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UPSC CSE 2026 Notification, Exam Dates, Calendar, Eligibility and Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam 2026 is a highly competitive national-level examination conducted to recruit officers for services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. The UPSC Notification 2026 will be released on 14 January 2026. The exam is held in three stages—Prelims (24 May 2026), Mains (from 21 August 2026), and Interview (early 2027). Candidates must be graduates and meet the prescribed age and nationality criteria. A clear understanding of the syllabus, consistent preparation, and a structured strategy are essential to succeed in CSE 2026.

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UPSC CSE 2026

The Civil Service Exam is one of the toughest in India, with a passing percentage of less than 1%. Every year, lakhs of People appear for the UPSC Prelims Exam, which is the first stage. Candidates who clear the UPSC CSE become the civil servants of India. The UPSC Exam 2026 is a highly competitive gateway to prestigious careers in Indian civil services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. This exam requires thorough preparation across various subjects, making it crucial for aspirants to stay updated on current events and strengthen their foundational knowledge. With the right strategy, aspirants can master the UPSC exam syllabus and overcome challenges effectively. Enrolling in a comprehensive UPSC online course and leveraging expert guidance can significantly enhance your chances of clearing the exam and achieving your dream of serving in the Indian bureaucracy.

UPSC Notification 2026

Union Public Service Commission will release UPSC Notification 2026 on 14th January 2026 (Wednesday) on its official website upsc.gov.in. The UPSC Prelims 2026 examination will commence on May 24, 2026 (Sunday), for which the official notification will be released on January 14, 2026. Below are quick highlights of the UPSC Civil Services 2026 Notification that you should be aware of
 Highlights
Exam Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission
Application Start Date
14 Jan 2026 
Application End Date
Feb 3 2026
Level of Exam National
Frequency of exam Annual
Exam Stages Prelims, Mains and Interview cum Personality Test
Language of Exam English & Hindi
Official Website https://upsc.gov.in/
Exam Help Desk Telephone No. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543
(on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs.)

UPSC Exam Date 2026

As per the official calendar released by the Union Public Service Commission, the UPSC Exam Schedule 2026 has been clearly laid out for Civil Services aspirants. The Preliminary Examination is slated for 24 May 2026 (Sunday) and acts as the qualifying stage of the selection process. Candidates who clear Prelims will move on to the Mains Examination, which is scheduled to commence from 21 August 2026 and will be conducted across multiple days. Subsequently, the Personality Test (Interview) round is likely to be held in early 2027, after the evaluation of Mains answer scripts. Adhering to this timeline is essential for candidates to plan a structured, stage-wise preparation strategy for CSE 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026

Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Calendar 2026 on 15 May 2025 at its official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Service should have an idea about the exam dates for Prelims and Mains.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must meet age, nationality, and educational qualifications. A graduation degree is required, with age limits varying by category, ensuring diverse opportunities for aspirants.

UPSC 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Details

Educational Qualification

Graduation degree from a recognized university (including professional/technical degrees like MBBS/BE). Degrees must be from institutions recognized under UGC Act.

Special Cases

Final year MBBS/medical students can apply with provisional degree proof but must complete the internship by the interview stage.

UPSC Age Limit (as of Aug 1, 2026)

Minimum 21 years; Maximum age varies by category: General (32), OBC (35), SC/ST (37), PwBD (42).

Nationality Requirements

Indian citizens for IAS/IPS; others (e.g., PIO, refugees) eligible for other services, except IFS, with an eligibility certificate from the Indian government.

Number of Attempts

General/EWS (6 attempts), OBC (9), SC/ST (Unlimited), PwBD (Depends on category).

Nationality Exceptions

Nationals from certain countries (e.g., Nepal, Bhutan) can apply; others need to provide an eligibility certificate.

UPSC Posts List

  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
  • Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), Group ‘A’
  • Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
  • Indian Revenue Service (I.T.), Group ‘A’
  • Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
  • Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group ‘B’
  • Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service, Group ‘B’ 

UPSC Syllabus 2026

UPSC Syllabus 2026 includes comprehensive coverage of topics for all three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.

  • Prelims consist of two objective papers: General Studies Paper I, which covers subjects like history, geography, current events, and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test), focusing on reasoning and quantitative skills.

  • Mains include nine descriptive papers, featuring Essay, General Studies I-IV, Optional Subjects, and two qualifying language papers.

  • Interview assesses the candidate's personality, ethical integrity, and suitability for civil services

UPSC Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC Exam Pattern consists of three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—testing candidates' knowledge, analytical skills, and personality, aiming to recruit for prestigious roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS.

Name of Exam

No. of Papers

Type of Questions

Maximum Marks

UPSC Prelims Exam

2 Papers (GS 1 & CSAT Papers)

Objective

400

UPSC Mains Exam

9 Papers

Descriptive

1750

IAS Interview

Personality Test

275

Total Marks

UPSC Mains + Interview Marks = 2026 Marks

UPSC Online Coaching in India

Physics Wallah (PW) offers UPSC coaching for beginners in India, providing top-quality faculty and comprehensive courses. Designed for aspirants at all levels, PW's online IAS preparation courses in India cover essential subjects and exam strategies. 

The UPSC exam online preparation course includes live classes, affordable fees, personalized mentorship, and strategic test series to boost exam readiness. Additionally, expertly crafted UPSC online study material supports effective learning, guiding students on a path to success in the IAS exam and a prestigious career in Indian civil services.

IAS Online Coaching in India for UPSC Exam

Physics Wallah (PW) is a premier provider of IAS online coaching in India for the UPSC exam, delivering top-quality guidance at an affordable price. As a leader in the field, PW ensures students receive online UPSC coaching in India through comprehensive study materials and experienced faculty. 

The user-friendly platform simplifies access to live classes, recorded lectures, and interactive sessions. With effective assessment methods and personalized support, our program includes extensive mock tests and in-depth study materials. PW's approach empowers aspirants to excel in the highly competitive civil services examination with confidence.

UPSC Online Courses

PW offers some of the UPSC online courses designed to help aspirants succeed. Our experienced teachers provide top-quality guidance through the UPSC online coaching program, which includes regular assessments, extensive mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions for a clear understanding of the topics. PW's dynamic learning environment supports growth and delivers high-quality education.

Our specialized course for aspiring IAS officers covers all parts of the UPSC exam pattern, from Prelims to Mains and the Interview, with easy-to-follow material. With advanced teaching methods, personalized mentorship, and updated resources, students are well-prepared to excel in the competitive exam.

UPSC Online Coaching in Hindi

Physics Wallah (PW) offers UPSC online coaching in Hindi, providing a convenient platform for Hindi medium students preparing for the UPSC exam. Our UPSC courses in Hindi are tailored to meet the needs of Hindi-speaking aspirants, offering comprehensive materials, expert-led video lectures, and interactive sessions—all in Hindi.

Discover the pathway to becoming an IAS officer with our detailed UPSC online coaching in Hindi, featuring meticulously designed test series and personalized feedback. PW empowers students by offering both paid and free UPSC courses in Hindi, helping them strengthen their foundation and excel in the exam.

UPSC Online Coaching Features

Here are the key features of UPSC online coaching offered by PW:

  • Our online coaching platform offers interactive lectures, video courses, practice tests, and question-and-answer sessions to help students increase their comprehension of important ideas and problem-solving abilities.
  • Our UPSC online coaching courses are structured to allow flexibility in study time, enabling students to learn at their own pace.
  • We provide well-structured study material that covers the entire UPSC syllabus, ensuring that students have access to up-to-date information and are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the UPSC exams.
  • The study material is routinely updated to reflect the most recent exam patterns and to incorporate important current events.
  • Physics Wallah for UPSC online coaching, can benefit students with our expertise, guidance, and supportive learning environment that maximizes their chances of success in the UPSC exams.
  • We are dedicated to offering high-quality education and assisting students in achieving their goals of joining the prestigious civil service.

Study Material for UPSC Online Preparation

At PW, we provide study material for UPSC online preparation that is comprehensive and up-to-date, aligning with the latest syllabus and exam patterns. Our material covers all key topics, including history, geography, economics, and more, ensuring thorough preparation for the exam.

The UPSC study material is organized systematically, divided into chapters or modules, making it easier for students to navigate subjects and focus on specific areas. This structured approach helps students understand complex concepts and enhance their knowledge, effectively boosting their chances of success in the UPSC exams.

UPSC Exam FAQ

What does PW's UPSC Online Course offer?

PW's course provides detailed coverage of the entire UPSC syllabus, including live classes, recorded lectures, mock tests, and personalized mentorship to enhance preparation.

Are PW's UPSC courses available in Hindi?

Yes, PW offers UPSC Online Courses in both English and Hindi, catering to the language preferences of a diverse group of aspirants.
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