The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification has been released for around 933 vacancies in prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Central Group A & B services. Graduate candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.
The online application process starts on 04 February 2026 and the last date to apply is 24 February 2026. Selection will be done through the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview stages.
Highlights :
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Post Type | Group A & Group B Services |
| Total Vacancy Count | Approximately 933 Posts |
| Services Covered | Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Audit & Accounts Service, DANICS, DANIPS, and other Central Civil Services |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree / Graduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | Minimum 21 Years and Maximum 32 Years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD and other categories as per Government rules |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test (Interview) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Total Vacancies :
Total Posts : 933 (Approx.)
| Service Category | Post Type |
| All India Services | IAS / IPS / IFS |
| Central Services Group A | IRS, Indian Railway Management Service, Indian Defence Accounts Service, Indian Postal Service, and other Group A Services |
| Central Services Group B | DANICS / DANIPS / AFHQ Civil Service / PONDICS |
| Total | All Civil Services |
Age Limit :
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| SC / ST | 5 Years Age Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 Years Age Relaxation |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Up to 10 Years Age Relaxation |
Application Fee :
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women Candidates | Nil (No Fee) |
Mode of Fee Payment:
Candidates can pay the examination fee only through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or SBI e-Challan.
Educational / Eligibility Qualification :
| Post Name | Required Qualification |
| Civil Services (All Posts) | Candidate must possess a Graduate Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in any discipline from a recognized university or institution established by an Act of Central/State Legislature, or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India. Candidates appearing in the final year of their degree are also eligible to apply, subject to producing proof of qualification at the time specified by UPSC. |
Selection Process :
| Stage No. | Selection Stage | Details |
| Stage I | Civil Services Preliminary Examination | Objective type examination consisting of General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II. This stage is qualifying in nature for Paper II and is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. |
| Stage II | Civil Services Main Examination | Descriptive / written examination comprising 9 papers including Essay, General Studies Papers I–IV, Optional Subject Papers I & II, and qualifying language papers. Marks obtained in this stage are counted for final merit. |
| Stage III | Interview / Personality Test | Conducted by the UPSC Board to assess the candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, decision-making ability, and suitability for a career in civil services. |
| Stage IV | Document Verification | Verification of educational certificates, age proof, category certificates, and other required documents before final service allocation and appointment. |
Important Dates :
| Official Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Application Form Modification Window | As per UPSC schedule (to be notified) |
| Civil Services Preliminary Examination Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Main Examination Date | To be announced |
| Interview / Personality Test | To be announced |
Important Links :
| Apply Online | Click here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
| Daily Visit Our Website & Check Latest Job Notification | Click here |
How to Apply for UPSC CSE (933 Posts) Online Form 2026 ?
| Application Step | Detailed Description |
| Visit Official Website | Go to the official UPSC online application portal: upsconline.nic.in |
| One-Time Registration (OTR) | Complete the One-Time Registration (URN) by providing basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. |
| Fill Application Form | Login using OTR credentials and fill the Civil Services Examination 2026 application form carefully with personal, educational, and communication details. |
| Upload Documents | Upload recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the prescribed format and size. |
| Pay Application Fee | Pay the application fee online (if applicable) through debit card, credit card, net banking, or other available modes. |
| Final Submission | Review all details and submit the application form before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM). Take a printout of the submitted form for future reference. |
FAQs :
Q1. What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026?
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for prestigious All India Services and Central Civil Services Group A and Group B. Through this examination, candidates are selected for services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and several other allied services that play a key role in the administration of the country.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CSE 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination 2026. These vacancies include posts under All India Services, Central Services Group A, and Central Services Group B. The exact service-wise distribution may be notified later by UPSC.
Q3. Who is eligible to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Any candidate who holds a graduate degree from a recognized university and meets the prescribed age limit and nationality conditions is eligible to apply for UPSC CSE 2026. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are allowed to apply.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
The minimum age to apply is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as on 01 August 2026. Candidates must have been born not earlier than 02 August 1994 and not later than 01 August 2005.
Q5. Is age relaxation provided for reserved categories?
Yes, UPSC provides age relaxation as per government rules. SC and ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation, and PwBD candidates are eligible for relaxation up to 10 years depending on category.
Q6. What educational qualification is required for UPSC CSE 2026?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India. Final-year students can also apply provisionally.
Q7. Can final-year graduation students apply?
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of their graduation or awaiting results can apply. However, they must produce proof of passing the degree examination when required by UPSC.
Q8. Is there any restriction on graduation stream?
No, UPSC does not impose any restriction on graduation stream. Candidates from Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical, Law, or any other discipline can apply.
Q9. What is the selection process for UPSC CSE 2026?
The selection process consists of four stages: Civil Services Preliminary Examination, Civil Services Main Examination, Interview or Personality Test, and Document Verification.
Q10. What is the Civil Services Preliminary Examination?
The Preliminary Examination is an objective-type screening test consisting of two papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II. It is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
Q11. Is the Preliminary Examination qualifying in nature?
Yes, the Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in the prelims are not counted in the final merit list, but candidates must clear the cutoff to appear in the Main Examination.
Q12. What is the Civil Services Main Examination?
The Main Examination is a descriptive written examination consisting of nine papers, including Essay, General Studies Papers I to IV, Optional Subject Papers I and II, and qualifying language papers.
Q13. Do marks of the Main Examination count in final selection?
Yes, marks obtained in the Main Examination are counted for final merit ranking along with Interview marks.
Q14. What is the Interview or Personality Test?
The Interview or Personality Test is conducted by a UPSC board to assess the candidate’s personality traits, leadership qualities, communication skills, decision-making ability, and overall suitability for civil services.
Q15. What is the application fee for UPSC CSE 2026?
The application fee is Rs. 100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, and all women candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q16. What is the mode of application for UPSC CSE 2026?
The application process is completely online. Candidates must apply through the UPSC online application portal before the closing date.
Q17. When does the online application start?
The online application process for UPSC CSE 2026 starts on 04 February 2026.
Q18. What is the last date to apply online?
he last date to submit the online application form is 24 February 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
Q19. What is One-Time Registration (OTR)?
One-Time Registration is a mandatory process where candidates register basic personal details once on the UPSC portal. The same registration can be used for future UPSC examinations.
Q20. Can the application form be corrected after submission?
UPSC usually provides a limited application correction window. Candidates can edit certain fields during this period, but not all details may be editable.
Q21. When will the Preliminary Examination be conducted?
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
The number of attempts varies by category. General category candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit.
Q23. Is there any physical requirement for IAS, IPS, or IFS?
Yes, certain services like IPS have specific physical and medical standards. Candidates must meet medical fitness criteria prescribed by UPSC and the respective service rules.
Q24. Can candidates choose their preferred services?
Yes, candidates are required to fill their service preferences in the application form. Final service allocation depends on rank, preference, category, and vacancy availability.
Q25. Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Examination?
Yes, there is negative marking in both papers of the Preliminary Examination. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
Q26. Is CSAT compulsory to qualify?
Yes, candidates must score at least 33% marks in CSAT Paper II to qualify the Preliminary Examination.
Q27. How is the final merit list prepared?
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview or Personality Test.
Q28. Are coaching classes mandatory to clear UPSC CSE?
No, coaching is not mandatory. Many candidates clear the examination through self-study, disciplined preparation, and proper strategy.
Q29. What documents are required during document verification?
Candidates must produce educational certificates, age proof, category certificates (if applicable), identity proof, and other documents as specified by UPSC.
Q30. Where can candidates get official updates for UPSC CSE 2026?
All official notifications, updates, application links, and examination notices are published only on the official UPSC website. Candidates should rely on official sources for accurate information.