The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the UPSC CSE Notification 2026 on 4 February 2026 on its official website, upsconline.nic.in. The notification includes key details such as exam dates, eligibility requirements, number of vacancies, application fee, and exam pattern.
Candidates planning to apply should keep their documents, passport-size photographs, and scanned signatures ready to complete the online form without any issues. According to the official notice, a total of 933 vacancies have been announced for UPSC CSE 2026.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has extended the deadline to apply for the Civil Services Examination 2026 due to technical glitches and heavy traffic on its official website.
Aspirants now have more time to complete their registration, as the last date to submit the online application has been revised to February 27, 2026, till 6:00 PM. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
UPSC Notification 2026 Out
UPSC CSE 2026 is one of the toughest and most prestigious competitive exams in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC Notification 2026 was released on 4 February 2026, inviting online applications for the Civil Services Examination to recruit candidates for top posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central government services.
The UPSC selection process takes place in three stages. The Prelims is an objective-type screening test, followed by the Mains, which is a descriptive exam designed to evaluate deep understanding and analytical ability. The final stage is the Interview or Personality Test, where candidates are assessed on their personality, decision-making skills, and overall suitability for administrative responsibilities.
Click Here to Download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF
UPSC Notification 2026 Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a national-level exam conducted every year to recruit candidates for various Group A and Group B central government services. The UPSC Notification 2026 was released on 4 February 2026. This gives aspirants enough time to understand the exam details and plan their preparation strategy effectively. Below is an overview of the key highlights mentioned in the official notification.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Posts | Group A and Group B Services |
| Popular Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 27 February 2026 (18:00) |
| Level of Exam | National Level |
| Frequency of Exam | Annual |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview/Personality Test |
| Language of Exam | English & Hindi |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
| Exam Help Desk | 011-23385271 / 011-23381125 / 011-23098543 (10:00–17:00 on working days) |
UPSC Notification 2026 Important Dates
The UPSC Notification 2026 Important Dates include all key events such as the release of the notification, application timeline, and exam schedule. Candidates must complete the registration process within the given dates to avoid last-minute issues. Checking these dates carefully will help aspirants plan their preparation and application smoothly.
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| UPSC Notification Release | 4 February 2026 |
| UPSC Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 |
| UPSC Application End Date | 27 February 2026 (18:00) |
| UPSC Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam | 21 August 2026 |
| Interview / Personality Test | To Be Announced |
UPSC Vacancy 2026
The UPSC Vacancy 2026 highlights the total number of posts available for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central government roles. The official notification provides detailed information on service-wise and category-wise vacancies. Candidates are advised to review the vacancy details carefully before submitting the application. For UPSC CSE 2026, around 933 vacancies have been announced.
UPSC Vacancy Trend (Previous Years)
| Year | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 1129 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
UPSC Apply Online 2026
Candidates can complete the UPSC Apply Online 2026 process through the official websites upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. The online application window opened on 4 February 2026, and the last date to submit the form is extended to 27 February 2026. Applicants need to enter their personal and academic details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee to successfully complete the registration. It is advisable to apply early to avoid technical problems or last-minute delays.
Click here to Apply Online for UPSC Exam 2026
How to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026?
The UPSC Application Form 2026 can be filled only in online mode. Candidates should follow the steps below carefully to complete the registration without any errors. Make sure all details match your official documents before final submission.
Step 1: Go to upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in and click on the Civil Services Examination application link.
Step 2: Enter personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and contact information. All details must be accurate and as per official records.
Step 3: Check all the information entered in the form carefully. Once the form is submitted, changes may not be allowed, so verify each section properly.
Step 4: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the prescribed JPG format. Fill in educational details, claim age relaxation if applicable, and complete the fee payment step.
Step 5: Choose the preferred UPSC exam centre from the available list. Allotment is usually done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step 6: Submit the application by clicking on the “I Agree” option. Save the registration number and take a printout of the completed form for future reference.
UPSC Application Fee 2026
The UPSC Application Fee 2026 varies by category. Candidates can pay the fee online or offline during the application process. Check the UPSC Application Fee details in the table below:
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC (Male) | ₹100 | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) or Offline (SBI Challan) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female (All Categories) | ₹0 (Nil) | Fee Exempted |
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
The UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 define the minimum qualifications that candidates must meet to appear for the Civil Services Examination. Only those who fulfill all conditions related to education, age, nationality, and number of attempts are eligible to apply. Check the eligibility details in the table below:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | A graduation degree from a recognized university. Professional and technical degrees such as MBBS or BE are also accepted. The institution must be recognized under the UGC Act. |
| Special Cases | Final-year MBBS or medical students can apply with provisional proof but must complete their internship before the Interview stage. |
| Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026) | Minimum age: 21 years. Maximum age: General – 32 years, OBC – 35 years, SC/ST – 37 years, PwBD – 42 years. |
| Nationality Requirement | Indian citizenship is mandatory for IAS and IPS. Candidates from other eligible categories can apply for remaining services, except IFS, with a valid eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India. |
| Number of Attempts | General/EWS – 6 attempts, OBC – 9 attempts, SC/ST – Unlimited, PwBD – As per category norms. |
| Nationality Exceptions | Candidates from countries such as Nepal and Bhutan are eligible. Others must submit an eligibility certificate where required. |
UPSC Selection Process 2026
The UPSC Selection Process 2026 is conducted in three stages, each designed to assess different skills and abilities of candidates. The following are the key stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims): Objective-type papers used to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam.
- Main Examination (Mains): Descriptive papers that test subject knowledge, writing ability, and analytical skills.
- Interview / Personality Test: Evaluates personality traits, decision-making ability, and suitability for a career in civil services.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 includes three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Prelims is qualifying in nature, marks from the Mains and Interview are counted in the final merit list. The total marks for final selection are 2025. Check the exam pattern in the table below:
| Name of Exam | No. of Papers | Type of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims | 2 Papers (GS Paper 1 & CSAT) | Objective Type | 400 |
| UPSC Mains | 9 Papers | Descriptive | 1750 |
| IAS Interview | – | Personality Test | 275 |
| Total Marks | – | Mains + Interview | 2025 |
Understanding the eligibility criteria, selection process, and exam pattern is essential for effective UPSC preparation.
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UPSC Notification 2026 FAQs
Q.1. When was the UPSC Notification 2026 released?
Ans. The UPSC CSE Notification 2026 was released on 4 February 2026 on the official website, upsconline.nic.in.
Q.2. How many vacancies are announced for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans. As per the official notification, a total of 933 vacancies have been announced for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
Q.3. What is the last date to apply for UPSC 2026?
Ans. Candidates can apply online for UPSC CSE 2026 till 24 February 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
Q.4. What are the stages of the UPSC Selection Process 2026?
Ans. The UPSC selection process includes three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview/Personality Test.
Q.5. What is the application fee for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans. The application fee is ₹100 for General, EWS, and OBC male candidates, while SC, ST, PwBD, and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
