UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out

UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online from Feb 4 to Feb 24 – Full Details

UPSC has released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification. Know vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, and application steps.

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

ParticularsDetails
Exam NameCivil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
Conducting AuthorityUnion Public Service Commission
Mode of ApplicationOnline
Application Start Date04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply24 February 2026
Prelims ExamMay 2026 (Tentative)
Mains ExamSeptember 2026 (Tentative)
Interview2027
Job LocationAcross India
Official Websiteupsc.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
    OR

  • An 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)

CategoryMaximum Age
General32 Years
OBC35 Years
SC / ST37 Years
PwBDUp 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)

EventDate
Notification Release04 Feb 2026
Online Application Start04 Feb 2026
Last Date to Apply24 Feb 2026
Prelims Admit CardApril 2026
Prelims ExamMay 2026
Mains ExamSeptember 2026

Vacancy Details

UPSC announces approximate vacancies which may vary later.

Expected Total Vacancies: 1000+ (Tentative)

CategoryVacancies
UR400
OBC260
SC150
ST90
EWS100
Total1000+

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

  1. Visit official UPSC portal

  2. Click on “One Time Registration (OTR)” or Click this DIRECT LINK

  3. Create profile with personal details

  4. Login and fill application form

  5. Upload photograph & signature

  6. Pay application fee

  7. Submit and download confirmation

Documents Required

  • Passport size photograph

  • Scanned signature

  • Photo ID proof

  • Educational certificates

  • Category certificate (if applicable)

Application Fee

CategoryFee
General / OBC / EWS₹100
SC / ST / PwBD / FemaleNil

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

StageMarks
PrelimsQualifying
Mains1750
Interview275
Total2025

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Prelims

PaperMarksDuration
GS Paper I2002 Hours
CSAT2002 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

DescriptionLink
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in
Apply OnlineApply here
Notification PDFDownload here
OTR RegistrationRegister 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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