Yes, you are reading it right. After the lots of speculation, the wait is over, the UPSC notification 2026 is out. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CSE Notification 2026 on 4 February 2026 through its official website upsconline.nic.in. This notification marks the beginning of the Civil Services Examination 2026 journey for thousands of aspirants across the country.
In the notification, UPSC has shared all the key details candidates need to know, such as important exam dates, eligibility conditions, number of vacancies, application fees, and the exam pattern. According to the official notice, a total of 933 vacancies have been announced for UPSC CSE 2026.
Keep your required documents, passport-size photograph, and scanned signature prepared to avoid any last-minute problems during the online application process.
If you are serious about appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, this is the right time to read the notification carefully and begin your preparation with clarity and confidence.
UPSC Notification 2026 Out
The UPSC Notification 2026 has been released on 4 February 2026 by the Union Public Service Commission. UPSC is known for conducting one of the toughest and most respected exams in India. With this notification, applications are now open for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026.
Through this exam, UPSC selects candidates for top government posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other important Central Government services. In addition, every year, lakhs of students apply, making UPSC CSE one of the most competitive exams in the country.
The UPSC CSE 2026 is held in three stages.
- Prelims is the first stage and works as a screening test with objective-type questions.
- Mains is the second stage and includes descriptive papers that test a candidate’s knowledge, thinking ability, and writing skills.
- At last is the Interview or Personality Test, which checks a candidate’s confidence, decision-making ability, and suitability for administrative roles.
Candidates aiming for UPSC Civil Services 2026 should carefully understand the exam stages and start their preparation with a clear plan and strong basics.
UPSC Notification 2026: Important Dates, Eligibility & Exam Details
This notification says applications for Group A and Group B central government services, including prestigious posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. Aspirants can apply online through the official UPSC website within the stipulated deadline.
UPSC CSE 2026 Overview Table
| UPSC Exam Details | Information |
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Posts Category | Group A & Group B Services |
| Top Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IAAS, IRTS, IPoS |
| UPSC Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Exam Level | National-Level Competitive Examination |
| Exam Frequency | Conducted Once Every Year |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Interview (Personality Test) |
| Language / Medium | English & Hindi |
| Official Websites | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
| UPSC CSE Help Desk | 011-23385271 / 011-23381125 / 011-23098543 |
| Help Desk Timing | Working Days (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) |
Why UPSC Notification 2026 Is Important for Aspirants
- Confirms application dates, exam stages, and services offered
- Helps candidates plan UPSC Prelims 2026 preparation in advance
- Provides official contact details for application-related issues
- Acts as the primary source for UPSC eligibility, syllabus, and exam pattern
How to download the PDF of UPSC Notification 2026?
The UPSC Notification PDF provides all key details such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, vacancies, application fee, and exam pattern.
Candidates should download the notification and read it carefully to understand the rules and complete the application process correctly.
What Are The Important Dates of the UPSC Notification 2026?
The UPSC Notification 2026 Important Dates highlight key milestones such as the notification release date, online application window, and UPSC Prelims and Mains exam dates. Candidates planning to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 must complete the registration process within the prescribed timeline to avoid last-minute issues.
UPSC Exam Date 2026 – Complete Schedule
| Event | Important Dates |
| UPSC Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| UPSC Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply for UPSC 2026 | 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Date 2026 | 21 August 2026 |
| UPSC Interview / Personality Test | To be Announced |
Key Points for UPSC Aspirants
- Apply early to avoid server issues on the last date
- Start Prelims preparation immediately after the notification release
- Mains preparation should begin parallel to the Prelims
- Interview dates are announced after the Mains results
UPSC Vacancy 2026 – Service-wise & Year-wise Details
The UPSC Vacancy 2026 provides information about the total number of posts available under the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, including premier services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and Group B central services. As per the official UPSC notification, the total number of vacancies for 2026 is approximately 933. Carefully review the service-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution before submitting the online application form.
UPSC Civil Services Vacancy Trend (2024–2026)
| Year | Total Vacancies |
| UPSC Vacancy 2026 | 933 |
| UPSC Vacancy 2025 | 1129 |
| UPSC Vacancy 2024 | 1056 |
Key Insights on UPSC Vacancy 2026
- Slight decrease in vacancies compared to previous years
- Competition expected to be higher for top services (IAS, IPS, IFS
- Category-wise reservation applies as per the Government of India norms
Through UPSC CSE 2026, the Commission will recruit candidates for India’s most respected services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and many other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Central Services such as Indian Revenue Service, Indian Railway Management Service, Indian Audit and Accounts Service, DANICS, DANIPS, and Pondicherry Civil and Police Services.
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Group ‘A’
- Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Group ‘A’
- Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III)
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
- Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’
- Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’
- Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’
- Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’
UPSC expects to fill around 933 vacancies through this examination. Moreover, this includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) across categories like blindness and low vision, deaf and hard of hearing, locomotor disability, and multiple disabilities. Accordingly, the final vacancy count may change after confirmation from cadre authorities. Reservations will apply for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD candidates, as per Government of India rules.
UPSC Apply Online 2026
Candidates can apply online for UPSC CSE 2026 through the official websites upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. UPSC started the application process on 4 February 2026, and candidates must submit the form by 24 February 2026.
To apply, aspirants need to fill in personal details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee within the given dates. Candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute technical problems and ensure a smooth application process.
Click here to apply online for UPSC CSE
Steps to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026
Candidates must fill out the UPSC Application Form 2026 online by following the steps given below. Follow each step carefully to avoid mistakes during registration.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in and click on the link to apply online.
Step 2: Complete Online Registration (Part I)
Enter your personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and contact information. Make sure all details match your official documents.
Step 3: Review Application Details
Check all the entered information carefully. Once you submit the form, you cannot make changes.
Step 4: Upload Documents (Part II)
Upload your photograph, signature, ID proof, and required certificates in JPG format. Enter details for age relaxation, if applicable, and complete fee payment.
Step 5: Choose Exam Centre
Select your preferred UPSC exam centre from the available list.
Step 6: Final Submit
Click on “I Agree” to submit the form. Save your Registration Number and take a printout for future use.
Restrictions on Applying for UPSC CSE 2026
- Candidates already appointed to IAS or IFS through an earlier UPSC examination and currently serving cannot apply for UPSC CSE 2026.
- If a candidate gets appointed to IAS or IFS after Prelims 2026 but before or during Mains 2026, they will not be allowed to appear in Mains or be considered for any service through CSE 2026.
- Candidates selected or appointed to IPS in earlier examinations cannot be allocated to IPS again through CSE 2026.
- A candidate allocated to IPS or any Group ‘A’ Central Service through CSE 2026 may appear in CSE 2027, if eligible, but only under strict conditions:
- They must take a one-time exemption from joining training, approved by the concerned authority.
- The exemption applies only to the Foundation Course (FC).
- If the candidate neither joins training nor takes exemption, their CSE 2026 service allocation will be cancelled.
- They must take a one-time exemption from joining training, approved by the concerned authority.
- If recommended again in CSE 2027, the candidate may choose either the CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 service, and the other allocation will be cancelled.
- If the candidate does not get any service through CSE 2027, they can still join the service allocated via CSE 2026.
- If the candidate does not join training for either allocation, both service allocations will stand cancelled.
- The seniority of such candidates will remain protected and will not be reduced.
- After availing this one-time exemption, the candidate cannot appear for CSE 2028 or later exams unless they resign from the allocated service.
- Candidates allocated to any service through CSE 2025 or earlier will get a one-time chance to appear in either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027, without resigning from service.
- However, to appear in CSE 2028 or beyond, such candidates must resign from their current service.
UPSC Application Fee 2026 – Category-wise Fee Details
The UPSC Application Fee 2026 for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is ₹100 for male candidates in the General, EWS, and OBC categories. However, candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwBD categories, and all female candidates, are fully exemptfrom paying the application fee. The fee can be paid online using digital modes or offline through an SBI challan during the application process.
UPSC CSE 2026 Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee | Mode of Payment |
| 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 – No Payment Required |
Important Points on UPSC Application Fee
- Fee exemption is applicable only as per the UPSC rules
- Once paid, the application fee is non-refundable
- You must complete Offline payment via SBI challan within the prescribed dates
- Candidates should retain the payment receipt for future reference
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age Limit, Qualification & Attempts
The UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 define the mandatory conditions that candidates must fulfill to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. These criteria include educational qualification, age limit, nationality, and number of attempts. Aspirants must carefully verify their eligibility before submitting the UPSC application form to avoid disqualification at later stages.
UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility Requirements
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Professional and technical degrees such as MBBS, BE, BTech are also eligible. The degree must be recognized under the UGC Act. |
| Special Provisions | Final-year MBBS/medical students can apply with provisional proof but must complete the internship before the Interview/Personality Test. |
| UPSC Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Professional and technical degrees such as MBBS, BE, and BTech are also eligible. The degree must be recognized under the UGC Act. |
| Nationality Requirement | Indian citizens are mandatory for IAS and IPS. For other services, candidates such as PIOs and refugees may apply with a valid eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India. |
| Number of Attempts | Minimum: 21 years, Maximum: General – 32 years, OBC – 35 years, SC/ST – 37 years, PwBD – up to 42 years (as per category) |
| Nationality Exceptions | Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are eligible. Candidates from other specified countries must produce an eligibility certificate at the time of final selection. |
Important Notes for UPSC Aspirants
- Eligibility calculation on 01 August 2026
- Age relaxation applies strictly as per UPSC rules
- Failing to meet any eligibility condition can lead to cancellation at any stage
- Attempt count includes Prelims appearances, even if the candidate is disqualified later
Stages of UPSC CSE 2026 Selection Process
1. UPSC Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective-type (MCQ) examination
- Acts as a screening test for the Mains examination
- Consists of two papers: GS Paper I and CSAT
- Marks are not counted in the final merit list
2. UPSC Main Examination (Mains)
- Descriptive / written examination
- Tests in-depth understanding, analytical thinking, and writing skills
- Includes 9 papers (qualifying + merit papers)
- Marks are counted for the final ranking
3. UPSC Interview / Personality Test
- Conducted by the UPSC Board
- Assesses personality traits, leadership qualities, ethical values, and decision-making ability
- Final stage of the selection process
- Marks are added to the Mains for the final merit list
Why Understanding the UPSC Selection Process Matters
- Helps aspirants plan stage-wise preparation
- Prevents confusion about screening vs merit stages
- Enables better time management from Prelims to Interview
- Clarifies how final selection and ranking are determined
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 – Prelims, Mains & Interview Marks
The UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is divided into three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview (Personality Test). While the Prelims stage is qualifying in nature, the final merit list is prepared based on a total of 2025 marks, combining UPSC Mains and Interview scores.
UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern 2026
| Stage of Exam | Number of Papers | Type of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| UPSC Prelims Exam | 2 Papers (GS Paper I & CSAT) | Objective (MCQs) | 400 |
| UPSC Mains Exam | 9 Papers | Descriptive / Written | 1750 |
| UPSC Interview | – | Personality Test | 275 |
| Total Marks (Final Merit) | – | Mains + Interview | 2025 |
Key Highlights of UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
- In the final merit list, UPSC does not count the Prelims marks
- CSAT is qualifying in nature (minimum qualifying marks required)
- Mains carries the highest weightage in the final selection
- Interview tests personality, ethics, leadership, and decision-making
Message for First-Time UPSC Aspirants
If you are appearing for UPSC for the first time, this is a proud and meaningful step. So, by applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, you choose a path of service, responsibility, and dedication to the nation. However, every successful officer once began as a beginner, just like you. Hence, do not fear the syllabus or the competition. Believe in steady effort, honest preparation, and strong values. UPSC looks for committed minds and brave hearts ready to serve India with integrity. Accordingly, stay motivated, stay disciplined, and move forward with confidence—the journey itself shapes you into a leader.
For Aspirants Who Could Not Clear UPSC Last Time
In essence, not clearing UPSC in a previous attempt does not define your ability or your future. It only marks a pause, not the end of the journey. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us, “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन”—your duty is to keep working with sincerity, without being crushed by the result. UPSC often tests patience more than knowledge.
Every attempt gives experience, maturity, and a deeper understanding. Another teaching from the Gita says, “न हि कल्याणकृत् कश्चिद् दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति”—no honest effort is ever wasted. What you studied, struggled with, and learned will strengthen you in the next attempt.
So, stand up again with better clarity, sharper focus, and stronger belief. Moreover, many successful officers cleared the exam only after facing setbacks. Let discipline guide you, let faith steady you, and continue your preparation with quiet determination and renewed purpose.
