The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Notification, opening the doors to approximately 933 prestigious Group A & Group B posts across India’s most powerful and respected services.
Every year, lakhs of aspirants prepare day and night for this single opportunity—and 2026 is no different. With the notification out and the application window now live, the race to LBSNAA, state cadres, and central secretariats has officially begun.
Let’s break down everything you need to know—from eligibility and exam pattern to important dates and how to apply—so you don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
🔔 UPSC CSE 2026: At a Glance
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Exam Name: Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
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Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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Post Type: Group A & Group B Services
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Total Vacancies: ~933 Posts
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Services Covered:
IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, Indian Audit & Accounts, Indian Railway Management, DANICS, DANIPS, AFHQ Civil Service, PONDICS & more -
Mode of Application: Online
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Official Website: upsc.gov.in
This notification is not just an exam alert—it’s a career-defining announcement.
📅 Important Dates You Must Remember
Missing deadlines in UPSC is unforgivable. Bookmark these dates now:
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Notification Release: 04 February 2026
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Online Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
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Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
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UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Exam Date: 24 May 2026
👉 Pro tip: Don’t wait till the last day. UPSC servers are famous for last-minute traffic chaos.
🎓 UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Educational Qualification
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A Graduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized university
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Final-year students can apply, provided they clear the degree before Mains
🎂 Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
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Maximum Age: 32 Years
🔓 Age Relaxation
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SC/ST: 5 Years
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OBC: 3 Years
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PwBD: Up to 10 Years
If you’re within the age bracket—you are eligible to chase the dream.
💰 Application Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | No Fee (Nil) |
Payment can be made online via net banking, card, or UPI.
🧪 UPSC CSE 2026 Selection Process (3 Tough Stages)
The Civil Services Examination is known as India’s toughest competitive exam for a reason.
🥇 Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
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Objective in nature
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Used only for shortlisting candidates for Mains
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Marks not counted in final merit
📘 Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT | 200 | 2 Hours |
Key Rules:
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CSAT is qualifying only (33% required)
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Paper I decides the cutoff
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Negative marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers
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No penalty for unanswered questions
🥈 Stage 2: Civil Services Main Examination (Written)
This stage tests your depth of knowledge, analytical skills, ethics, and writing ability.
📝 UPSC Mains Exam Structure
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| Paper II | GS I | 250 | Merit |
| Paper III | GS II | 250 | Merit |
| Paper IV | GS III | 250 | Merit |
| Paper V | GS IV (Ethics) | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Paper 1 | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Paper 2 | 250 | Merit |
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Total Written Papers: 9
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Total Merit Marks (Written): 1750
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Both language papers must be cleared to evaluate merit papers
🥉 Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
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Marks: 275
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Tests personality, leadership, integrity, decision-making & attitude
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No fixed syllabus—you are the syllabus
🏆 Final Merit Calculation
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Written Examination: 1750 Marks
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Interview: 275 Marks
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Grand Total: 2025 Marks
👉 Prelims marks do NOT count in final ranking
👉 Mains + Interview decide your service & cadre
🖥️ How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026 (Step-by-Step)
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Visit upsconline.nic.in
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Complete One Time Registration (OTR/URN)
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Fill the Civil Services Examination 2026 Application Form
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Upload photograph, signature & required documents
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Pay application fee (if applicable)
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Submit the form before 24 February 2026 (6 PM)
Always download and save the final submitted application PDF.
🌟 Why UPSC CSE Is More Than Just a Job
Clearing UPSC isn’t just about a salary or power—it’s about nation-building.
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Direct impact on millions of lives
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Prestige, authority & lifelong respect
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Opportunity to shape policies, governance & administration
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A career that blends service, challenge, and purpose
From district administration to national policymaking—UPSC officers run the system.
🔗 Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
🚀 Final Words: The Countdown Has Begun
The UPSC CSE 2026 Notification has officially fired the starting gun. With 933 vacancies, a clear timeline, and well-defined exam stages, this is the moment to shift from planning to execution.
