UPSC CSE 2026- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 for recruitment to jobs like IAS, IFS, IPS and other services. The application process will begin on February 4, 2026 and will end on February 24, 2026 this exam is a great opportunity for graduates to join some of the top government jobs in India.
UPSC CSE 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 05/2026-CSE |
| Post Name | Various Civil Services (IAS, IFS, IPS, etc.) |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 933 (including 33 for PwBD) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC CSE Vacancy Details
Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 33 vacancies (included in the total)
| PwBD Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Blindness and Low Vision | 7 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 11 |
| Locomotor Disability (including Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy) | 8 |
| Multiple Disabilities (from categories (a) to (c) only, except Blind + Deaf combination) | 7 |
Note: Exact cadre-wise vacancy distribution will be notified later by DoPT
Eligibility Criteria of UPSC CSE 2026
Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Civil Services | A candidate must hold a Graduate degree from any University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section-3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification. |
Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
- Minimum Age Limit: 21 Years
- Maximum Age Limit: 32 Years
Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1994 and not later than August 1, 2005. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per government norms: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD 10 years, Ex-Servicemen 5 years, etc. Cumulative relaxation for multiple categories.
UPSC CSE 2026 Salary
Pay Scale: Level-10 ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (7th CPC) for entry level, higher for senior posts.
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities for self and family
- Provident Fund and Pension
- Leave Travel Concession
- Other perquisites as per rules
Estimated Gross Salary: ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 per month (including allowances) at entry level.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
- Objective type multiple-choice questions
- Two Papers: Paper I (200 marks, 2 hours), Paper II CSAT (200 marks, 2 hours, qualifying 33%)
- Subjects for Paper I: Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, General Science
- Subjects for Paper II: Comprehension, Logical reasoning, Basic numeracy, Data interpretation
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answers
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written)
- 9 Papers: Qualifying (Indian Language, English), Merit (Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I-II)
- 1750 marks
Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test
- 275 marks
- Qualifying Papers: 300 each (600 total but qualifying only min. 25% each)
- Merit Papers: 250 each (1750 total)
- Interview: 275 Grand Total: 2025
Stage 4: Document Verification
- Check original Document
Final Merit: Based on Main + Interview marks
| Stage | Papers/Components | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) | Paper I: General Studies (Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, General Science) Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) (Comprehension, Interpersonal skills, Logical reasoning, Decision making, Mental ability, Basic numeracy, Data interpretation) | 2 hours each |
| Stage 2: Main Examination (Written + Interview/Personality Test) | Qualifying Papers (Not counted for merit): Paper A: Indian Language (From Eighth Schedule languages; Matriculation level) Paper B: English (Matriculation level) Papers Counted for Merit (Written):- Paper I: Essay Paper II: General Studies I (Indian Heritage, History, Geography, Society) Paper III: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations) Paper IV: General Studies III (Technology, Economy, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management) Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) – Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper 1 Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper 2 Subtotal (Written): 1750 Interview/Personality Test: Assesses mental caliber, social traits, current affairs interest, leadership etc. (No strict cross-examination; natural conversation). | Written Papers: 3 hours each Interview: Not specified (typically 20-30 minutes) |
Documents Required
Keep these ready in scanned format:
Mandatory Documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph (live capture also needed)
- Signature (three times on white paper)
- 10th certificate (date of birth proof)
- Degree certificate and mark sheets
- Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD if applicable
- Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence)
- Experience certificate if claiming relaxation
- NOC for government employees
UPSC CSE 2026 Application Fees
| Category | Preliminary Exam Fee | Main Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS/Male | Rs.100/- (Rupees One Hundred Only) | Rs. 200/- |
| Female/SC/ST/PwBD | Exempted | Exempted |
Payment Method: Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI
How to Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026
Follow these simple steps to complete your application:
Step 1: Visit the official application website: upsconline.nic.in
Step 2: Click on “Apply for Civil Services Examination 2026”
Step 3: For new users, create Universal Registration Number (URN)
Step 4: Fill basic details (Name, Date of Birth, Email, Mobile, Photo ID)
Step 5: System will generate URN (save it, unique for life)
Step 6: Login and fill Common Application Form (CAF): Personal info, Education, Upload live photo, signature, documents
Step 7: Fill exam-specific module: Choose services, centres, pay fee if applicable
Step 8: Submit application and save confirmation page
Step 9: Note your Application Number for future reference
Step 10: No changes after submission, read rules before applying
| UPSC CSE 2026 Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Notification of UPSC CSE 2026 | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Official Website of UPSC CSE 2026 | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Closes | 24 February 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 24 February 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Not Allowed |
| Scribe Details Submission | 7 days before exam for change |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day of preceding week |
Final Thoughts
The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2026 is offering about 933 jobs in top government services like IAS, IPS, IFS and others. It is a great chance for graduates to get jobs with good salary, job security and career growth, the application process will close on February 24, 2026 and forms must be submitted online at upsconline.nic.in before the deadline.
Candidates should check the eligibility rules, keep documents ready and start preparing now, Preparation should focus on general studies, current affairs and the chosen optional subject with proper effort and planning, candidates can clear this tough exam and build a strong career in civil services.
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