UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification released for 933 vacancies. Check eligibility, age limit, exam date, application process, fees, and last date to apply online before 24 February 2026.

The Union Public Service Commission has announced the much-awaited Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification. This national-level examination is conducted to recruit candidates for India’s most prestigious administrative services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Foreign Service, along with several other Group A and Group B services.

Around 933 vacancies are expected to be filled through this recruitment cycle. The online application window opened on 04 February 2026 and will close on 24 February 2026 at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026. Interested aspirants must complete their application through the official portal before the deadline.

📌 UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 : Overview

📅 Important Dates

🎓 Eligibility Criteria : UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

1️⃣ Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years
• Candidates must have been born between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005.

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST: 5 Years
• OBC: 3 Years
• PwBD: 10 Years
• Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years

2️⃣ Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
• Candidates appearing in their final year examination may also apply provisionally.

💰 Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS: ₹100/-
• Female / SC / ST / PwBD: Exempted
• Mode of Payment: Online (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI, etc.)

📝 Selection Process : UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

The Civil Services Examination is conducted in two major stages:

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)

• Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)
• Paper II – CSAT (200 Marks, qualifying with 33%)
• Negative marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each incorrect answer

Stage 2: Main Examination & Interview

• 9 Descriptive Papers (Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I & II, English, Indian Language)
• Personality Test / Interview: 275 Marks

Final merit is prepared based on marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview.

🚀 How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

1. Visit the official portal: upsconline.nic.in
2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
3. Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
4. Upload required documents (photo, signature, photo ID).
5. Pay the application fee (if applicable).
6. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for records.

📌 Key Points to Remember

• Approximately 933 vacancies including 33 reserved for PwBD candidates.
• Services include IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Central Civil Services.
• Number of Attempts:
  • General: 6
  • OBC: 9
  • SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
• Providing valid Photo ID details is mandatory during application.

🔗 Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When will UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam be conducted?

The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026.

Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026?

The online application must be submitted by 24 February 2026 before 6:00 PM.

Q3. How many vacancies are announced for CSE 2026?

Approximately 933 vacancies are expected to be filled through this examination.

⚠ Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only. Candidates must verify all details such as eligibility criteria, age relaxation, application fees, number of vacancies, and examination scheme through the official notification released by the Union Public Service Commission. The information mentioned above is based on the available notification at the time of writing and may be subject to change. Applicants are advised to visit the official UPSC website regularly for the latest updates and official announcements.