The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released examination notification number 05/2026-CSE, marking the beginning of a journey for thousands of aspirants dreaming of joining the country's most prestigious services. This recruitment drive is the gateway to coveted roles in services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

With the announcement of 933 vacancies, this presents a golden opportunity for graduates across India to join various All India and Central Services.

1. UPSC CSE 2026 Overview

2. Important Dates to Remember

3. Vacancy Breakdown

4. Eligibility Criteria (Age & Education)

5. Application Fee Details

6. The Selection Process

7. Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UPSC CSE Overview 2026

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a national-level recruitment process for high-level government positions. Candidates are advised to read the detailed official notification thoroughly to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements regarding age, educational qualification, and category-specific criteria before submitting their application.

Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
Job Location: Anywhere in India

Important Dates to Remember

Timing is critical for UPSC aspirants. Ensure you complete your registration before the February 24th deadline.

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	February 04, 2026
Online Application Starts	February 04, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM)
Edit/Modification Window	Feb 04 to Feb 24, 2026
UPSC CSE Prelims	May 24, 2026 (Tentative)
UPSC CSE Mains 2026	To be notified later

Vacancy Breakdown

The commission has announced approximately 933 posts for the 2026 cycle. This total includes specialized reservations, notably 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from any university recognized by the UGC or incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature.

2. Age Limit (as of August 01, 2026)

The standard age bracket is 21 to 32 years. Specifically, candidates must have been born between August 02, 1994, and August 01, 2005.

Relaxation is provided as follows:

SC/ST: 5 Years
OBC: 3 Years
PwBD: 10 Years
Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years
J&K Domicile (1980-1989): 5 Years

3. Number of Attempts

General: 6
OBC: 9
SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limits)
PwBD: 9 for Gen/OBC; Unlimited for SC/ST

Application Fee Details

Fees can be paid online via Net Banking, UPI, or debit/credit cards.

Category	Prelims Fee	Mains Fee (If Qualified)
General / OBC / EWS	₹100/-	₹200/-
Women / SC / ST / PwBD	Nil	Nil

The Selection Process

The examination is conducted in two successive stages, followed by a final assessment:

1. Preliminary Examination: Objective-type screening test.

2. Main Examination: A written test followed by a personality test (interview).

3. Final Stages: Document Verification and Medical Examination.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online

Applications are accepted ONLINE ONLY through the official UPSC portal.

1. Step 1: OTR Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete the On Time Registration (OTR).

2. Step 2: Selection: Log in and select "Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026."

3. Step 3: Details: Fill in personal, educational, and category information.

4. Step 4: Uploads: Provide a scanned photograph, signature, and valid photo ID proof.

5. Step 5: Payment: Pay the applicable fee and submit.

6. Step 6: Print: Save a copy of the application and fee receipt for future use.

Important Links

Official Website: UPSC Official
Online Application Portal: Apply Here
Detailed Notification: Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies for 2026?

Approximately 933 posts, including 33 for PwBD.

Q2: Can final-year students apply?

While the sources state a bachelor's degree is required, traditionally, final-year students can apply provided they can produce proof of passing by the time of the main examination (please verify this in the detailed PDF notification).

Q3: What is the application deadline?

The last date is February 24, 2026, until 6:00 PM.

Q4: Is there a fee for female candidates?

No, female candidates are exempt from paying the application fees for both the prelims and the mains.

#UPSC2026 #IASExam #IPS2026 #CivilServices #GovtJobsIndia #UPSCNotification #StudyGramIndia #PublicService #CareerInAdmin

Also Read

YIL Apprentice Recruitment 2026

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026

RRB Level 1 Recruitment 2026

HVF Avadi Junior Technician Recruitment 2026

Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026

IIT Jammu Non-Teaching Recruitment 2026