UPSC CSE Notification 2026 | Application Date, Fee, Eligibility & Complete Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on 4 February 2026. This recruitment notification details everything aspirants need about eligibility, application process, selection stages, fee, important dates, and more.
The UPSC Notification 2026 is officially released for the Civil Services Examination on 4th February 2026. As per the notification, UPSC has announced a total of 933 vacancies across various services. The online application process for the UPSC CSE 2026 has started from 4th February 2026 and will remain open till 24th February 2026 on the official website. This examination is conducted to recruit candidates for prestigious posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A services. As per the schedule, the UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held on 24th May 2026, followed by the UPSC Mains Exam from 21st August 2026. Candidates preparing for UPSC 2026 must carefully go through this article to check eligibility, exam pattern, and important instructions before applying.
1. About the Vacancy
The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2026 is conducted to recruit eligible candidates to prestigious central government services, including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Other Group-A and Group-B Central Services
This is one of the most competitive national level exams in India, attracting lakhs of applicants every year.
2. Total Vacancy Category-Wise
According to the official UPSC CSE 2026 notification, the total vacancies notified are approximately:
| Category | Vacancies |
| General (UR) | Included in total |
| OBC | Included in total |
| SC | Included in total |
| ST | Included in total |
| EWS | Included in total |
| PwBD | As per rules |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (approx.) |
3. Qualification (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for UPSC CSE 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Final year students are also eligible, provided they submit proof of graduation later.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years for General category (age relaxation as per govt rules for OBC/SC/ST/PwBD).
4. Selection Procedure & Syllabus
Direct Link to Download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF
UPSC Civil Services Posts List 2026
UPSC Civil Services Examination recruits candidates for top All India Services, Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts. The complete list of services offered through UPSC CSE 2026 is given below.
| S. No. | Service Name |
| 1 | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| 2 | Indian Foreign Service (IFS) |
| 3 | Indian Police Service (IPS) |
| 4 | Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 5 | Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 6 | Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 7 | Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 8 | Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 9 | Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 10 | Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 11 | Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 12 | Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’ |
| 13 | Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group ‘A’ |
| 14 | Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group ‘A’ |
| 15 | Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’ |
| 16 | Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Group ‘A’ |
| 17 | Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Group ‘A’ |
| 18 | Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III) |
| 19 | Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ |
| 20 | DANICS (Civil Service), Group ‘B’ |
| 21 | DANIPS (Police Service), Group ‘B’ |
| 22 | Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’ |
| 23 | Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’ |
The UPSC Vacancy 2026 has been officially announced along with the UPSC CSE Notification 2026, offering a total of 933 posts across various Civil Services. This UPSC Civil Services Vacancy 2026 includes prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS and several Group A and Group B posts. The vacancy count released by the Union Public Service Commission reflects opportunities available under the UPSC Recruitment 2026 cycle. Candidates must check the post-wise distribution carefully to understand the availability under the UPSC 2026 Vacancy before applying.
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
| Total Vacancies | 933 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 33 |
| Other Categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, UR)* | As per Government norms |
UPSC Apply Online 2026
Candidates can now apply online for UPSC CSE 2026 through the official portals upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. The application process started on 4th February and will continue until 24th February 2026, giving aspirants ample time to submit their forms. Applicants must fill in personal and educational details, upload scanned documents, and pay the application fee within this period. Early submission is advised to avoid last-minute issues or technical glitches.
Click here to Apply Online for UPSC Exam 2026 – Active Now.
How to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026?
Filling the UPSC Application Form 2026 is fully online and straightforward if candidates follow the step-by-step process carefully. Below is a simple guide to help aspirants complete their registration without errors.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Visit Official Website – Go to upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in and click the direct link to start registration. |
| 2 | Online Registration (Part I) – Enter personal details like name, age, address, and contact information accurately as per official documents. |
| 3 | Check and Correct Details – Review all entries carefully before submission since corrections are not allowed later. |
| 4 | Upload Documents (Part II) – Upload scanned copies of educational certificates, ID proof, photograph, and signature in JPG format. Include age relaxation details and payment confirmation if applicable. |
| 5 | Select Exam Centre – Choose your preferred exam centre from the list of available options. |
| 6 | Final Submission – Click “I Agree” to submit the form. Note down the registration number and print a copy of the completed application for reference. |
UPSC Application Fee 2026
The UPSC Application Fee 2026 is ₹100 for General, EWS, and OBC male candidates, while SC, ST, PwBD, and all female candidates are exempted from payment. The payment can be made online or via SBI Challan during the application process.
| UPSC Application Fee 2026 | ||
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Method |
| General / EWS / OBC (Male) | ₹100 | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) or Offline (SBI Challan) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female (All Categories) | ₹0 (Nil) | Exempt / No Payment Required |
UPSC CSE Eligibility 2026
To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, candidates must meet certain age, educational, and attempt criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission. Eligibility ensures only qualified applicants can register and appear for this prestigious exam. Below are the key details about age limit, educational qualification, and number of attempts.
UPSC CSE Age Limit 2026
Candidates must be at least 21 years old and not older than 32 years as of 1st August 2026. In other words, eligible candidates should have been born between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates as per government rules. Aspirants must carefully check their date of birth and category eligibility before applying.
UPSC CSE Educational Qualification 2026
A candidate must hold a graduate degree from any recognized university established by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India, or deemed to be a university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Equivalent qualifications recognized by the government are also valid. There is no restriction on the stream, so candidates from any discipline who meet this criterion can apply for UPSC CSE 2026.
UPSC CSE Number of Attempts 2026
Every eligible candidate is allowed a maximum number of of 6 attempts at the UPSC CSE. Reserved category candidates have relaxation: SC/ST candidates get unlimited attempts, while OBC and PwBD candidates can attempt up to 9 times. General and EWS candidates must adhere to the 6-attempt limit.
- General/ EWS – 6 attempts
- OBC/PwBD – 9 attempts
- SC/ST – Unlimited
UPSC Selection Process 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 follows a three-stage selection process to recruit candidates for prestigious All India and Group A & B services. Each stage tests different skills, from general knowledge to analytical and personality traits.
| Stage | Description |
| Prelims Exam | Objective-type test to screen candidates. It consists of General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II (qualifying). Marks obtained determine eligibility for Mains. |
| Mains Exam | Written exam with 9 papers, including Essay, General Studies, Optional Subject papers, and Language papers. Marks obtained are considered for final ranking. |
| Interview / Personality Test | Candidates qualifying Mains are called for an interview to assess personality, decision-making skills, and suitability for civil services. Final selection is based on combined marks of Mains and Interview. |
UPSC CSE Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview, each evaluating different skills. The Prelims test general knowledge and aptitude through objective questions, Mains assess analytical and writing abilities with descriptive papers, and the Interview evaluates personality, decision-making, and overall suitability for civil services.
| Exam Stage | No. of Papers | Type of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| UPSC Prelims Exam | 2 Papers (General Studies Paper I & CSAT Paper II) | Objective/Multiple Choice | 400 |
| UPSC Mains Exam | 9 Papers (Essay, GS, Optional, Language) | Descriptive | 1750 |
| IAS Interview / Personality Test | – | Interview-based Assessment | 275 |
| Total Marks | Mains + Interview | – | 2425 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC CSE Syllabus 2026 has been officially released through the UPSC Notification 2026 and differs for Prelims and Mains exams. Reviewing the full syllabus early allows aspirants to manage their time effectively and prepare in a focused manner.
| Exam Stage | Papers | Syllabus Overview |
| UPSC Prelims | General Studies Paper I | Current Affairs, Indian History, World History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and General Science |
| UPSC Prelims | CSAT (Paper II) | Comprehension, Basic Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, and Aptitude |
| UPSC Mains | Essay Paper | Essay writing on social, economic, political, and philosophical topics |
| UPSC Mains | General Studies I | Indian Heritage & Culture, History, World History, and Geography |
| UPSC Mains | General Studies II | Constitution, Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations |
| UPSC Mains | General Studies III | Economy, Technology, Environment, Biodiversity, Security, and Disaster Management |
| UPSC Mains | General Studies IV | Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, and Case Studies |
| UPSC Mains | Optional Subject | Two papers of one optional subject chosen by the candidate |
UPSC CSE Salary
The UPSC Civil Services Exam Salary highlights the pay structure, benefits, and career growth for officers selected through the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Pay rises with experience, seniority, and higher positions in government, making it a highly rewarding career both financially and professionally.
| Level / Stage | Salary Details | Job Profile Highlights |
| During Training | Monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100 | Undergoes foundation and professional training at LBSNAA, learning administration, governance, and public service skills |
| Entry-Level IAS Officer (SDM) | Basic pay starts at Rs. 56,100 per month | Serves as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, managing law & order, revenue collection, and development projects |
| Mid-Level Posting (DM / Director) | Gross monthly salary up to Rs. 1,50,000 | Handles district administration, policy implementation, and coordination between government departments |
| Senior-Level Posting (Secretary) | Higher pay with additional allowances | Engages in policy-making at state or central level and supervises major administrative functions |
| Top Position (Cabinet Secretary) | Maximum salary up to Rs. 2,50,000 per month | Highest-ranking civil servant, advising the Prime Minister and coordinating between ministries |
UPSC CSE 2026 selection has three main stages:
Stage 1 — Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective type (multiple choice questions)
- Two papers:
- General Studies Paper-I
- CSAT (Paper-II – qualifying)
- Prelims is only a screening test; marks are not counted in final ranking.
Stage 2 — Main Examination (Mains)
- Written exam with nine descriptive papers
- Essay, General Studies I–IV, and Optional Subjects
- Marks from Mains count toward final selection.
Stage 3 — Personality Test (Interview)
- Candidates who clear Mains are called for interview
- Final merit is based on Main + Interview marks.
5. Important Dates
Here are the key dates for UPSC CSE 2026:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (usually by 18:00 hrs) |
| Prelims Exam | May 24, 2026 (expected) |
| Main Exam | August 21, 2026 (expected) |
| Interview | Early 2027 (tentative) |
6. Application Fee
The application fee for UPSC CSE 2026 is:
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Exempted (No Fee) ) |
Fee can be paid online through debit/credit card or net banking, or offline via SBI challan [if available]
7. Important Links & Official Websites
Here are the official websites you must use:
🔗 Official UPSC Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
🔗 Apply Online (Form): https://upsconline.nic.in
📄 Notification PDF: Available under Recruitment/Notices on the official site.
Only apply through the official UPSC portals. Beware of fake or unauthorised sites.
8. Step-by-Step Form Filling Process
Here’s how to apply for UPSC CSE 2026 online:
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Register as a new user (OTR – One Time Registration)
- Log in and select CSE 2026 application link
- Fill personal and educational details
- Upload required documents (photo & signature)
- Choose exam centre(s)
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference
