The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification, opening the gateway for lakhs of aspirants dreaming of becoming IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other top civil servants of India.
Every year, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in the country. The 2026 recruitment cycle continues this legacy by offering an opportunity to join the nation’s highest administrative machinery through a transparent and merit-based selection process.
If you are searching for complete and authentic information regarding upsc recruitment 2026, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail — eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, selection stages, and how to apply.
Vacancy Overview
The Union Public Service Commission is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates for various central government services through examinations and interviews.
Through the Civil Services Examination, UPSC recruits officers for:
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Indian Audit & Accounts Service
Indian Customs & Indirect Taxes Service
Indian Railway Traffic Service
Indian Defence Accounts Service
And several other Group A and Group B services
The UPSC CSE 2026 Notification covers both Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination through a common preliminary test.
This recruitment drive is ideal for candidates seeking:
Long-term job security
High social status
Challenging work environment
Leadership roles in governance
Key Details – Quick Facts Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Mains Exam | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Interview | 2027 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Understanding eligibility is crucial before applying for upsc recruitment.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
ORAn equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India
Final-year students can apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the Mains examination.
Accepted degrees include:
BA / BSc / BCom
BE / BTech
MBBS
Any professional or integrated degree
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General | 32 Years |
| OBC | 35 Years |
| SC / ST | 37 Years |
| PwBD | Up to 42 Years |
Age Relaxation
OBC: 3 years
SC/ST: 5 years
PwBD: 10 years
Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
Nationality
For IAS and IPS:
Must be a citizen of India
For other services:
Citizen of India
OR subject of Nepal / Bhutan
OR Tibetan refugee who came before 1962
Important Dates (Available)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 Feb 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card | April 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | May 2026 |
| Mains Exam | September 2026 |
Vacancy Details
UPSC announces approximate vacancies which may vary later.
Expected Total Vacancies: 1000+ (Tentative)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 400 |
| OBC | 260 |
| SC | 150 |
| ST | 90 |
| EWS | 100 |
| Total | 1000+ |
Service-wise distribution will be released after final results.
Application Process
Applying for the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification is completely online.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit official UPSC portal
Click on “One Time Registration (OTR)” or Click this DIRECT LINK
Create profile with personal details
Login and fill application form
Upload photograph & signature
Pay application fee
Submit and download confirmation
Documents Required
Passport size photograph
Scanned signature
Photo ID proof
Educational certificates
Category certificate (if applicable)
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Nil |
Selection Process
UPSC CSE selection occurs in three stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
Objective type
Screening purpose only
Stage 2 – Main Examination
Descriptive papers
Determines merit
Stage 3 – Personality Test (Interview)
275 Marks
Weightage
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Prelims | Qualifying |
| Mains | 1750 |
| Interview | 275 |
| Total | 2025 |
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Prelims
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GS Paper I | 200 | 2 Hours |
| CSAT | 200 | 2 Hours |
CSAT is qualifying (33%).
Mains Papers
Essay
GS I, II, III, IV
Optional Subject Paper I & II
Language Papers
Important Topics
Indian Polity
Economy
History
Geography
Environment
Science & Tech
Ethics
How to Crack UPSC 2025: Full Beginner-to-Topper Strategy for IAS Success
Salary & Benefits
IAS starting basic pay: ₹56,100/month
With allowances, monthly salary can exceed ₹1,00,000.
Benefits
Official residence
Vehicle with driver
Medical facilities
Pension & gratuity
Career progression to Cabinet Secretary
How to Apply ?
Follow official portal and submit application before 24 February 2026.
Apply Now Before Deadline!
Early application helps avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | Apply here |
| Notification PDF | Download here |
| OTR Registration | Register here |
FAQs – Most Searched Queries
Q1. Can final-year students apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Yes, they can apply provisionally.
Q2. Is there age relaxation for OBC candidates?
Yes, 3 years.
Q3. Is CSAT qualifying?
Yes, minimum 33%.
Q4. Can I choose any optional subject?
Yes, from the official list.
Q5. How many attempts allowed?
General – 6, OBC – 9, SC/ST – Unlimited (within age limit).
Q6. Is coaching mandatory?
No.
Q7. What is the salary of IAS officer?
₹56,100 basic.
Q8. Can I edit form after submission?
Correction window may be provided.
Q9. Is UPSC exam held every year?
Yes.
Q10. When will prelims result be declared?
Around June 2026.
Conclusion
The UPSC CSE 2026 Notification marks the beginning of another journey for aspirants who wish to serve the nation through the highest civil services. With disciplined preparation, right guidance, and consistency, cracking UPSC is achievable.
Don’t miss this golden opportunity to secure a prestigious government career.
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