UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Released: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Process Detailed
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 with the notification released on February 4, 2026. This examination is a crucial step for candidates aspiring to join India's central government services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and Group B services. The notification also details the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026, which shares the preliminary examination stage with the CSE. A total of approximately 933 vacancies are available for various civil services posts, offering significant opportunities for candidates. This report outlines essential information such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam structure, and syllabus.
The UPSC has provided a timeline for the 2026 examination to facilitate candidates' planning. The following table highlights the crucial dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 4, 2026 |
| Online Application Start | February 4, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | February 24, 2026 (by 6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination | May 24, 2026 |
| Main Examination | August 21, 2026 (commences) |
Candidates are encouraged to keep track of the UPSC's website for any updates. The age limit is based on candidates' age as of August 1, 2026.
The UPSC CSE 2026 outlines 933 vacancies for various services, including the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central civil services. There are reservations of 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Additionally, 33 positions are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The specific distribution will be determined after the exam results.
Eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE 2026 are as follows:
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens for IAS, IPS, and IFS roles. Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees (arriving in India before January 1, 1962) may apply for other roles under certain conditions.
- Age Limit: Applicants should be 21 to 32 years old as of August 1, 2026. Age relaxations are available for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and other categories.
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is required. Final-year students can apply provisionally, providing they confirm their qualification before the main exam.
- Number of Attempts: General candidates can attempt six times, OBC candidates nine times, and SC/ST candidates unlimited times within the age limit. PwBD candidates have additional relaxations.
Applicants must confirm their eligibility as discrepancies can result in disqualification at any stage.
The application process for UPSC CSE 2026 is entirely online via the official websites: upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. It is a two-part process involving One-Time Registration (OTR) and filling out a detailed application form.
- Registration: New applicants must complete OTR on upsconline.nic.in, submitting basic details and uploading scanned photographs and signatures.
- Filling the Form: Candidates select their exam (CSE or IFS), input personal and educational information, choose preferences, and upload necessary documents.
- Fee Payment: The fee is Rs. 100 for general and OBC male applicants. Female, SC/ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt. Payments can be made via net banking, credit/debit card, or SBI challan.
- Submission: Review and submit the application form by February 24, 2026. Corrections can be made within a specific window post-submission.
Applicants should apply early to avoid technical issues and ensure accuracy in their application details.
The UPSC CSE 2026 consists of a three-stage process:
- Preliminary Examination: Comprises two objective-type papers (General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II) with 200 marks each. Paper-I addresses current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science. Paper-II assesses comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic numeracy. It serves as a screening test and does not count towards the final merit.
- Main Examination: A descriptive exam consisting of nine papers totaling 1750 marks, including two qualifying papers (one in any Indian language and one in English), four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and an essay paper.
- Personality Test (Interview): Valued at 275 marks, this stage evaluates candidates' suitability for civil services. The total score is derived from mains (1750) and interview (275), totaling 2025 marks.
The exam is conducted offline at various centers across India.
The syllabus for UPSC CSE 2026 is consistent with previous years, focusing on a wide range of national and international issues.
- Prelims Syllabus: General Studies covers topics including Indian history, polity, economy, geography, environment, science and technology, and current affairs. CSAT addresses quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and reading comprehension.
- Mains Syllabus: General Studies papers include Indian heritage, governance, social justice, international relations, technology, economic development, biodiversity, security, and disaster management. Optional subjects (chosen from 48 options) allow for specialization in areas like history, geography, public administration, or literature.
- Essay and Language Papers: Essays are on contemporary topics, and language papers test basic proficiency.
Candidates are advised to consult the official notification for the detailed syllabus to guide their preparation effectively.
The 2026 notification introduces no major changes, continuing to emphasize digital processes and inclusivity. Aspirants should stay informed via the UPSC website, with admit cards for prelims expected about three weeks before the exam. Preparation should focus on regular study, mock tests, and current affairs analysis.
Overall, the UPSC CSE 2026 notification initiates a demanding yet promising path for civil service candidates. Qualified individuals should apply promptly and adopt a structured preparation approach to secure a role in India's administrative landscape. For more detailed information and the official notification PDF, visit upsc.gov.in.
