UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 – Apply Online for 933 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination 2026.
This examination opens the gateway to India’s most prestigious services including IAS, IPS, IFS and several Central Group A and Group B services.
Complete and accurate details are explained below in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 – Overview
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Post Type | Group A and Group B Civil Services |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 933 Posts |
| Services Included | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Central Services |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree in any discipline |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
About UPSC Civil Services Examination
The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission is one of the most competitive and respected examinations in India. It is the primary route for recruitment to the All India Services and various Central Civil Services that play a critical role in policy formulation, governance, law enforcement, diplomacy, revenue administration, and public service delivery.
Every year, lakhs of aspirants from across the country appear for the UPSC CSE with the aim of serving the nation in leadership roles. The examination process is designed to assess a candidate’s intellectual abilities, analytical thinking, ethical orientation, communication skills, and overall suitability for public administration.
Why Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
- Opportunity to serve the nation at the highest administrative levels
- Prestigious career with leadership responsibilities
- Excellent career growth, authority, and social respect
- Structured training and lifelong learning opportunities
- Job security with attractive pay, allowances, and retirement benefits
Services Covered Under UPSC CSE 2026
The Civil Services Examination 2026 covers recruitment to the following major services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax & Customs)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Management Service
- Indian Defence Accounts Service
- Indian Postal Service
- Indian Information Service
- DANICS, DANIPS, AFHQ Civil Service, PONDICS
- Other notified Central Group A and Group B services
Vacancy Details
| Service Category | Expected Vacancies |
|---|---|
| All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) | Included in Total |
| Central Services Group A | Included in Total |
| Central Services Group B | Included in Total |
| Total | Approximately 933 |
Eligibility Criteria Explained in Detail
Candidates must carefully check and ensure that they meet all eligibility conditions before applying for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
Nationality
- For IAS and IPS: Candidate must be a citizen of India.
- For other services: Citizen of India or subject of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugee as per rules.
Educational Qualification
- Candidate must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognised university.
- Final year students awaiting results may also apply, subject to proof at later stages.
- Equivalent professional and technical qualifications recognised by the Government are accepted.
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
- Defence Services personnel and other categories as per government rules
Number of Attempts
- General Category: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (within age limit)
- PwBD: As per category norms
Application Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Selection Process
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 selection process consists of multiple stages designed to assess candidates comprehensively.
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination
- Civil Services Main Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List and Service Allocation
UPSC CSE 2026 – Preliminary Examination Pattern
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage and serves as a screening test for the Main Examination.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT | 200 | 2 Hours |
- Both papers are objective type.
- CSAT is qualifying with minimum 33% marks.
- Negative marking of 1/3rd applies.
- Only Paper I marks are considered for cutoff.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Main Examination Pattern
The Main Examination consists of written descriptive papers followed by the Interview.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper B | English | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Paper 2 | 250 |
Interview / Personality Test
| Marks | 275 |
The interview assesses personality traits such as integrity, leadership, judgement, communication skills, and suitability for public service.
Final Merit Calculation
- Written Examination: 1750 Marks
- Interview: 275 Marks
- Total: 2025 Marks
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Online Process
- Visit the official UPSC online portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration.
- Fill Civil Services Examination 2026 application form.
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the application before the last date.
- Download confirmation for future reference.
Documents Required
- Recent photograph and signature
- Graduation certificate
- Identity proof
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans: Any graduate meeting age and nationality criteria.
Q2: What is the last date to apply?
Ans: 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q3: How many vacancies are there?
Ans: Approximately 933 posts.
Q4: Are Prelims marks counted in final merit?
Ans: No, Prelims is qualifying only.
Q5: Is there negative marking?
Ans: Yes, in Preliminary Examination.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification before applying. CareerFocusNow provides information for guidance purposes only.