The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. Aspiring candidates looking for elite Government Job Exam Updates can now apply for 933 prestigious vacancies, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. This detailed guide covers the UPSC 2026 eligibility, exam pattern, and step-by-step application process to help you secure your future in the Indian Civil Services.
Important Dates for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
| Event Description | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 04.02.2026 |
| Start Date for Online Application | 04.02.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24.02.2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam Date | 24.05.2026 |
| E-Admit Card Availability | Last working day of the week preceding the exam |
UPSC Vacancy 2026 Overview and Exam Details
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 aims to fill approximately 933 vacancies across various Group 'A' and Group 'B' services. This recruitment notice (No 05/2026-CSE) provides a gateway to serve in top administrative roles. The selection is strictly based on merit through a rigorous three-stage process.
Detailed Educational Eligibility Criteria for UPSC 2026
- Basic Qualification: A candidate must hold a Graduate degree from any recognized University incorporated by an Act of Central or State Legislature.
- Appearing Candidates: Students awaiting their final year results are also eligible to apply for the Preliminary exam, provided they produce proof of passing for the Main Examination.
- Professional Degrees: Candidates with professional or technical qualifications recognized by the Government as equivalent to a degree are eligible.
- Medical Students: MBBS students who have passed the final exam but haven't completed their internship can apply provisionally.
Age Limit for Civil Services Exam 2026
As of August 1, 2026, candidates must meet the following age criteria:
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years (Born between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005)
- Age Relaxation:
– SC/ST: Up to 5 years
– OBC: Up to 3 years
– PwBD: Up to 10 years
– Ex-Servicemen: Up to 5 years
Application Fee for UPSC Recruitment 2026
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100/-
- Female/SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted (Nil)
- Payment Mode: Online via Net Banking, Visa/Master/Maestro/RuPay Cards, or UPI.
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown of Civil Services 2026
| Category | Approximate Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Total Expected Vacancies | 933 |
| Reserved for PwBD (Blindness/Low Vision) | 07 |
| Reserved for PwBD (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) | 11 |
| Reserved for PwBD (Locomotor Disability) | 08 |
| Reserved for PwBD (Multiple Disabilities) | 07 |
Salary Structure and Pay Scale for IAS/IPS
Selected candidates are placed in the Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Matrix. The initial basic pay is approximately ₹56,100, plus Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA), leading to a gross monthly salary of over ₹75,000 - ₹80,000 depending on the city of posting.
How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
- Visit the official portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) to generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill out the Examination Specific Form for CSE 2026.
- Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Choose your preferred Exam Centre and submit the form.
Important Links for UPSC Exam 2026
| Resource Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Registration) | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Official Website |
Selection Process for Civil Services 2026 Recruitment
The selection is conducted in three stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) - Screening test.
- Stage 2: Main Examination (Written/Conventional Type) - 9 Papers.
- Stage 3: Personality Test/Interview - Final assessment of intellectual traits.
UPSC Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains
| Exam Stage | Paper Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Paper I (GS) & Paper II (CSAT) | 200 each (400 Total) |
| Mains (Qualifying) | Indian Language & English | 300 each |
| Mains (Merit) | Essay + 4 GS Papers + 2 Optional Papers | 1750 Total |
| Interview | Personality Test | 275 |
Detailed Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026
Preliminary Syllabus:
GS Paper I: Current events, History of India, Geography, Polity, Governance, Economic Development, and General Science.
GS Paper II (CSAT): Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Basic Numeracy (Class X Level).
Main Syllabus:
Focuses on depth of understanding in Indian Heritage, Culture, History, Geography, Governance, Social Justice, Technology, Bio-diversity, and Ethics.
Top Preparation Tips for UPSC 2026 Success
- Start with NCERTs: Build a strong foundation with Class 6-12 NCERT books.
- Newspaper Reading: Daily analysis of "The Hindu" or "Indian Express" for current affairs.
- Mock Tests: Practice at least 20-30 mock tests for Prelims to improve speed and accuracy.
- Answer Writing: Start practicing daily answer writing for the Mains exam from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - UPSC 2026
Q: What is the last date to apply for UPSC 2026?
A: The last date for online submission of the application is February 24, 2026, until 6:00 PM.
Q: Is there negative marking in the Prelims exam?
A: Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) for every wrong answer in the objective-type papers.
Q: How many attempts are allowed for General category?
A: General category candidates are allowed a total of 6 attempts until the age of 32.
