February 8, 2026

UPSC Apply Online 2026 Out, Eligibility, & Application Process

UPSC Apply Online 2026 application form, dates

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
EventDate
UPSC Apply Online 2026 Notification04 February 2026
UPSC Last Date to Apply24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Date 2026May 24, 2026
UPSC CSE Mains Exam Date 2026August 21, 2026
UPSC Official Websiteupsc.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
ServiceNationality Requirement 
IAS, IPS, IFSMust be a citizen of India
Other ServicesCitizen 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
QualificationDetails 
Minimum Educational QualificationBachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university
Final Year StudentsEligible 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
CategoryMinimum AgeMaximum Age for UPSC Apply Online 2026
General/EWS21 years32 years
OBC21 years35 years
SC/ST21 years37 years
PwBD21 years42 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
CategoryNumber of Attempts 
General/EWS6
OBC9
SC/STUnlimited (within age limit)
PwBD9 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

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
StageDescriptionMarks
Preliminary ExamObjective type; General Studies I and CSAT II400 total
Main ExamWritten descriptive; 9 papers1750 total
InterviewPersonality Test; final assessment275
Total Marks2025
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UPSC Optional Subject ListUPSC CSE Exam Dates 2026
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UPSC Selection Process 2026UPSC Sociology Syllabus 2026
UPSC General Studies Books UPSC Interview 2025

UPSC Apply Online 2026 FAQs

Q1. When is the UPSC Apply Online 2026 notification released?
The official notification for UPSC Apply Online 2026 has been released on 4th February 2026 and the application process has also been started.
Q2. What is the last date to submit the UPSC Apply Online 2026 application?
Candidates must apply online; the last date for applying online is 24th February 2026 upsconline.nic.in.
Q3. Where can I apply for UPSC Apply Online 2026?
The application is accepted only at the official UPSC online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
Q4. What is the application fee for UPSC Apply Online 2026?
The fee is ₹100 for General and OBC male candidates; SC/ST, PwBD, and female candidates are exempted.
Q5. What are the age limits for applying in UPSC Apply Online 2026?
Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years as on August 1, 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC Apply Online 2026?
General category candidates get 6 attempts, OBC 9 attempts, and SC/ST unlimited attempts within age limits.
Q7. When is the Preliminary Examination for UPSC Apply Online 2026?
The Preliminary Exam is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

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CivilSaarthi Team is led by a group of passionate educators and aspirants who have successfully cleared Prelims and Mains of UPSC and various State PCS exams. With first-hand experience of the examination process, the team designs authentic, exam-focused preparation material and strategy notes to help aspirants excel at every stage.

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