UPSC Notification 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Notification 2026 for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) on 4 February 2026.
The notification is available on the official portals upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. As per the official notice, a total of 933 vacancies have been announced for recruitment to prestigious Group A and Group B services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other central services.
Candidates aspiring for India’s top administrative services can now begin the online application process, which will remain open until 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM). The notification provides complete details regarding exam dates, eligibility criteria, age limit, number of attempts, application fee, exam pattern, and selection process.
UPSC Notification 2026 Out
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is one of the most competitive national-level examinations in India. Conducted annually, the exam selects candidates for leadership and policymaking roles in the Government of India.
As per the UPSC Notification 2026, the examination will be conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective-type screening test
- Main Examination (Mains) – Descriptive papers assessing analytical depth
- Interview / Personality Test – Evaluation of personality, leadership, and suitability for public service
Only candidates who qualify each stage will be allowed to appear for the next stage.
UPSC Notification 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Posts | Group A & Group B Services |
| Popular Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 24 February 2026 (18:00) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Exam Language | English & Hindi |
| Official Websites | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
| Help Desk | 011-23385271 / 011-23381125 / 011-23098543 |
UPSC Notification 2026 PDF Download
The UPSC Notification 2026 PDF was released on 04 February 2026 on the official website. The PDF includes all official instructions, service-wise vacancy details, exam schedule, eligibility conditions, and application guidelines.
Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the notification carefully before applying to avoid mistakes during registration.
UPSC Notification 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| UPSC Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam | 21 August 2026 |
| Interview / Personality Test | To Be Announced |
UPSC Vacancy 2026
The UPSC has announced 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination 2026. These vacancies are spread across various central services. The final number may change based on government requirements.
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 1129 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
UPSC Apply Online 2026
Candidates can apply online for UPSC CSE 2026 through the official portals upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. The application window is open from 04 February to 24 February 2026.
Applicants should ensure that all documents such as photograph, signature, ID proof, and educational certificates are ready before starting the registration process.
Steps to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026
Step 1: Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in
Step 2: Complete Part I Registration by entering personal and contact details
Step 3: Review details carefully before final submission
Step 4: Complete Part II Registration – upload photograph, signature, certificates, and select exam centre
Step 5: Pay the application fee (if applicable)
Step 6: Submit the application and download the confirmation page
Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
UPSC Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / All Female | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment can be made online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) or offline via SBI Challan.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
UGC NET Result December 2025 news, Scorecard, Cut-Off Marks & Answer Key
Educational Qualification
- Graduation degree from a recognized university
- Professional and technical degrees (MBBS, BE, etc.) are valid
- Final-year candidates may apply subject to conditions
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 32 Years |
| OBC | 35 Years |
| SC / ST | 37 Years |
| PwBD | 42 Years |
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
Number of Attempts
- General / EWS – 6
- OBC – 9
- SC / ST – Unlimited
- PwBD – As per category
Nationality
- Indian citizen for IAS & IPS
- Other categories as per UPSC norms for remaining services
UPSC Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of:
- Preliminary Examination – Qualifying for Mains
- Main Examination – Merit determining stage
- Interview / Personality Test – Final assessment
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
| Stage | Papers | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 2 (GS & CSAT) | Objective | 400 |
| Mains | 9 Papers | Descriptive | 1750 |
| Interview | Personality Test | Oral | 275 |
| Total | – | – | 2025 |
Final Note
The release of the UPSC Notification 2026 marks the official beginning of the Civil Services Examination 2026 cycle. With 933 vacancies announced, aspirants should now focus on structured preparation, timely application, and exam strategy.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in for updates related to admit card, exam instructions, and result announcements.