UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification Released: 933 Vacancies, Apply Online Before Feb 24
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on 4 February 2026. This prestigious examination is conducted annually to recruit officers for elite services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B central services.
As per the notification, approximately 933 vacancies will be filled through UPSC CSE 2026. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal on or before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Total Vacancies
- Total Expected Vacancies: 933
- PwBD Reserved Vacancies: 33
- Vacancies include IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, Railway Services, Defence Accounts, DANICS, DANIPS, and more.
- Final vacancy count may change after cadre confirmation.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- IAS, IPS, IFS: Indian citizen only
- Other services allow candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and PIOs (with eligibility certificate)
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- DOB Range: 02 August 1994 – 01 August 2005
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: Up to 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
Educational Qualification
- Graduation degree in any discipline
- Final-year students are eligible to apply
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
- Paper I: General Studies – 200 Marks
- Paper II: CSAT – 200 Marks (Qualifying – 33%)
- Objective type with negative marking (1/3rd)
- Prelims marks are not counted for final merit
Main Examination
- 9 Descriptive Papers
- 2 Qualifying (Indian Language & English)
- 7 Merit Papers (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional)
- Interview / Personality Test: 275 Marks
- Final Merit = Mains + Interview
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC / ST | Unlimited |
| PwBD | 9 (Unlimited for SC/ST PwBD) |
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100 (Prelims) + ₹200 (Mains)
- Women / SC / ST / PwBD: Fee Exempted
- Fee once paid is non-refundable
Exam Centres
- Prelims: 80+ cities across India
- Mains: 27 major cities
- Centre allotment follows first-apply-first-allot rule
Facilities for PwBD Candidates
- Scribe facility (as per category)
- Extra time: 20 minutes per hour
- Disability certificate mandatory
- Services mapped based on functional suitability
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Application withdrawal not allowed
- No correction after final submission
- Mobile phones and electronic devices strictly banned
- Face authentication mandatory at exam centres
- Any false information may lead to cancellation and ban
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online portal
- 👉https://upsc.gov.in/
- Create a Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Complete Exam-specific form
- Upload photo, live photo, and signature
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download confirmation
Why UPSC CSE Matters
UPSC Civil Services is considered India’s toughest and most respected examination, offering a chance to serve the nation at the highest administrative and policy-making levels.
Important Dates : & Notification Important Links
| Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| Civil Services Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam | To be announced |
| Official Notification: | Click Here |
| Apply Online Link for | Click Here |
| Official Website: | Click Here |
| Join Our Telegram | Click Here |
Conclusion:
Candidates aiming for IAS, IPS, IFS, or Central Services should apply early to secure their preferred exam centre and avoid last-minute technical issues. Thorough preparation, discipline, and awareness of official rules are the keys to success in UPSC CSE 2026.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is 24 February 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
2. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CSE 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 933 vacancies for Civil Services Examination 2026, including reserved vacancies for PwBD candidates.
3. When will the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination be conducted?
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026.
4. What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as on 1 August 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories as per rules.
5. What is the educational qualification required for UPSC Civil Services Exam?
Candidates must hold a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
6. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC Civil Services Examination?
General and EWS candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9 attempts, while SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit.
7. Is there negative marking in UPSC Preliminary Examination?
Yes, there is negative marking of one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination.
8. What is the application fee for UPSC CSE 2026?
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. Women, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
9. Can I withdraw or edit the UPSC CSE 2026 application form after submission?
No, once the application form is submitted, withdrawal or correction is not allowed under any circumstances.
10. Where can I apply online for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
Candidates can apply online only through the official UPSC application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
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