UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 for recruitment to various Group A and Group B services including IAS, IPS, IFS and allied services. The Preliminary Examination will be held on 24 May 2026. Online applications can be submitted up to 24 February 2026. Interested candidates must apply through the UPSC online portal.
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Approximate Vacancies | 933 |
| Starting Date of Application | 4 February 2026 |
| Ending Date of Application | 24 February 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Age Limit | 21–32 Years as on 1 August 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate degree from a recognized University or equivalent. |
| Nationality | For IAS, IFS, IPS: Citizen of India. For other services: Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Bhutan / Tibetan refugee / Person of Indian origin (as per rules). |
| Age Limit | Minimum 21 years and Maximum 32 years as on 01 August 2026. |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwBD: 10 years, Ex-Servicemen: as per rules. |
| Number of Attempts | General/EWS: 6, OBC: 9, SC/ST: Unlimited, PwBD: 9 (GL/EWS/OBC) & Unlimited (SC/ST). |
| Stage I | Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) |
| Prelims Papers | General Studies Paper I – 200 Marks, General Studies Paper II (CSAT) – 200 Marks |
| Stage II | Main Examination (Written) |
| Main Papers | 9 Descriptive Papers (2 Qualifying + 7 Merit Ranking) |
| Stage III | Personality Test / Interview – 275 Marks |
| Service / Category | Vacancy |
| All Services Combined (Approximate) | 933 |
| PwBD Reserved Vacancies | 33 |
| Preliminary Examination | Screening test for selection to Main Examination. |
| Main Examination | Written examination for merit ranking. |
| Interview / Personality Test | Final stage for selection and service allocation. |
| Final Selection | Based on Main Exam marks + Interview marks. |
| Service Level | As per 7th Pay Commission |
| IAS/IPS/IFS Starting Pay | Level 10 – ₹56,100 per month (approx.) |
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women Candidates | No Fee |
| Main Examination Fee (for those who qualify) | ₹200 |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026? | 24 February 2026. |
| What is the age limit? | 21 to 32 years as on 01 August 2026. |
| What is the minimum qualification? | Graduate degree from recognized university. |
| When will Preliminary Exam be held? | 24 May 2026. |
| How many vacancies are available? | Approximately 933 vacancies. |
