Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an official notification for Civil Services Examination 2026 for recruitment to various Group A and Group B services including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The last date for submission of online application form is 24-02-2026. In this article, you will get UPSC CSE 2026 recruitment details, including eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancy count, selection process, application steps and direct links to official notification and online application form.
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UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Civil Services Examination (CSE) Overview
| Organization 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 | 24/02/2026 (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 recognized 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: Relaxation up to 10 years
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 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
UPSC CSE 2026 – Prelims Exam Pattern
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is the first stage of the UPSC selection process. It is a screening test used to shortlist candidates for the main examination. The marks obtained in prelims are not counted In the final qualifying 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 |
Main rules of preliminary exam
- Both the papers are objective type (multiple choice questions).
- Paper II (CSAT) is of qualifying nature – Minimum 33% marks Necessary.
- Paper I marks are considered for cutoff and shortlisting for Mains.
- Negative marking applies: 1/3 marks deducted For each wrong answer.
- leave a question blank no penalty.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Main Exam Pattern
Civil Services (Main) Examination is the second stage and consists of written examination followed by interview/personality test. Marks obtained in written paper and interview are counted for the final merit list.
| 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 Papers Written: 9
- Qualification letter: 2 (Indian language and 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
- The marks of preliminary examination are used only for qualifying and not for final ranking.
- The marks of Main Examination + Interview decide the final service allotment.
- Negative marking is applicable only in preliminary examination.
- Candidates will have to qualify in both the language papers to get their qualifying papers evaluated.
how to apply
- Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (URN)
- Fill Civil Services Exam 2026 Form
- Upload photo, signature and documents
- Pay the Application Fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form before 24th February 2026
important links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 (FAQs)
Q: When did the online application for UPSC CSE 2026 begin?
Ans: The online application process started on 04 February 2026.
Q: What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM).
Q: What is the exam date for UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims?
Ans: The Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be held on 24 May 2026.
Q: How many vacancies are announced for CSE 2026?
Ans: There are approximately 933 vacancies for various Group A and Group B services.
Q: What is the age limit for the General category?
Ans: The age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 01 August 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories.
Q: What is the application fee?
Ans: General/OBC/EWS candidates have to pay Rs. 100/-, while SC/ST/PwBD and Women candidates are exempted from the fee.