UPSC CSE Notification 2026 Released at upsconline.nic.in, Registration Begins For 933 Vacancies
Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 Notification Out, Apply before 24 February 2026 (6.00 PM)
UPSC Civil Services, IFS Examination 2026 notification is officially released for the Civil Services Examination 2026 for a total of 933 vacancies across various services. The online application window opened on 4th February 2026 on the official website. The examination is conducted to recruit candidates for prestigious posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A services. Eligible and interested candidates can download the official notification to check the eligibility, application process, exam pattern and other details from the official website upsconline.nic.in. A direct link is also provided in the article to download the official notification.
UPSC Civil Services, IFS Examinations 2026 Notification Out
The Union Public Service Commission has released the notification for the Civil Services Examination(CSE) and the Indian Forest Services (IFS) Examination 2026. For instance, the Commission has opened the application window for the same. Eligible and interested candidates can apply for the Civil Services and Indian Forest Services 2026 via upsconline.nic.in till 6 PM on February 24, 2026. Through this recruitment Commission will fill up a total of 933 posts through the Civil Services Exam 2026.
As per the official notification, the UPSC CSE preliminary Exam will be held on May 24, 2026, while the Main examination will begin on August 21, 2026. Candidates can use the direct link to download the official notification below.
Direct Link to Download the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification
UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit
Candidates must meet the required eligibility criteria and age limit prescribed in the official notification to apply for UPSC CSE Exams 2026
Educational Qualification:
The minimum educational qualification for UPSC CSE 2026 is:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
- Candidates who are in the final year of their graduation may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing before the interview stage.
Age Limit and Number of Attempts (As per UPSC Notification 2026)
The UPSC eligibility rules specify age limits and maximum attempts, which vary by category. Minimum age: 21 years, Maximum age: 32 years as of 1st August 2026, i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005. Valid proof is required for claiming age or attempting relaxation.
| Category | Age Limit & Relaxation | Maximum Attempts |
| General/EWS | 21-32 Years (i.e. 3 years relaxation) | 6 attempts (within age limit) |
| OBC | Up to 35 Years (i.e. 3 years relaxation) | 9 attempts (within age limit) |
| SC/ST | Up to 37 Years
(i.e. 5 years relaxation ) |
Unlimited (within age limit) |
| PwBD | Up to 42 Years (i.e. 10 year relaxation) | PwBD (General & OBC) : 9 attempts
PwBD (SC/ST): Unlimited (within age limit) |
Selection Process of UPSC CSE 2026
The UPSC 2026 will follow the three -stage structure that different dimensions of a candidate’s suitability for the civil services. The Prelims – Mains and Personality Test (Interview)
- Preliminary Examination
This is an objective -type screening stage consisting of:
- General Studies Paper 1
- GSAT (General Studies Paper 2)
This stage filters candidates for the Mains examination and is qualifying in nature.
- Main Examination
The mains examination is descriptive and includes:
- Eassy paper
- Four General Studies Papers
- Two Optional Subjects papers
- Two qualifying language papers
This stage tests depth understanding, analytical ability, and clarity of expression.
- Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify the Mains are called for the interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in Mains and Interview.
Understanding this structure is essential because preparation for UPSC 2026 cannot be one -dimensional. It must integrate objective MCQs practice with answer writing and conceptual clarity.
To Apply for UPSC CSE 2026 Click here
Important dates: UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026
Candidates must mark the most important dates from the official UPSC CSE calendar 2026 given below:
| Stage | Date |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Released | 4th February 2026 |
| Last date to Apply | 24th February 2026 |
| UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date | 24th May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Begin date | 21st August 2026 |
| Personality Test (Interview) | To be announced |
Alos read: Major Schemes of Government of India for UPSC 2026 and 2027
UPSC CSE Vacancy 2026 Details
The number of vacancies to filled through CSE 2026 is expected to be approximately 933 which include 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category. These vacancies are spread across various services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, Indian Revenue Services, Indian Audit and Accounts Services and more.
| UPSC Year | Number of Vacancy |
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
| 2023 | 1105 |
| 2022 | 1022 |
| 2021 | 712 |
| 2020 | 796 |
