Female candidates
- No fee for Physically Handicapped (PH) / Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates
Payment can be made online through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card or UPI.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026? Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Read General Instructions and document upload guidelines carefully
- Register using the Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with accurate details
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the application and download confirmation
Important: Incomplete forms or incorrect information will lead to cancellation of candidature.
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers carrying a total of 400 marks. It is only a screening test and marks will not be counted in the final merit list.
Main Examination
The UPSC CSE Mains consists of 9 descriptive papers, including Essay, General Studies (I–IV), two Optional papers and two qualifying language papers. The total marks for Mains are 1750.
Important Links – UPSC CSE 2026
- UPSC Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- UPSC Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- CSE 2026 Official Notification (PDF): Download
- UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: Check on upsc.gov.in
- UPSC Syllabus (Prelims & Mains): Download from official site
- UPSC Previous Year Question Papers: Available on UPSC portal
Note: Candidates are advised to rely only on the official UPSC website for authentic information, updates and notifications related to UPSC CSE 2026.
Optional Subjects for UPSC CSE 2026
Candidates can choose one optional subject from the following list:
Agriculture, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce & Accountancy, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science & International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology and Literature of recognized Indian languages.
UPSC Selection Process 2026
The UPSC Selection Process 2026 for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three successive stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next level. The final selection is based on marks obtained in the Main Examination and Personality Test.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the UPSC selection process. It consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day.
- Paper I – General Studies (200 marks)
- Paper II – CSAT (200 marks, qualifying in nature)
- Total Marks: 400
- Nature: Screening test only
Marks obtained in the Prelims examination are not counted for the final merit list. Candidates who clear the cut-off are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Mains)
Candidates qualifying the Prelims are called for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination. This stage evaluates the candidate’s academic depth, analytical ability and writing skills.
- Total Papers: 9 (Descriptive)
- Qualifying Papers: Indian Language & English
- Merit Papers: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Paper I & II
- Total Marks for Merit: 1750
Only marks obtained in the Essay, General Studies and Optional subject papers are considered for shortlisting candidates to the Personality Test.
Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview
The final stage of the UPSC Selection Process 2026 is the Personality Test (Interview), conducted by a board appointed by UPSC.
- Total Marks: 275
- Purpose: To assess personality traits, leadership qualities, decision-making ability and suitability for public service
The interview does not test subject knowledge alone but evaluates the candidate’s mental alertness, social awareness, ethical integrity and administrative aptitude.
Final Merit List & Service Allocation
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in:
- Main Examination – 1750 marks
- Personality Test – 275 marks
- Total: 2025 marks
Based on rank, preferences, category and availability of vacancies, candidates are allocated services such as IAS, IPS, IFS and other Central Services.
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FAQs on UPSC CSE 2026
Q1. When was the UPSC CSE 2026 notification released?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification was released on February 4, 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is February 24, 2026, up to 6:00 PM.
Q3. How many vacancies are announced for UPSC CSE 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 933 tentative vacancies, including reservations for PwBD categories.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
Candidates must be at least 21 years and not more than 32 years of age as on August 1, 2026. Age relaxation applies to reserved categories.
Q5. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE 2026?
General category candidates can attempt the exam 6 times, OBC candidates 9 times, while SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit.
Q6. What is the application fee for UPSC CSE 2026?
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and Female candidates. PH/PwD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
Q7. How can I apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official website https://upsconline.nic.in by completing the Universal Registration Number (URN) and Common Application Form (CAF).
Q8. When will the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam be conducted?
The UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026.
Q9. Do Prelims marks count in the final merit list?
No. The Preliminary Examination is only a screening test. Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted in the final merit ranking.
Q10. What is the total marks for UPSC CSE 2026 final selection?
The final merit list is prepared based on 2025 marks, which includes 1750 marks from the Main Examination and 275 marks from the Personality Test (Interview).
Conclusion
UPSC CSE 2026 is a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming for India’s top administrative services. With early planning, proper strategy and disciplined preparation, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success.
