Based on the detailed information you provided, here is a comprehensive overview of the UPSC CSE 2026 notification, structured for clarity and easy reference, including the table as requested.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Notification Summary
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 for the recruitment of approximately 933 vacancies for Group A and Group B services, including the prestigious IAS, IPS, and IFS. Eligible graduate candidates can apply online from 4th February 2026 to 27th February 2026.
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UPSC CSE 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Post Type | Group A & Group B Services |
| Total Vacancy | Approximately 933 Posts |
| Services Covered | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, Indian Audit & Accounts, DANICS, DANIPS, and Other Central Services |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree (Any Discipline) from a recognized university. Final-year students can apply. |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years as of 01 August 2026 (with category-wise relaxations) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS; Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/Women |
| Apply Online Dates | Start Date: 04 February 2026 | Last Date: 27 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam (Objective), Main Exam (Written), and Interview/Personality Test |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online Link | upsconline.nic.in |
Detailed Information
Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies is approximately 933, distributed across various All India Services and Central Services (Group A & B).
| Service Category | Post Type / Services Included |
|---|---|
| All India Services | Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFS) |
| Central Services Group A | IRS, Indian Railway Management, Indian Defence Accounts, Indian Postal Service, etc. |
| Central Services Group B | DANICS, DANIPS, AFHQ Civil Service, PONDICS, etc. |
Eligibility Details
- Educational Qualification:
- Must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized University or an equivalent qualification.
- Candidates who have appeared in the final year of their degree exam can also apply, but they must produce proof of passing the exam at the time of the interview.
- Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026):
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: Up to 10 Years (depending on category)
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 100/-
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Nil (No fee)
- Payment Mode: Online (via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI) or through offline modes like cash at SBI branches using a generated pay-in-slip.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three main stages:
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Objective) – Screening Test
- Civil Services Main Examination (Written) – Merit-based
- Interview / Personality Test – Merit-based
- Document Verification
Examination Pattern
1. Preliminary Examination (Screening – 400 Marks)
This exam is to shortlist candidates for the Mains. Marks are not counted for the final ranking.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | Objective (MCQs) | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | Objective (MCQs) | 200 | 2 Hours |
- Note: Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature (requires minimum 33% marks). Negative marking (1/3rd) applies for wrong answers in both papers.
2. Main Examination (Merit – 1750 Marks + 275 Interview)
Marks from the written papers and interview are combined to prepare the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | Merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | Merit |
| Total (Written) | 9 Papers | 1750 | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 275 | |
| Grand Total | 2025 | Final Merit |
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process to get a Registration ID if you haven’t already.
- Fill out the online application form for the Civil Services Examination 2026.
- Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and required documents as per the specifications.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
- Preview the form carefully and submit it before the deadline of 27 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
- Take a printout of the finally submitted application form for your records.
Important Links
- Apply Online: Click Here to Apply on upsconline.nic.in
- Official Notification PDF: Click Here to Download *(Note: Since this is simulated data, the link is not active. You will need to check the official website on 04-02-2026)*
- Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
- A. The last date is 27 February 2026, up to 6:00 PM.
- Q2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CSE 2026?
- A. There are approximately 933 vacancies.
- Q3. Can final year students apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
- A. Yes, final year students can apply, but they must provide proof of passing the degree before the interview stage.
- Q4. What is the application fee for women candidates?
- A. The application fee for all women candidates is Nil.
- Q5. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE?
- A. General/EWS candidates get 6 attempts, OBC get 9, and SC/ST get unlimited attempts until the age limit is reached.
- Q6. When will the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam be held?
- A. The exam is scheduled for 24 May 2026.