UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

A Complete Professional Guide to Vacancies, Eligibility, and Application

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2026. As one of the most prestigious examinations in India, it serves as the primary gateway for recruitment into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services.

Vacancy Overview

For the 2026 cycle, the Commission expects to fill approximately 933 vacancies. This total includes 33 vacancies specifically reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) across various categories such as blindness, hearing impairment, and locomotor disability.

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1. Critical Examination Dates

Aspiring candidates must adhere to the following timeline to ensure their participation:

• Notification Date: February 4, 2026.

• Application Deadline: February 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM. (Extended)

• Preliminary Examination Date: May 24, 2026.

• e-Admit Card Issuance: Available on the last working day of the week preceding the exam date.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy several requirements to be eligible for admission:

• Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university. Those awaiting final year results are also eligible to apply for the Preliminary stage but must provide proof of passing before the Main examination.

• Age Limits: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026.

  • Relaxations: SC/ST (up to 5 years), OBC (up to 3 years), and PwBD (up to 10 years).

• Nationality: For the IAS, IFS, and IPS, the candidate must be a citizen of India. For other services, subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, and certain Tibetan refugees are also eligible.

3. Number of Permitted Attempts

UPSC restricts the number of times a candidate can appear for the exam:

• General/EWS: 6 attempts.

• OBC/PwBD (General/OBC/EWS): 9 attempts.

• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts within the age limit.

4. Application Fees and Procedures

Important Links: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

Apply Online Link

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The application is a purely online process conducted through the UPSC portal.

• Where to Apply: https://upsconline.nic.in.

• One-Time Registration (OTR): Candidates must first create a Universal Registration Number (URN) profile.

• Fees: Detailed fee requirements are integrated into the exam-specific module on the portal. Generally, female candidates and those from SC/ST/PwBD categories are exempted from paying the application fee.

5. Important Instructions for Candidates

• Negative Marking: Candidates should be aware that negative marking applies to wrong answers in the Objective Type (Preliminary) papers.

• Photo and Signature: The application requires both an uploaded photograph and a live photo capture during the process. A black ink signature must also be uploaded.

• Banned Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited at the examination venue, even in “switched off” mode.

6. Important Links and Support

• Official Commission Website: www.upsc.gov.in.

• Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.

• Official Helpdesk: Candidates can reach the helpline at 011-24041001 or via email at upscsoap@nic.in during working hours (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM).

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Conclusion: The UPSC CSE 2026 is a rigorous but rewarding path. Given the “first-apply-first-allot” policy for exam centers, candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications early to secure their preferred location. Good luck to all the aspirants!