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UPSC Notification 2026 Out
The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Notification 2026 for Civil Services Examination on 04th February 2026 and last date to apply online is 24th February 2026 (6:00 PM). It provides complete information about the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, and selection process. Interested candidates can apply online within the given dates. This notification marks the beginning of one of India’s most competitive recruitment processes.
UPSC Notification 2026 – Highlights
The UPSC Notification 2026 outlines key details like vacancies, posts, eligibility, selection process, and application mode. Refer to the table below for a quick summary
| UPSC Notification 2026 – Highlights | |
| Name of Exam | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Name of Post | IAS, IFS, IPS and IRS |
| No. of Vacancies | 1129 |
| Application Mode | Online (via – https://upsconline.nic.in) |
| Last Date for Online Application | 24th February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Fees | General/OBC – ₹100 SC/ST/Female/PwBD – Nil (₹0) |
| Eligibility | Indian Citizen. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Candidates should fall within the specified age limit as of August 1, 2026. |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years old(Relaxable) |
| No. of attempts | 6 (Relaxable) |
| Process of Selection | Prelims Mains Interview / Personality Test |
| Starting Salary | INR 56,100/Month (7th Pay Commission) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Notification 2026 – Important Dates
The UPSC Notification 2026 outlines key dates for application submission, exam phases, and result announcements. Candidates should track these closely to avoid missing deadlines.
| UPSC Notification 2026 – Important Dates | |
| Release of Exam Calendar | January 2025 |
| Release of Official Notification | 4th February 2026 |
| UPSC Application Process 2025 | |
| Application Start Date | 4th February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 24th February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | To be announced |
| UPSC Prelims 2026 | |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24th May 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card Release | First/Second May 2025 |
| Prelims Result | To be announced |
| UPSC Mains 2026 | |
| Mains DAF-I | To be announced |
| Mains Exam Date | 21st August 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Duration of Mains Exam | 5 Days |
| Mains Result | To be announced |
| UPSC Final Selection | |
| Interview Dates | To be announced |
| Final Result | To be announced |
UPSC Notification 2026 PDF Download
Candidates can access the complete UPSC CSE 2026 Notification PDF from the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in. The document includes all essential details like eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, vacancies, and instructions for applying. The download link is provided below.
Click Here to Download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF
UPSC Apply Online 2026
The UPSC Apply Online 2026 process will begin on 4 February 2026 on the official UPSC website. Eligible candidates must complete the online application form, upload required documents, and pay the prescribed fee before the deadline. The last date to apply is 24 February 2026 up to 6:00 PM, after which the application link will be deactivated. Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Click here to Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026 [Active]
UPSC Vacancy 2026
The total number of vacancies for UPSC CSE 2026 stands at 933. These positions are spread across various central services and are subject to category-based reservations as per government regulations.
| UPSC Vacancy 2026 | |
| Year | No. of Vacancies |
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 1056 |
Steps to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
To apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, candidates must complete the online application process through the official UPSC portal. Below are the steps to apply successfully:
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC”
- Complete Part-I Registration by filling in basic details and preferences
- Complete Part-II Registration by paying the fee and uploading photo/signature
- Submit the application after reviewing all entered information
- Download & Print the final application form for future reference
UPSC Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process involves three stages, Only those who qualify each stage are allowed to proceed to the next:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective-type screening test.
- Main Examination (Mains) – Descriptive papers including essay and optional subjects.
- Personality Test (Interview) – Final evaluation of personality and suitability for public service.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, candidates must fulfil certain eligibility conditions related to age, nationality, and education. One of the primary requirements is that candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026. Below is a quick overview of the basic eligibility:
| UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years (as of 1st August 2026) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
UPSC Age Limit 2026
The UPSC 2026 exam has a minimum age limit of 21 years for all candidates. The maximum age limit varies by category: 32 years for General and EWS, 35 years for OBC, and 37 years for SC/ST candidates.
| UPSC Age Limit 2026 | ||
| Category | Minimum Age Limit | Maximum Age Limit |
| General | 21 | 32 |
| EWS | 21 | 32 |
| OBC | 21 | 35 |
| SC/ST | 21 | 37 |
UPSC Age Relaxation 2026
| UPSC Age Relaxation 2026 | |
| Category | Maximum Age Limit with Relaxation |
| General | 32 |
| OBC | 35 |
| SC/St | 37 |
| Disabled Defence Service Personnel | 35 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 37 |
| Person with Benchmark Disability – EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 42 |
UPSC Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university to be eligible for UPSC 2026. Final-year students can apply for the Preliminary Exam but must provide proof of passing before the Mains.
| UPSC Educational Qualification 2026 | ||
| Candidate Type | Eligibility | Remarks |
| Bachelor’s Degree Holders | Must have a degree from a recognized university (any stream) | No minimum marks required |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible for Prelims; must submit proof of passing before Mains | Provisional admission; degree proof required before Mains application |
UPSC Nationality 2026
Understanding the UPSC Nationality 2026 requirements is a first step for candidates aspiring to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026. The commission has clearly defined who is eligible to apply based on their citizenship status.
- Must be an Indian citizen (mandatory for IAS & IPS posts).
- For other services, candidates may be citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees, or persons of Indian origin from select countries (as specified in the official notification).
UPSC 2026 Number of Attempts
The UPSC limits the number of attempts for candidates based on their category. This ensures a balanced opportunity for all aspirants. These number of attempts are listed below:
| UPSC 2026 Number of Attempts | |
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General / EWS | 6 attempts |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 9 attempts |
| SC / ST | Unlimited attempts (until age limit) |
| PwBD (General / EWS / OBC) | 9 attempts |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | Unlimited attempts (until age limit) |
| Ex-Servicemen (General / EWS / OBC) | 9 attempts |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC / ST) | Unlimited attempts (until age limit) |
| Disabled Defence Personnel (General / OBC) | 9 attempts |
| Disabled Defence Personnel (SC / ST) | Unlimited attempts (until age limit) |
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for Prelims
UPSC Prelims has two papers: GS Paper I (200 marks) and CSAT Paper II (qualifying). Both are objective with negative marking. Clearing Paper I is mandatory to advance.
| UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for Prelims | ||||
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 100 | 200 | 0.66 marks per wrong answer |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | 80 | 200 | 0.83 marks per wrong answer |
- Both papers are objective type (multiple choice).
- Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature; candidates must score a minimum of 33%.
- Only marks of Paper I are considered for qualifying to the Mains stage.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for Mains
The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination is the second stage of the selection process and is both descriptive and comprehensive in nature.To make the pattern easier to understand, a detailed table has been provided below.
| UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for Mains | ||
| Paper | Subject | Total Marks |
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language (from 8th Schedule) – Qualifying | 300 |
| Paper B | English Language – Qualifying | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage, History, Geography, Society) | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, IR) | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Environment, Security) | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
- The Mains exam is descriptive in nature.
- Marks obtained in Papers A & B are qualifying and not counted in the merit.
- The total marks for Mains (excluding qualifying papers) is 1750.
- Candidates who clear Mains will be called for the Interview/Personality Test (275 Marks).
UPSC Syllabus 2026
The UPSC 2026 Prelims has two objective papers: GS Paper I tests general knowledge, and CSAT Paper II tests reasoning and numeracy. Both are qualifying to filter candidates for Mains.
The Mains exam is descriptive, with nine papers assessing knowledge and writing skills. Scores here decide the final selection.
UPSC Syllabus 2026 Prelims GS Paper I
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
UPSC Syllabus 2026 Prelims GS Paper 2 CSAT
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (Class X level)
- Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables – Class X level)
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
The UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a candidate’s academic knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to present ideas clearly in written form. It plays a crucial role in the final merit. The Mains Examination is descriptive and consists of 9 papers, including two qualifying language papers.
- Comprehension, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays, and Translation.
- Comprehension, Precis Writing, Usage and Vocabulary, Short Essays.
- General Topics
- Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
- Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- The syllabus of Optional Paper I and Optional Paper II will be graduate-level topics
Also Read: UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
UPSC Salary 2026
Shortlisted candidates from the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 will be paid a basic UPSC Salary 2026 of ₹56,100 per month according to the 7th Pay Commission. In addition to the basic pay, officers are also eligible for several allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA). The compensation package is different depending on the post and place of posting but provides a competitive and respectable compensation package for civil servants.
UPSC Admit Card 2025
The UPSC Admit Card 2025 for the Civil Services Examination will be uploaded online on the official UPSC website. Aspirants are able to download their admit card by providing the registration details in advance of the exam date. It is suggested to preserve the admit card safe until the completion of the overall selection process.
UPSC Result 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has made the UPSC Result 2024 declaration on its official website, upsc.gov.in. Shakti Dubey has achieved AIR 1 by obtaining the maximum overall marks. Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag have achieved AIR 2 and AIR 3, respectively. The candidates may also download the UPSC Marksheet 2024 to check the detailed mark distribution of marks received in the UPSC Exam 2024.
UPSC Cut Off 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 cut-off marks are likely to be declared in the near future, perhaps when the results are declared. For UPSC Prelims 2025, on the basis of GS Paper-I, cut-off marks are likely to be 87.98 for General, 85.92 for EWS, 87.28 for OBC, and 79.03 for SC. The last cut-off marks, i.e., Mains and Interview scores, usually range around 947 for the General category.
Preparation Tips for UPSC 2025
Preparing for UPSC 2025 requires a smart strategy, consistent effort, and a strong understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. Staying updated with current affairs and practicing answer writing regularly are key to success.
- Start with NCERTs – Build your foundation.
- Follow a structured timetable and allocate time wisely across subjects.
- Read daily newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs.
- Practice mock tests and previous year papers.
- Join test series or coaching (optional) based on self-assessment.
- Stay consistent, revise regularly, and maintain mental wellness.
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