UPSC CSE Notification 2026 Released: Exam Date, Vacancies, and Eligibility Criteria Explained
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- 04 Feb 2026
Table of Contents
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 on February 4, 2026. This marks the beginning of the application process for those aspiring to join prestigious services like the IAS, IPS, and IFS. With approximately 933 vacancies announced, it is time for aspirants to transition into high-gear preparation.
Key Dates for UPSC 2026
Stay ahead of the competition by marking these critical deadlines in your calendar:
|
Event |
Date / Timeline |
|
Notification Release Date |
04 February 2026 |
|
Online Application Start Date |
04 February 2026 |
|
Last Date for Application Submission |
24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
|
UPSC Prelims Exam Date |
24 May 2026 |
|
e-Admit Card Issuance |
Last working day of the preceding week of the examination |
|
Question Paper Representation (QPRep) |
Window of 5 days (from the 3rd to the 7th day after the exam) |
|
Age Eligibility Cut-off Date |
01 August 2026 |
|
Valid Issue Period for OBC/EWS Certificates |
Issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 24.02.2026 |
|
Civil Services (Main) Application Window |
10-day window provided after the declaration of Prelims results |
|
Personality Test (DAF-II) Update Window |
15-day window provided after the declaration of Mains (Written) results |
Download Official Notification PDF
Vacancy Distribution
For the 2026 cycle, UPSC has announced approximately 933 vacancies. This includes 33 seats reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD). These vacancies cover 21 different services, including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must ensure they meet the following mandatory requirements before applying.
1. Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university is mandatory.
- Final-year students can apply for the Preliminary stage but must provide proof of graduation before the Main examination.
2. Age Limit & Relaxations
To be eligible for the exam, a candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st of August, 2026.
- Birth Date Range: Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.
Age Relaxations:
- SC/ST: Up to 5 years.
- OBC: Up to 3 years.
- Defence Services Personnel (disabled in operations): Up to 3 years.
- Ex-servicemen: Up to 5 years (subject to specific conditions).
- PwBD: Up to 10 years.
3. Number of Attempts
- General/EWS: 6 attempts.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
- SC/ST: Unlimited (until reaching the age limit).
- PwBD: 9 attempts for General/OBC; Unlimited for SC/ST.
Note: Appearing in any one paper of the Preliminary Examination counts as an attempt.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
UPSC applications are processed only through upsconline.nic.in.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Create a permanent profile with basic personal details.
- Universal Registration: Submit identity and matriculation details to generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill CAF: Complete the Common Application Form covering social category, education, and address.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph (not more than 10 days old, with name and date printed), signature, and a PDF of your photo ID.
- Fee Payment & Center Choice: Pay ₹100 (exempted for Females, SC, ST, and PwBD) and select your preferred exam center.
Required Documents Checklist
Candidates must apply online strictly through the official portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Photograph & Signature:
- Both must be in .JPG/.PNG format and between 20 KB and 300 KB in size.
- Photograph Requirements: Must show the full face, covering approximately 75% (3/4th) of the photo area, with a plain white background.
- Signature Requirements: Should be signed on clean white paper using a black pen and scanned clearly.
- Valid Photo ID: While various IDs are accepted, using an Aadhaar Card is strongly advised for seamless verification and faster center access. This ID must be uploaded in PDF format (20–300 KB).
- Matriculation Certificate: Required as proof of date of birth.
- Degree Certificate: Final degree or provisional certificate.
- Category Certificate: Valid SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS or PwBD certificate if applicable.
New & Important Instructions for 2026
- "Live Photograph" Capture During Application: A significant technical addition to the application process is the requirement for a live photograph.
- In addition to uploading a standard photograph, applicants are now required to capture their live photograph while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Applicants must ensure that both the uploaded photograph and the live captured photograph are clear and follow the instructions provided on the website.
- Face Authentication: All candidates will mandatorily undergo face authentication at the examination venue. Candidates must reach the venue at least 30 minutes prior to the session.
- Renaming of the Public Disclosure Scheme: The scheme previously known as the "Public Disclosure Scheme" has been renamed the "Prabitha Setu Portal".
- Under this scheme, the commission discloses the details (scores, education, etc.) of non-recommended candidates who appeared for the Interview/Personality Test to potential employers, provided the candidate has opted in.
- Mobile Phone Ban: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are strictly banned, even in switched-off mode.
- Application Withdrawal: Candidates will not be allowed to withdraw their applications after submission.
- Question Paper Representation (QPRep): Candidates can submit representations on questions asked in the Preliminary Examination within a window of 5 days (from the 3rd to the 7th day after the exam).
Quick Exam Pattern Overview
The selection follows a three-stage hierarchy:
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective)
Consists of two MCQ-based papers held on the same day. Negative marking of 1/3rd is applicable for every incorrect answer.
- Paper I (General Studies): 100 questions, 200 marks. Used for determining the merit list for Mains.
- Paper II (CSAT): 80 questions, 200 marks. This is a qualifying paper where a minimum of 33% (66 marks) is required.
2. Main Examination (Descriptive)
Qualified candidates must fill out a Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) to appear for 9 descriptive papers totaling 1750 marks.
- Qualifying Papers: Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English).
- Merit Papers: 1 Essay, 4 General Studies (GS I-IV), and 2 Optional subject papers.
3. Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who clear the Mains are summoned to the UPSC headquarters in New Delhi for an interview carrying 275 marks.
Click here for Complete Syllabus
Conclusion
The Civil Services Examination is one of the most competitive exams in India. With the notification now out, aspirants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications well before the closing date of 24th February 2026.
