UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification – Complete Details, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Application Process & Important Link

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Notification on 04 February 2026. The Civil Services Examination is India’s most prestigious competitive examination, conducted annually to recruit officers for the All India Services, Central Civil Services (Group A & B), and various allied services.

This article provides a complete and detailed explanation of the UPSC CSE 2026 notification, including vacancies, eligibility conditions, age limit, number of attempts, exam pattern, syllabus overview, reservation rules, application procedure, fee details, medical standards, and official links.

1. Overview of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective)
2. Main Examination (Written)
3. Interview / Personality Test

The examination is designed to assess a candidate’s academic knowledge, analytical ability, decision-making skills, leadership qualities, and administrative aptitude.

For the year 2026, UPSC has indicated approximately 933 vacancies, including reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) .

2. Services Recruited Through UPSC CSE 2026

Successful candidates will be appointed to the following services:

Group ‘A’ Services

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax)
• Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes)
• Indian Audit & Accounts Service
• Indian Defence Accounts Service
• Indian Corporate Law Service
• Indian Postal Service
• Indian Railway Management Service
• Indian Trade Service
• Indian Information Service

Group ‘B’ Services

• DANICS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service)
• DANIPS (Police Service)
• Pondicherry Civil Service
• Pondicherry Police Service
• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service

3. Important Dates – UPSC CSE 2026

4. Number of Vacancies

• Total Vacancies (Expected): 933
• PwBD Vacancies: 33
  • Blindness / Low Vision – 7
  • Deaf & Hard of Hearing – 11
  • Locomotor Disability – 8
  • Multiple Disabilities – 7

Final vacancy numbers may change after confirmation from cadre-controlling authorities .

5. Eligibility Criteria

5.1 Nationality

• IAS, IPS, IFS: Must be an Indian citizen
• Other services: Citizens of India / Nepal / Bhutan / Tibetan refugees / Persons of Indian origin (with eligibility certificate)

5.2 Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 32 years
  (Born between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005)

Age Relaxation

• SC / ST – 5 years
• OBC – 3 years
• PwBD – 10 years
• Ex-Servicemen – As per rules

5.3 Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
• Final-year students are eligible, subject to proof before Interview
• Professional & technical degrees recognized by Government are accepted

6. Number of Attempts

Appearing in any one paper of Prelims counts as an attempt.

7. UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

• Objective type
• Negative marking: 1/3rd
• CSAT qualifying: 33%

Stage 2: Main Examination

Total (Written): 1750 Marks

Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test

• Marks: 275
• Tests leadership, ethics, integrity, decision-making & suitability for public service

8. Syllabus Overview

Prelims

• Current Affairs
• History & Culture
• Indian Polity
• Geography
• Economy
• Environment
• Science & Technology
• CSAT (Aptitude, Reasoning, Comprehension)

Mains

• Indian Heritage & Society
• Constitution, Governance & International Relations
• Economy, Agriculture, Security, Disaster Management
• Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
• Optional Subject (Any one)

9. Application Fee

• Online payment only
• Fee once paid non-refundable

10. How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step

1. Visit UPSC Online Portal
2. Create Universal Registration Number (URN)
3. Fill Common Application Form
4. Upload photograph, live photo & signature
5. Fill Exam-Specific Form
6. Pay fee (if applicable)
7. Submit before 24 Feb 2026

No correction or withdrawal allowed after submission .

11. Medical & Physical Standards

• Candidates must satisfy medical fitness standards
• PwBD candidates must meet service-specific functional requirements

12. Reservation Rules

Reservation is applicable for:

• SC
• ST
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
• EWS
• PwBD

Certificates must be valid as per prescribed dates.

13. Why UPSC CSE Is Important

• Top administrative authority
• Direct role in policy & governance
• Job security & prestige
• Opportunity to serve the nation
• Leadership & decision-making power

14. Official Notification & Apply Online Link

The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates aspiring to join India’s top administrative and policy-making services. With a transparent selection process, constitutional backing, and immense career growth, CSE remains the most respected competitive exam in India.

Candidates are strongly advised to:

• Read the notification carefully
• Start preparation early
• Apply well before the deadline
• Follow a disciplined study plan

You can visit our website for a complete collection of competitive exams PDFs, NCERT notes, exam preparation materials, latest job notifications, and State Government job updates. Stay ahead in your preparation with all the study resources you need in one place.

Check out:

• Latest Job Notifications 

• Competitive Exams PDFs & Notes

• NCERT Notes & Study Material

• Latest Job Notifications

• State Government Jobs Updates

Keep preparing smart and stay updated with all the latest exams and recruitment news!