The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC CSE 2026 notification to fill around 933 vacancies in IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Central Group A & B Services. Graduates can submit their online applications from 04-02-2026 to 27-02-2026.
Candidates will be selected through the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages, leading to appointment in prestigious All India and Central Civil Services.
The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification for recruitment to Group A and B posts such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility conditions can apply online via the official UPSC portal before 27-02-2026.
Here, you will find detailed information regarding educational qualification, age criteria, vacancy details, selection stages, how to apply online, and important links for downloading the official notification.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Civil Services Examination (CSE) Overview
| Organisation Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Post Type | Group A & Group B Services |
| Total Vacancy Count | Approximately 933 Posts |
| Services Covered | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, Indian Audit & Accounts, DANICS, DANIPS, and Other Central Services |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree (Any Discipline) |
| Age Limit | 21–32 Years (as on 01-08-2026) |
| Exam Stages | Preliminary, Main, Interview |
| Apply Online Start Date | 04/02/2026 |
| Apply Online Last Date | 27/02/2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
| Service Category | Post Type | Expected Vacancies |
| All India Services | IAS / IPS / IFS | Included in Total |
| Central Services Group A | IRS, Indian Railway Management, Indian Defence Accounts, Indian Postal Service, etc. | Included in Total |
| Central Services Group B | DANICS / DANIPS / AFHQ Civil Service / PONDICS | Included in Total |
| Total | All Services | 933 (Approx.) |
Eligibility Details
| Post Name | Qualification |
| Civil Services (All Posts) | Graduate Degree from a recognised University or equivalent qualification |
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years (as on 01 August 2026)
- SC/ST: 5 Years Relaxation
- OBC: 3 Years Relaxation
- PwBD: Up to 10 Years Relaxation
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| For General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| For SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Selection Process
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Civil Services Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Opening Date to Apply Online | 04 February 2026 |
| Extended Last Date to Apply Online | 27 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
UPSC CSE 2026 – Preliminary Examination Pattern
The UPSC Civil Services Prelims is the first phase of selection and acts as a qualifying screening exam for the Mains. Scores secured in the Preliminary Examination are not considered for the final ranking.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | Objective (MCQs) | 200 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | Objective (MCQs) | 200 Marks | 2 Hours |
Prelims Key Rules
- Both papers are objective type (Multiple Choice Questions).
- Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature – minimum 33% marks required.
- Marks of Paper I are considered for cutoff and shortlisting for Mains.
- Negative marking applies: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Leaving a question blank carries no penalty.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Main Examination Pattern
The UPSC Civil Services Mains is the second phase of selection, comprising written papers and a Personality Test. The scores obtained in the Mains and Interview are counted toward the final ranking.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | Merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | Merit |
Main Exam Structure
- Total Written Papers: 9
- Qualifying Papers: 2 (Indian Language & English)
- Merit Papers: 7
- Total Marks (Written): 1750
Interview / Personality Test
| Stage | Marks |
| Personality Test / Interview | 275 |
Final Merit Calculation
- Written Exam Marks: 1750
- Interview Marks: 275
- Total Merit Marks: 2025
Important Notes
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Prelims scores are qualifying in nature and do not count toward the final merit list.
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Final ranking is determined by marks obtained in the Mains and Interview.
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Negative marking applies only in the Prelims stage.
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Qualifying both language papers is mandatory for evaluation of merit papers.
How to Apply
- Visit official website upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (URN)
- Fill Civil Services Examination 2026 form
- Upload photo, signature, and documents
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit form before 27 February 2026
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Disclaimer :-
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, candidates are strongly advised to verify all details such as eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancy details, exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, and application procedures through the official notification and website of the concerned authority.
We are not affiliated with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or any government organisation. This website does not collect any application fee from candidates. Applicants must carefully read the official advertisement before applying online. We are not responsible for any inadvertent errors, omissions, or any changes made by the recruiting authority.
