UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Released – Apply Online

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification has been issued for around 933 vacancies in prestigious services such as Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, and other Central Group A & B posts.

Graduates who meet the eligibility criteria can submit their applications online. The registration process begins on 04 February 2026 and will remain open until 27 February 2026 on the official UPSC website.

Candidates will be selected through the three-stage process – Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Final selection leads to appointment in some of the most respected All India and Central Civil Services.

Below, you can find complete details about UPSC CSE 2026 including eligibility, age criteria, vacancy details, selection stages, application procedure, and official links.

Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026 – Civil Services Examination (CSE) Overview

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Vacancy Details

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Eligibility Details

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years (as on 01 August 2026)

Age Relaxation (as per Government Rules)

• SC / ST: 5 Years
• OBC: 3 Years
• PwBD: Up to 10 Years

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Application Fee

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Selection Process

The Civil Services Examination follows a three-stage selection procedure:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Screening test with multiple-choice questions. Marks are not counted in the final merit but required to qualify for Mains.

2. Main Examination (Written)
Descriptive papers that evaluate depth of knowledge, analytical ability, and writing skills. Marks from this stage are counted for final ranking.

3. Interview / Personality Test
Conducted to assess personality traits, decision-making ability, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for civil services.

4. Document Verification
Verification of educational qualifications, category certificates, age proof, and other required documents before final appointment.

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Important Dates

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Preliminary Examination Pattern

The Civil Services Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the selection process. It works as a screening round to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Marks obtained in Prelims are not added to the final merit list.

Exam Structure

Key Points

• Both papers are objective type (MCQs).
• Negative marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Paper II (CSAT) requires minimum 33% marks to qualify.
• Only marks of Paper I are considered for Prelims cutoff.
• Questions are available in Hindi and English (except English comprehension in CSAT).

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Main Examination Pattern

The Civil Services (Main) Examination is the second stage of the selection process. It includes a written examination followed by the Interview/Personality Test. Marks scored in the written papers (except qualifying papers) and the interview are counted for the final merit ranking.

Structure of the Main Examination

Important Points

• Papers A and B are qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure the minimum required marks; otherwise, the remaining papers are not evaluated.
• Total marks for merit calculation in written exam: 1750 marks (Essay + GS Papers + Optional Papers).
• The Interview/Personality Test carries 275 marks, making the final total 2025 marks.
• Answers must be written in descriptive format.

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Main Exam & Final Merit Structure

Main Examination Structure

• Total Written Papers: 9
• Qualifying Papers: 2 (Indian Language & English)
• Merit Papers: 7
• Total Written Marks (Merit Counted): 1750

Interview / Personality Test

Final Merit Calculation

• Written Exam (Mains): 1750 Marks
• Interview: 275 Marks
• Total Final Merit: 2025 Marks

Important Points

• Preliminary exam marks are only for screening and are not included in the final merit.
• Final service allocation depends on Mains + Interview performance.
• Negative marking applies only in the Preliminary exam.
• Both qualifying language papers must be cleared for evaluation of merit papers.

How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026

1. Visit the official portal: upsconline.nic.in
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR/URN).
3. Select Civil Services Examination 2026 and fill in all required details.
4. Upload photograph, signature, and necessary documents.
5. Pay the prescribed application fee (if applicable).
6. Submit the form before 27 February 2026 and keep a copy for reference.

Union Public Service Commission CSE 2026 – Important Links