UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out: Check Vacancies, Apply Online Link Active

24 February 2026 is the last date to apply for the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification. The application window will be open from 4 February 2026 onwards. Prelims exam is set for 24 May 2026 (Sunday).Admit cards for Prelims expected early May, results by June end; Mains results and interviews follow in October-December, with final merit by early 2027. 

These dates form the UPSC Calendar 2026 backbone. The 21-day application window allows ample time for One-Time Registration (OTR) and form submission (Rs 100 fee for GEN/OBC/EWS, exempt SC/ST/PwD/females). With roughly 933 vacancies available, including 33 reserved for PwBD candidates, aspiring civil servants can apply online.

UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Overview

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a nationwide competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India. This year, the upsc cse 2026 notification outlines key details for candidates.

UPSC 2026 CSE Notification Download

The official notification PDF contains comprehensive information regarding the examination, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, application procedures, and important dates. Candidates are strongly advised to download and thoroughly review this document for complete details and guidelines.

UPSC 2026 CSE Notification Download 

UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates

Candidates aspiring for the UPSC CSE 2026 must be aware of the critical dates to ensure timely application and preparation. Missing any deadline can lead to disqualification from the selection process.

UPSC CSE Vacancy 2026

The UPSC CSE 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill a significant number of positions across various civil services. A total of approximately 933 vacancies are projected, with specific reservations for different categories as per government norms.

UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for the UPSC CSE 2026, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding nationality, age, and educational qualifications. These requirements are essential for participation in the examination.

Nationality

Candidates must meet one of the following nationality criteria:

• Be a citizen of India (mandatory for Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Police Service).

• Be a subject of Nepal or Bhutan.

• Be a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, intending permanent settlement.

• Be a person of Indian origin who migrated from specified East African countries or others, intending permanent settlement in India.
  Note: Candidates from categories other than Indian citizens require an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.

Age Limit

The age limits for UPSC CSE 2026 are calculated as of August 1, 2026. Certain categories receive age relaxation as per government rules.

Note: Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1994, and not later than August 1, 2005.

Educational Qualification

A candidate must possess a bachelor's degree from any recognized university in India or an equivalent qualification. Candidates awaiting their final year results or appearing for their qualifying examination are also eligible to apply for the preliminary exam, provided they furnish proof of passing before the Interview/Personality Test.

Number of Attempts

The UPSC CSE allows a specific number of attempts for candidates based on their category.

An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is counted even if a candidate appears in only one paper.

UPSC CSE 2026 Apply Online Link

UPSC CSE 2026 Apply Online opens from 04 February 2026 onwards and closes on 24 February 2026 (till 6 PM) at upsconline.nic.in.  Candidates can visit the official website and locate the apply now section and fill out their application form. A direct link to fill out the application form is provided here. Click the link below to apply online.

UPSC CSE 2026 Apply Online Link (Active)

UPSC CSE Application Process 2026

Applying for the UPSC CSE 2026 involves an online process through the official UPSC portal. Candidates must meticulously follow the instructions to ensure their application is complete and correctly submitted.

Steps to Apply Online:

• Visit the official UPSC online application portal – https://upsconline.nic.in.

• Read all general and module-wise instructions carefully before proceeding.

• Provide all required information and upload supporting documents such as date of birth proof, educational qualifications, and category certificates.

• Enter details of a valid Photo ID Card (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN) that must be carried to the examination.

• Upload a recent photograph, capture a live photograph, and upload three signatures as per specifications.

• Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile and common application form (CAF).

• Select examination centres for both Prelims and Mains, optional subject, and medium of examination in the exam-specific form.

• Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

• Submit the application form. No withdrawals or modifications are permitted after submission.

• Candidates already in government service must apply directly and inform their department.

Application Fee

The application fee for the UPSC CSE varies for the preliminary and main examinations, with exemptions for certain categories of candidates.

Note: Fees are non-refundable and cannot be reserved for other examinations.

UPSC CSE Selection Process 2026

The selection process for the UPSC CSE is rigorous and multi-staged, designed to identify the most suitable candidates for civil services. It comprises a preliminary examination, a main examination, and a personality test.

1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination: This is a screening stage consisting of two objective-type papers, each for 200 marks. General Studies Paper-II is qualifying, requiring 33% marks. Marks from the Prelims are not counted for the final merit list. There is a negative marking of one-third (0.33) for each incorrect answer.

2. Civil Services (Main) Examination: This stage includes a written examination and an Interview/Personality Test. The written part consists of nine conventional essay-type papers. Two papers (one Indian language and English) are qualifying (25% marks required), while the other seven papers (250 marks each) contribute to the merit list.

3. Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who clear the written mains are called for an interview. This stage carries 275 marks and assesses mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, and other personality traits.

4. Final Ranking: The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the seven merit-counted papers of the Main Examination and the Interview/Personality Test, summing up to 2025 marks.

UPSC CSE Salary & Job Profile 2026

Successful candidates in the UPSC CSE 2026 are recruited into various Group 'A' and Group 'B' services. These positions offer attractive pay scales, grade pay, and a range of allowances and perks, which may include housing, medical facilities, and travel benefits, along with significant opportunities for career growth and public service. Specific details on pay scales and allowances are outlined in the official rules and depend on the service and post.