UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
Recruitment Highlights & Important Dates
Recruitment Highlights
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 Posts |
| Application Dates | 04/02/2026 to 24/02/2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in | upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (Till 06:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 7 days after closing |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 100/-
- Female / SC / ST / PwBD: Exempted (Nil)
- Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay/Credit/Debit Card/UPI)
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Birth Date Range: Candidate must have been born not earlier than 02 August 1994 and not later than 01 August 2005.
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years
2. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized University.
- Candidates appearing for their final year examination can also apply provisionally.
Selection Process
The Civil Services Examination consists of two successive stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination: Objective type (MCQ) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination.
- Paper I (General Studies) – 200 Marks
- Paper II (CSAT) – 200 Marks (Qualifying with 33%)
- Civil Services (Main) Examination: Written (Descriptive) and Interview/Personality Test.
- Written Exam: 9 Papers (Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I-II, English, Indian Language)
- Interview: 275 Marks
How to Apply
- Navigate to the official application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you have not done so already.
- Log in and accurately fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) for CSE 2026.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and a valid Photo ID Card.
- Pay the required application fee of ₹100 online, if applicable.
- Thoroughly review your application before final submission and keep a printed copy for your records.
Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Key Takeaways
- Vacancies: There are approximately 933 positions available, including 33 reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
- Services: The recruitment is for prestigious Group A & B services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS.
- Attempts: The number of attempts is limited to 6 for General category, 9 for OBC and PwBD candidates, and is unlimited for SC/ST candidates.
- Photo ID: Applicants must provide details of one valid photo identification, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.