The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification (Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSE) dated 04 February 2026.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official portal before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Official Website: https://upsconline.nic.in
Main Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Main Examination: As per UPSC Schedule
Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies expected to be filled through CSE 2026 is approximately 933 posts, including 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Services include:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Audit & Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Management Services
- And other Group A & B Central Services
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized university.
Final year students are also eligible to apply (subject to proof submission at later stage).
Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
Number of Attempts
- General/EWS: 6 Attempts
- OBC: 9 Attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
- PwBD: 9 for General/OBC, Unlimited for SC/ST
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100 (Preliminary Exam)
- Main Exam Fee: ₹200 (after Prelims qualification)
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female: Exempted
Payment Mode: Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI
Selection Process
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
- 2 Papers (Objective Type)
- Total Marks: 400
- Screening Test Only
- Negative Marking Applicable
Stage 2: Main Examination
- Written Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
Final Merit will be based on Main Examination + Interview.
Examination Centres
Preliminary Examination will be conducted at 80+ centres across India including Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Patna, Prayagraj, Aligarh, and many more.
Centres are allotted on First Apply First Allot basis.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Create Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload Photograph & Signature
- Pay Application Fee
- Submit Examination Specific Module
- Download Confirmation
Note: No correction or withdrawal allowed after submission.
⚠ Important Instructions
- Mobile phones strictly prohibited in exam hall
- Face Authentication mandatory at exam centre
- Carry valid Photo ID
- Reach exam centre 30 minutes before exam
UPSC Helpdesk
Helpline Number: 011-24041001
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Working Days)
Official Notification PDF
Candidates must read the complete official notification before applying.
Download from: https://www.upsc.gov.in
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to verify details from the official UPSC notification before applying. This post is for informational purposes only.