The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, this exam will fill about 933 vacancies in different top government services.
It is a great chance for graduates who want to work in important roles such as IAS, IPS and other central services, the exam gives an opportunity to build a prestigious career in administration and serve the country in key positions.
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification: 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 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC CSE Vacancy Details
| Category / Sub-Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Total Posts | Around 933 (approximate) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) – Total | 33 |
| Blindness and Low Vision | 7 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 11 |
| Locomotor Disability (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy) | 8 |
| Multiple Disabilities (from the above categories, except blind and deaf together) | 7 |
Here is the list of services you can join through this exam:
- 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’
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for UPSC CSE 2026, you must meet these rules. Make sure you check everything before applying.
Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Civil Services (All Posts) | A Graduate degree from any University set up by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India, or other institutions made by Parliament, or seen as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 or an equal qualification. |
- If you are in your final year or waiting for results, you can apply. But you must show proof of passing before the interview.
- Professional degrees like MBBS are okay but you need to finish internship if needed.
- In special cases, UPSC may allow other qualifications if they think it is good enough.
Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
You must be born between 02.08.1994 and 01.08.2005.
Age relaxations:
- 5 years for SC/ST
- 3 years for OBC
- 3 years for Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations
- 5 years for Ex-Servicemen (with 5 years service)
- More for PwBD and others as per rules.
Number of Attempts
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (till age limit) |
| PwBD (General/EWS/OBC) | 9 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited |
An attempt counts if you appear in Prelims.
Nationality
For IAS, IFS, IPS: Must be Indian citizen.
For others: Indian citizen, or from Nepal/Bhutan/Tibet (with conditions), or person of Indian origin from certain countries.
Salary and Benefits
The starting pay for most services is Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10 in 7th Pay Commission). It can go higher with promotions.
Additional benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical help for you and family
- Pension and Provident Fund
- Leave Travel
- Other government perks
Total take-home pay can be Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000 or more, based on place.
Selection Process
The selection has three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Screening test)
- Main Examination (Written and Interview)
- Document Check and Medical Test
Final list based on Mains and Interview marks.
CBT 1 Exam Pattern (Prelims)
It is objective type.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper-I | – | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper-II (CSAT – Qualifying at 33%) | – | 200 | 2 hours |
- Negative marking: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Topics: Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, etc.
Main Exam Pattern
Qualifying Papers (300 marks each):
- Paper A: Indian Language
- Paper B: English
Merit Papers (250 marks each):
- Paper I: Essay
- Paper II: General Studies I
- Paper III: General Studies II
- Paper IV: General Studies III
- Paper V: General Studies IV
- Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper 1
- Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper 2
Total Written: 1750 marks
Interview/Personality Test: 275 marks
Grand Total: 2025 marks
Physical Standards for Other Posts
For posts like IPS, DANIPS, PONDIPS, IRPFS, you need to meet physical standards. These include height, chest, vision, etc., as given in Appendix-III of the rules.
For example:
- Height for men: 165 cm (relaxed for some)
- Height for women: 150 cm
- No color blindness, good health.
All candidates must be fit as per medical tests. For PwBD, see the suitability table in notification.
Documents Required
Keep these ready in scan format:
- Recent photo (20-50 KB, JPEG)
- Signature (10-40 KB, JPEG)
- 10th certificate for date of birth
- Degree certificate and marksheets
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
- Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.)
- Disability certificate if PwBD
Application Fees
| Category | Fees |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS/Male | Rs. 100 (Preliminary Exam Fee). Rs. 200/- (Main Exam Fee) |
| Female/SC/ST/PwBD | Exempt (No fee) |
Pay for Prelims. For Mains, Rs. 200 (exempt for some).
Payment: Net Banking, Card, UPI.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026
Follow these easy steps:
- Go to the official website: upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “Apply for CSE 2026”
- New users: Click “New Registration”
- Fill basic details like name, date of birth, email, mobile
- Get URN (Universal Registration Number) and password – save them
- Login with URN and password
- Fill the form: Personal info, education, preferences
- Upload photo, signature, documents
- Pay fee if needed
- Submit and save the confirmation page
- Note your Application Number
No changes after submit. Use Aadhaar for easy ID check.
| UPSC CSE 2026 Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Notification of UPSC CSE 2026 | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Official Website of UPSC CSE 2026 | Click here |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27th February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
| Mains Exam Date | To be notified |
Final Thoughts
The UPSC CSE 2026 is a big chance for young graduates to join top government jobs with 933 vacancies, it offers a strong career, respect and the chance to serve the country. The last date to apply is 27th February 2026 (6:00 PM) and applications must be submitted online at upsconline.nic.in.
Candidates should check all rules carefully and keep their documents ready before starting the process. Preparation should begin with focus on the Prelims exam, especially current affairs, General Studies (GS) and CSAT, with hard work and a clear strategy, it is possible to clear this tough exam and start a great career in civil services. Apply before the deadline to secure your chance.
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