UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026:
Apply Online for IAS, IPS & IFS Posts
1. Detailed Overview of UPSC CSE 2026
UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE on 04.02.2026. This notification invites online applications for the prestigious Civil Services Examination 2026 for recruitment to various Group A and Group B services including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be held on 24th May 2026. The recruitment aims to fill approximately 933 vacancies. Candidates are advised to apply early through the official OTR (One Time Registration) portal.
2. Important Dates
3. Vacancy Details & Services
The total number of vacancies to be filled through the examination is expected to be approximately 933. This includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Categories.
Participating Services (Group A & B)
| Service Name | Group |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | Group A |
| Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | Group A |
| Indian Police Service (IPS) | Group A |
| Indian Audit and Accounts Service | Group A |
| Indian Civil Accounts Service | Group A |
| Indian Corporate Law Service | Group A |
| Indian Defence Accounts Service | Group A |
| Indian Revenue Service (IT/Customs) | Group A |
| Indian Railway Management Service | Group A |
| DANICS / DANIPS / PONDICS | Group B |
| Total Vacancies | ~933 Posts |
4.UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidate must hold a Graduate Degree from any recognized University (incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India).
- Candidates appearing in their final year exams can also apply provisionally.
- Candidates with professional/technical qualifications recognized by the Government as equivalent to a professional and technical degree are also eligible.
Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026):
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Birth Date Range: Not earlier than 2nd August, 1994 and not later than 1st August, 2005.
- Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years (Subject to conditions)
5.UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 Key Highlights
Attempt Limit
General: 6 Attempts
OBC: 9 Attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited
PwBD: 9 (GL/OBC/EWS) / Unlimited (SC/ST)
Negative Marking
There is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) marks for every wrong answer in the Objective Type Question Papers.
UPSC Helpline
Phone: 011-24041001
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
(10:00 AM – 5:30 PM on working days)
6.UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
7. Selection Process
The Civil Services Examination consists of two successive stages:
- 1. Preliminary Examination: Objective Type (Multiple Choice). Two Papers (GS I and CSAT). It is a screening test. CSAT is qualifying (33%). Marks not counted for merit.
- 2. Main Examination: Written (Conventional Essay Type) + Interview/Personality Test.
- Written: 9 Papers (2 Qualifying + 7 for Merit). Total 1750 Marks.
- Personality Test: 275 Marks.
- Total Merit: Based on Mains Written + Interview (Total 2025 Marks).
8. How to Apply Online
Visit https://upsconline.nic.in. If not registered, complete the One Time Registration (OTR) first. (Modification allowed within 7 days).
Login with Email/Mobile/OTR ID. Fill Part-I and Part-II of the application form for CSE 2026.
Upload scanned photograph and signature. Note: Photo must be recent (taken within 10 days of application start) with name and date printed on it.
Pay the application fee of ₹100 via Net Banking, Card, UPI or Cash (Pay by Cash option closes one day before final date).
Select your preferred exam center. Allocation is on a “First-Apply-First-Allot” basis.