UPSC Notification 2026 Released: Apply for 933 Civil Services Posts (Deadline Extended to Feb 27)

The official UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Notification has been published, confirming 933 vacancies for this recruitment cycle. Aspiring candidates who hold a bachelor's degree can submit their applications via the official website before the extended deadline of February 27, 2026 (6:00 PM).

UPSC Notification 2026 Out

With the release of the official notification, details regarding the selection process and vacancies for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 are now available. The selection process consists of a three-tier structure: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is determined by the cumulative scores from the Mains and Interview phases.

UPSC CSE Notification 2026 PDF

Graduates aged between 21 and 32 years are eligible to compete for various All India Services and Central Civil Services positions. Before initiating the application process, candidates should thoroughly review the official notification PDF to understand the specific vacancy distribution, eligibility standards, and critical application timelines.

Download UPSC CSE Notification 2026 PDF

In addition to the Civil Services vacancies, the commission has announced 80 positions for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026. Detailed information is available via the link below.

Download UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 PDF

UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates

The UPSC has aligned registration dates with the official notification, while Prelims and Mains dates were confirmed in the UPSC Calendar 2026. The comprehensive exam schedule is outlined below for candidate reference.

Download UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2026

UPSC 2026 Vacancies & Posts

The UPSC CSE 2026 notification confirms 933 total vacancies across various Civil Services, with 66 positions specifically reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

UPSC Vacancy Trend

The total vacancy count for 2026 is lower compared to the figures recorded over the previous two recruitment cycles.

• 2026- 933
• 2025- 1129
• 2024- 1056

Posts to Be Filled through UPSC CSE 2026

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination to recruit high-caliber candidates for prestigious roles in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central administrative branches.

All India Services

1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS): IAS officers hold key positions in the government and are responsible for the overall administration of the country.
2. Indian Police Service (IPS): IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crimes, and managing police forces.
3. Indian Forest Service (IFoS): IFoS officers work in the management and conservation of forests and wildlife.

The recruitment also encompasses various Central Civil Services, including the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and other allied services.

UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria

Understanding UPSC eligibility criteria is crucial for every aspirant. Key requirements—including nationality, attempt limits, age restrictions, and educational qualifications—must be verified against the official guidelines before applying for the 2026 examination.

UPSC IAS Nationality

For positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), candidates must be citizens of India. For other services, eligibility extends to:

1. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan.

2. Tibetan refugees who entered India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.

3. Persons of Indian origin who migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African nations, with the intent of permanent residence in India.

Note: Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and Tibetan refugees are not eligible for recruitment into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

UPSC IAS Age Limit

Candidates must be aged between 21 and 32. This stipulates that an applicant's date of birth must fall between August 2, 1993, and August 1, 2004.

Please refer to the table below for detailed UPSC CSE 2026 age relaxation criteria.

Note: There is no specific age relaxation provision for candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.

UPSC IAS Educational Qualification

Candidates are required to hold a degree from any Central or State University recognized under Indian law, or an institution deemed to be a university by an Act of Parliament.

Number of Attempts

General category candidates are granted 6 attempts, while OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts. There are no restrictions on the number of attempts for SC/ST candidates. It is important to note that an attempt is counted once a candidate appears in the Preliminary Examination.

UPSC Apply Online 2026

Aspirants must submit their applications via the online portal. As per the official UPSC notification, the registration portal will remain active until February 27, 2026 (6:00 PM).

Register & Apply for UPSC CSE 2026

UPSC Examination Fees 2026

The application fee is Rs. 100/-. Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from this payment. Fees can be paid via SBI bank branches or using online payment gateways, including credit/debit cards and internet banking.

How to Register & Apply for UPSC CSE Exam 2026?

Ensure your qualifications, age, and nationality align with the UPSC requirements before proceeding with your application for the 2026 examination.

1. Visit the official UPSC website (https://www.upsc.gov.in/).
2. Look for the “Apply Online” link on the homepage.
3. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register by providing basic details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
4. After successful registration, a unique registration ID and password will be generated. Note them down for future use.
5. Log in using the registration ID and password.
6. Fill in the required details in the online application form, including personal information, educational qualifications, choice of examination centre, etc.
7. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
8. Pay the application fee online using the available payment options.
9. Review the filled-in application form before submission to ensure accuracy.

Documents Required & Permissible Size

UPSC 2026 Selection Process

The UPSC 2026 selection process comprises three distinct stages, each designed to evaluate a candidate's aptitude and proficiency.

1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims): Objective-type questions to filter candidates for the Mains exam.
2. Main Exam (Mains): Descriptive papers to assess in-depth knowledge and analytical ability.
3. Interview/Personality Test: Evaluates the candidate’s personality, decision-making, and overall suitability for civil services.

UPSC Prelims, Mains & Interview Exam Pattern

View UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026

Check Comprehensive UPSC IAS Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026