UPSC Notification 2026 postponed: Exam Dates, Vacancies, and Application Process
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• 13 Jan 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially postponed the release of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Notification 2026. Originally scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026, the notification has been deferred citing administrative reasons.

This notification is the critical first step in the recruitment cycle for prestigious services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Aspirants are advised to keep a close watch on the official website for the revised schedule.

Note: Bookmark this page for the revised schedule and latest updates. Once the notification is released, we will update the direct application link and new dates here as soon as they are announced.

UPSC 2026 Exam Highlights

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Notification Date	Postponed (Originally scheduled for Jan 14)
Application Start Date	To Be Notified Soon
Application Mode	Online
Prelims Exam Date	May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
Mains Exam Date	Starts August 21, 2026
Expected Vacancies	900 – 1,200 (Projected)
Official Website	upsc.gov.in

UPSC Notification 2026: Reason for Delay and Expected Release

While the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 initially confirmed the publication date as January 14, 2026, the commission has paused the release due to administrative reasons. The link to the Application Form, which usually activates immediately upon release, will now be available only after the revised notification is published.

Important Note: Once the notification is out, the application window is typically short. Candidates are advised to apply early to secure their preferred exam center, as centers are allotted on a "First-Apply-First-Allot" (First-Come, First-Served) basis, meaning applying early significantly increases your chances of getting your preferred city like Delhi or Mumbai before their capacity fills up and the center gets frozen.

Download Official UPSC CSE 2026 Notification (Link Active Upon Release)  

For aspirants looking to align their study plan with the latest requirements, this blog on UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: Preparation Guidelines, Strategy & Key Updates serves as a vital strategic companion to the official notification details. 

UPSC 2026 Vacancies (Expected) 

While the exact number of vacancies will be confirmed in the official PDF, trends indicate a high intake for the 2026 cycle. 

• Projected Vacancies: 900 – 1,200 posts.
  
• Previous Year Trends: 
  • 2025: 979 Vacancies 
  • 2024: 1,056 Vacancies 
  • 2023: 1,105 Vacancies 

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is expected to maintain a robust intake for the IAS and IPS to address administrative gaps.

Eligibility Criteria for IAS 2026 

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility conditions calculated as of August 1, 2026.

1. Age Limit

• General / EWS: 21 to 32 years. (Born between Aug 2, 1994, and Aug 1, 2005) 
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 21 to 35 years. 
• SC / ST: 21 to 37 years. 
• PwBD: 21 to 42 years.
  

2. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university. Final year students are also eligible to apply for the Prelims, provided they can submit proof of passing the requisite qualifying examination before the Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) for Mains is due (typically July 2026).

3. Number of Attempts

• General / EWS: 6 Attempts 
• OBC: 9 Attempts 
• SC / ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
  

How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026 

1. OTR Registration: Ensure your One Time Registration (OTR) profile on upsconline.nic.in is updated. 
2. Fill Part-I: Enter basic details and select your preferred exam center. 
3. Fill Part-II: Upload your photograph, signature, and photo ID card. 
4. Payment: Pay the application fee of ₹100 (exempt for Female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates). 
5. Submit: Download the confirmation slip for future reference.

UPSC Application Fee 2026 

• ₹100 – General / OBC / EWS (Male candidates) 
• Nil – SC / ST / PwBD / All Female candidates 

Payment can be made online or via SBI challan.

UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 

Preliminary Examination 

• General Studies Paper I – 200 marks 
• CSAT Paper II – 200 marks (qualifying) 

Mains Examination 

• 9 papers (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II, Language papers) 
• Total: 1750 marks 

Interview (Personality Test) 

• 275 marks 

Final Merit = Mains + Interview (2025 marks) 

UPSC Syllabus 2026 

• The UPSC syllabus includes: 
• History, Geography, Polity, Economy 
• Environment & Ecology 
• Science & Technology 
• Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude 
• Current Affairs (Prelims & Mains) 

Check out the Detailed Syllabus for UPSC CSE 2026

The UPSC Notification 2026 is the foundation of your Civil Services preparation journey. Whether you are a first-time aspirant or a repeater, understanding the notification thoroughly helps you avoid mistakes and plan your preparation strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the UPSC 2026 Notification be released? +

The notification has been postponed by the commission citing administrative reasons. A new date will be announced soon.

2. What is the date for UPSC Prelims 2026?
+

Currently, the Prelims date remains scheduled for May 24, 2026, but candidates should wait for the official notification for final confirmation.

3. How many vacancies are expected in UPSC 2026?
+

Industry experts project between 1,000 and 1,200 vacancies, following the high-recruitment trend of recent years.

4. What is the age limit for General category in 2026? +

General category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026.

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