The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026, providing aspirants with crucial dates and timelines for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This guide offers a detailed overview of the UPSC Apply Online 2026 process, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and frequently asked questions.
UPSC Apply Online 2026
The UPSC Apply Online 2026 official notification has been released on 4th February 2026 at upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must complete their application form once released to be eligible to appear for the Preliminary Examination scheduled for May 24, 2026. The Main Examination will begin on August 21, 2026. These critical dates in the UPSC Apply Online 2026 timeline are vital for planning preparation and timely submission of applications. The details are provided based on the UPSC Calendar 2026 which has been released on the official portal at upsc.gov.in.
UPSC Apply Online 2026 Overview
Adhering to the dates is critical for all candidates planning to apply through UPSC Apply Online 2026. Here is an overview table regarding the UPSC CSE Exam 2026.
| UPSC Apply Online 2026 Overview | |
| Event | Date |
| UPSC Apply Online 2026 Notification | 04 February 2026 |
| UPSC Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Date 2026 | May 24, 2026 |
| UPSC CSE Mains Exam Date 2026 | August 21, 2026 |
| UPSC Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Apply Online 2026
To successfully complete the UPSC Apply Online 2026, candidates must first verify their eligibility as per the official guidelines. Meeting the eligibility criteria is essential to avoid any disqualification during the application review or later stages of the exam. The criteria include important factors like nationality, minimum educational qualifications, age limits, and the maximum number of attempts allowed.
Click here to Apply Online for UPSC 2026 Application Form [Active Soon]
Nationality Requirements in UPSC Apply Online 2026
Nationality forms the base of eligibility in UPSC Apply Online 2026. Only certain nationalities are eligible for specific services.
| Nationality Requirements in UPSC Apply Online 2026 | |
| Service | Nationality Requirement |
| IAS, IPS, IFS | Must be a citizen of India |
| Other Services | Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugee before 1962, or person of Indian origin intending permanent settlement |
Educational Qualifications for UPSC Apply Online 2026
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is mandatory for UPSC Apply Online 2026. Final year students awaiting results can also apply but must produce proof before the Main Exam.
| Educational Qualifications for UPSC Apply Online 2026 | |
| Qualification | Details |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply but must provide passing certificate before Main Exam |
Age Limits for UPSC Apply Online 2026
The age criteria are strictly enforced in UPSC Apply Online 2026, with different upper age limits depending on the candidate’s category.
| Age Limits for UPSC Apply Online 2026 | ||
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age for UPSC Apply Online 2026 |
| General/EWS | 21 years | 32 years |
| OBC | 21 years | 35 years |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years |
| PwBD | 21 years | 42 years |
Number of Attempts Allowed in UPSC Apply Online 2026
UPSC limits the number of attempts a candidate can take, which is critical information for aspirants applying via UPSC Apply Online 2026.
| Number of Attempts Allowed in UPSC Apply Online 2026 | |
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General/EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (within age limit) |
| PwBD | 9 for General/OBC/EWS, Unlimited for SC/ST |
UPSC Apply Online 2026: Application Process
The UPSC Apply Online 2026 is completely digital and must be completed through the official UPSC website. Below is the step by step guide to help you through the application.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts exams like UPSC Civil Services, IFS, CDS, and Engineering Services each year. Candidates must apply through the official UPSC online portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the UPSC 2026 application process.
Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Portal
- Open the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on ‘Online Application for Various Examinations’.
Step 2: Register as a New User
- For first-time applicants, click on ‘Part I Registration’.
- Enter your personal details: Name, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, and Email ID.
- Create a username and password for login.
- Submit the form to generate a registration ID.
Step 3: Fill Part II of the Application
- Log in using your registration ID.
- Complete the detailed application form including:
- Choice of exam (Civil Services, IFS, CDS, etc.)
- Category and gender
- Educational qualifications
- Communication details (address, phone, email)
- Verify all details before submission.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Upload scanned passport-size photograph (specifications: 3.5cm x 4.5cm, JPEG/JPG)
- Upload signature (specifications: 3.5cm x 1.5cm, JPEG/JPG)
- Upload any category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/PH) if applicable.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- General/OBC candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST/PH/Women/Ex-servicemen: No fee
- Payment methods: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, SBI Challan
- After payment, take a screenshot or printout for reference.
Step 6: Preview and Submit
- Review the entire application form carefully.
- Make any necessary corrections before final submission.
- Click Submit to finalize your application.
Step 7: Print Confirmation
- After submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.
- Keep a copy of your registration ID and password for future login and admit card download.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
The Civil Services Examination has three stages which candidates must clear sequentially. Understanding this UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 is important for effective preparation after completing UPSC Apply Online 2026.
| UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Stage | Description | Marks |
| Preliminary Exam | Objective type; General Studies I and CSAT II | 400 total |
| Main Exam | Written descriptive; 9 papers | 1750 total |
| Interview | Personality Test; final assessment | 275 |
| Total Marks | 2025 | |

