The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially postponed the release of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Notification 2026, which was earlier scheduled for 14 January 2026. The delay has been attributed to administrative reasons, as per official updates.
The UPSC CSE 2026 notification is the first and most crucial step in the recruitment process for prestigious services such as the IAS, IPS, and IFS. Aspirants are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for the revised notification date and application schedule.
UPSC CSE 2026: Key Highlights
- Exam Name: UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
- Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- UPSC Notification 2026 Status: Postponed
- Application Start Date: To be Notified Soon
- Application Mode: Online
- UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
- UPSC Mains 2026 Exam Date: From 21 August 2026
- UPSC Vacancies 2026 (Expected): 900–1,200
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
UPSC Notification 2026 Delay: Reason and Expected Release Date
According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026, the notification was scheduled for 14 January 2026. However, due to administrative considerations, the UPSC CSE 2026 notification release has been deferred. The UPSC online application form 2026 will be activated only after the revised notification is published.
Important Advisory for Aspirants
The UPSC application window is usually short. Examination centres are allotted on a First-Apply-First-Allot (First-Come, First-Served) basis. Early application significantly improves the chances of securing preferred exam cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.
UPSC Vacancies 2026: Expected Number of Posts
While the official UPSC notification will confirm the exact number, recent trends suggest a strong intake:
- Projected UPSC Vacancies 2026: 900–1,200 posts
Previous Year UPSC Vacancy Trends
- UPSC 2025: 979 vacancies
- UPSC 2024: 1,056 vacancies
- UPSC 2023: 1,105 vacancies
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is expected to maintain adequate recruitment for IAS and IPS officers to address administrative requirements.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 for IAS, IPS & IFS
(As on 1 August 2026)
UPSC Age Limit 2026
- General / EWS: 21–32 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Up to 35 years
- SC / ST: Up to 37 years
- PwBD: Up to 42 years
UPSC Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must possess a graduation degree from a recognised university. Final-year students are eligible to apply for UPSC Prelims 2026, subject to submitting proof of qualification before the DAF-I for UPSC Mains 2026.
UPSC Attempts Limit 2026
- General / EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC / ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026 Online
- Complete UPSC One-Time Registration (OTR) at upsconline.nic.in.
- Fill UPSC Application Form Part I with personal details and exam centre choice.
- Upload photograph, signature, and photo ID in Part II.
- Pay the UPSC application fee 2026 (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt.
UPSC Application Fee 2026
- ₹100: General / OBC / EWS (Male candidates)
- No Fee: SC / ST / PwBD / All Female candidates
Payment can be made online or via SBI challan.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
- General Studies Paper I – 200 marks
- CSAT Paper II – 200 marks (Qualifying)
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern
- 9 papers (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II, Language papers)
- Total: 1750 marks
UPSC Interview / Personality Test
275 marks
Final UPSC Merit List: 2025 marks (Mains + Interview)
UPSC Syllabus 2026 Overview
The UPSC CSE 2026 syllabus includes:
- History, Geography, Polity, Economy
- Environment and Ecology
- Science and Technology
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Current Affairs for Prelims and Mains
UPSC Notification 2026
The UPSC Notification 2026 is the backbone of the Civil Services examination cycle. Staying updated on notification release, eligibility criteria, exam dates, vacancies, and application guidelines is essential for strategic and error-free preparation. Whether you are a first-time aspirant or a repeater, timely awareness of the UPSC CSE 2026 notification ensures a well-planned preparation journey.
