UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: notification released for 933 posts. Check eligibility, age limit, exam date, fees, selection process, important dates & apply online before 24 February 2026.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification vide Notice No. 05/2026-CSE dated 04 February 2026. This prestigious examination is conducted for recruitment to top administrative services including IAS, IPS, IFS and various Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ Central Services.
The UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam will be held on 24 May 2026. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official portal 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 |
| Notification No. | 05/2026-CSE |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
Post Details
Recruitment will be made to the following services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS – IT & Customs)
- Indian Audit & Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Management Services
- Indian Postal Service
- Indian Information Service
- DANICS / DANIPS
- Pondicherry Civil & Police Services
- And other Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ Central Services
Total Expected Vacancies: 933
(Includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
- Candidate must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized University.
- Final year students can also apply (subject to proof before 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:
- SC/ST – 5 Years
- OBC – 3 Years
- PwBD – 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen – As per rules
Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
| PwBD | 9 (General/OBC) / Unlimited (SC/ST) |
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Exempted |
Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI)
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Main Exam | To be notified |
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The Civil Services Examination consists of two stages:
1️⃣ Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Two Papers (GS Paper I & CSAT)
- Negative Marking applicable
- Qualifying for Mains
2️⃣ Main Examination
- Written Examination
- Personality Test (Interview)
Final selection will be based on Mains + Interview marks.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
- Visit the official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (URN)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload photo (with live capture) & signature
- Select exam center
- Pay application fee
- Submit and take printout
⚠️ No correction allowed after final submission.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Candidates are advised to carefully read the complete official notification before applying. This is one of the most prestigious examinations in India, offering an opportunity to serve the nation through elite civil services.
Apply early to get your preferred exam center as allocation is done on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
