The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Notification 2026 on 4 February 2026 on its official website, upsconline.nic.in. The notification includes key details such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, vacancies, application fee, and exam pattern. Candidates are advised to keep necessary documents, photographs, and scanned signatures ready to ensure a smooth online application process. As per the official notification, a total of 933 vacancies have been announced.
UPSC Notification 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is among the most competitive examinations in India. Through CSE 2026, applications are invited for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Central Group A and B services.
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Prelims – Objective-type screening test
- Mains – Descriptive examination assessing in-depth knowledge and analytical ability
- Interview/Personality Test – Evaluation of personality, decision-making, and administrative suitability
UPSC Notification 2026 – Overview
| Highlights | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Posts | Group A and Group B Services |
| Popular Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 24 February 2026 (18:00) |
| Level of Exam | National |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview/Personality Test |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Official Websites | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
| Help Desk | 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs. |
UPSC Notification 2026 PDF
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 4 February 2026 |
| Application Start | 4 February 2026 |
| Application End | 24 February 2026 (18:00) |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam | 21 August 2026 |
| Interview | To be announced |
UPSC Vacancy 2026
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 1129 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
Vacancy: 933 for Civil Services. This includes reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwBD. Specifically, around 33 vacancies are reserved for PwBD across various categories like Blindness, Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Locomotive Disability.
How to Apply Online
Applications must be submitted online through upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in between 4 February and 24 February 2026. Candidates should complete the process early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Application Steps:
- Visit the official UPSC or ORA portal.
- Complete Part I Registration with personal details.
- Review all entries carefully before submission.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates in JPG format).
- Select preferred exam centre.
- Submit the form, note the registration number, and retain a printout.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
| General / EWS / OBC (Male) | ₹100 | Online (Card/Net Banking) or SBI Challan |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Nil | Exempt |
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation from a recognized university (including professional degrees) |
| Special Cases | Final-year MBBS students may apply with provisional proof; internship completion required before interview |
| Age Limit (as of 1 Aug 2026) | 21–32 years (relaxation: OBC 35, SC/ST 37, PwBD 42) |
| Nationality | Indian citizens for IAS/IPS; others eligible for certain services with certificate |
| Attempts | General/EWS – 6, OBC – 9, SC/ST – Unlimited (within the age limit), PwBD – As per category |
Selection Process
- Prelims – Objective screening test
- Mains – Descriptive written exam
- Interview – Personality assessment
Exam Pattern: The core structure remains unchanged
| Stage | Papers | Type | Marks |
| Prelims | 2 (GS & CSAT) CSAT remains qualifying paper (33% required) | Objective | 400 |
| Mains | 9 Papers | Descriptive | 1750 |
| Interview | — | Personality Test | 275 |
| Total | — | Mains + Interview | 2025 |
Major Procedural Updates
- New Verified Portal: UPSC has introduced a more robust four-part digital application form.
- Aadhaar Integration: Mandatory Aadhaar-linked authentication and AI-enabled Facial Recognition are being implemented at centres to prevent impersonation.
- OTR (One Time Registration): Ensure your OTR profile is updated, as the application process pulls data from there.
