UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 933 Civil Services Examination Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This prestigious exam is conducted to recruit candidates for approximately 933 vacancies across various Group A and Group B services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). As per official information, the online application process begins on February 4, 2026, and closes on February 24, 2026.

This article provides a detailed guide on the UPSC CSE 2026 notification, including eligibility criteria, important dates, application process, selection stages, and more. Students are advised to check the official UPSC website for the latest updates and confirm all details before applying.

Overview of the Notification / Result / Job

Important Dates & Timeline

Eligibility Criteria

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step)

Applying for the UPSC CSE 2026 exam is a simple process if you follow these steps carefully. Students are advised to read the official notification before starting the application.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the UPSC official website: www.upsc.gov.in. Look for the “Online Application for Various Examinations” link on the homepage.

Step 2: Register for the Exam
Click on the “Civil Services Examination 2026” link. You will be directed to the registration page. Fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to complete Part I registration. You will receive a registration ID and password on your registered email and mobile.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Log in using your registration ID and password. Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and choice of exam center. Double-check all entries for accuracy.

Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other required documents. Ensure the files meet the specified size and format (usually JPEG, 20–300 KB).

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. The fee is ₹100 for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates are exempted from the fee.

Step 6: Submit the Application
Review your application form carefully. Once submitted, you cannot make changes. Click on the “Submit” button. Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Step 7: Download Admit Card
After the application process closes, UPSC will release the admit card on its official website. Download and print it for the exam.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method

The UPSC CSE 2026 selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview (Personality Test). Each stage is eliminative, meaning you must qualify one stage to move to the next.

Stage 1: Preliminary Exam

This is an objective-type exam with two papers:

• Paper I: General Studies (200 marks, 2 hours)
• Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test, 200 marks, 2 hours)

Paper I determines your eligibility for the Main Exam, while Paper II is qualifying (minimum 33% marks required). Marks from the Preliminary Exam are not counted in the final merit list.

Stage 2: Main Exam

The Main Exam is a written descriptive test consisting of 9 papers:

• Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (300 marks, qualifying)
• Paper B: English (300 marks, qualifying)
• Paper I: Essay (250 marks)
• Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks)
• Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks)
• Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks)
• Paper V: General Studies IV (250 marks)
• Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II (250 marks each)

Only candidates who qualify the Preliminary Exam can appear for the Main Exam. Marks from the Main Exam are counted in the final merit list.

Stage 3: Interview (Personality Test)

Candidates who qualify the Main Exam are called for the Interview, which carries 275 marks. The Interview assesses your personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services. The final merit list is prepared based on the Main Exam and Interview marks.

Documents Required

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope

Clearing the UPSC CSE 2026 exam opens doors to a prestigious and rewarding career in the Indian civil services. Here are some key benefits and career prospects:

Salary and Allowances:

• The starting salary for an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer is around ₹56,100 per month (as per the 7th Pay Commission). This includes basic pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other benefits.
• The salary increases with promotions and years of service. At the highest level (Cabinet Secretary), the salary can go up to ₹2,50,000 per month.

Job Security and Prestige:

• Civil servants enjoy job security, respect, and social prestige. They play a crucial role in policy-making and governance.

Career Growth:

• Officers start as Assistant Collectors or Sub-Divisional Magistrates and can rise to the level of Chief Secretary, Director-General of Police, or Ambassador.
• Opportunities for deputation to international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF are also available.

Other Benefits:

• Government accommodation or housing allowance.
• Medical benefits for self and family.
• Pension and retirement benefits.
• Study leave and opportunities for higher education.

Important Rules & Guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Who Should Apply / Check This?

The UPSC CSE 2026 exam is ideal for candidates who:

• Are graduates or in their final year of graduation.
• Aspire to serve the nation in administrative, police, or diplomatic roles.
• Want a stable, prestigious, and challenging career in the government sector.
• Are willing to work hard and prepare for a competitive exam.
• Meet the age and eligibility criteria as per the official notification.

This exam is not suitable for candidates who:

• Are not comfortable with a long and rigorous selection process.
• Do not meet the eligibility criteria.
• Are looking for a quick or easy job.

How to Use the Official Website

Official Links & Verification

Here are the official links for the UPSC CSE 2026 exam. Students are advised to verify all details on the official website before applying.

• Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
• Notification PDF: Download Here (link for reference, check official website for the latest PDF)
• Online Application Link: https://upsconline.nic.in
• Admit Card Download: https://upsconline.nic.in/admitcard
• Exam Syllabus: Download Syllabus (link for reference, check official website for the latest PDF)

FAQs:

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details may change as per the official UPSC notification. Students are advised to visit the official UPSC website for the latest updates, rules, and guidelines. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes in the exam process. Always refer to the official notification before making any decisions related to the UPSC CSE 2026 exam.