UPSC CSE Notification 2026 Out, Check Exam Date, Application Link and Fee – Apply Online Now

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Notification 2026 on 4th February 2026 on its official website upsc.gov.in. The notification announces 933 vacancies for the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, including services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and Group B services.

At The Study IAS, we advise aspirants to carefully go through the notification and begin their preparation with a clear understanding of exam dates, eligibility, application process, and exam pattern.

About UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most competitive examinations in India, conducted annually to recruit officers for top administrative positions in the Government of India.

The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination – Objective type screening test
2. Main Examination – Descriptive written examination
3. Interview / Personality Test – Assessment of personality and leadership qualities

UPSC Notification 2026: Overview

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at the national level. The official notification for the examination was released on 4th February 2026. A total of 933 vacancies have been announced for this examination, which is held annually. The selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. The examination is conducted in both English and Hindi mediums. Candidates can find official updates and detailed information on the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

UPSC Notification 2026 PDF

The official UPSC Notification 2026 PDF contains complete details related to eligibility criteria, exam schedule, vacancies, application fee, and instructions for candidates. Aspirants are strongly advised to download and read the notification carefully before applying.

For PDF : click here to download

UPSC 2026 Important Dates

Important Dates for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 has key events scheduled throughout the year. Candidates should carefully note the following important dates:

• Notification Release: 4 February 2026
• Application Start Date: 4 February 2026
• Application End Date: 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
• Preliminary Exam: 24 May 2026
• Main Exam: 21 August 2026
• Interview / Personality Test: To be announced

Candidates are advised to complete all application formalities and stay updated with UPSC announcements to avoid missing any deadlines.

UPSC Vacancy 2026

UPSC has announced a total of 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination 2026. The number of vacancies over the past few years is as follows:

• 2026: 933
• 2025: 1129
• 2024: 1056

This shows a slight decrease in vacancies compared to previous years, highlighting the competitive nature of the examination.

UPSC Apply Online 2026

Candidates can apply online through:

• upsc.gov.in
• upsconline.nic.in

The application window is open from 4th February to 24th February 2026. Early submission is recommended to avoid technical issues.

Steps to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026

1. Visit the Official Website – Go to UPSC or UPSC Online portal
2. Part I Registration – Enter personal, educational, and contact details
3. Review Application – Verify all details carefully (no changes allowed later)
4. Part II Registration – Upload photograph, signature, and required documents
5. Select Exam Centre – Choose preferred examination centre
6. Final Submission – Submit the form and note down the registration number

UPSC Application Fee 2026

The application fee for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 varies by category. General, EWS, and OBC male candidates are required to pay an application fee of ₹100. SC, ST, PwBD, and all female candidates are exempted from paying any fee.

The fee can be paid through online modes, including Debit Card, Credit Card, and Net Banking, or through offline mode by submitting an SBI challan.

UPSC 2026 Apply Online

Candidates interested in appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 can apply online through the official UPSC website. The application process is completely online and must be completed within the specified dates mentioned in the notification.

Applicants need to register on the UPSC online portal, fill in personal and educational details, upload the required documents, select the examination center, and pay the application fee (if applicable). It is advised to carefully review all details before final submission. For applying and further updates, visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university to be eligible for the examination. Professional and technical degree holders are also eligible to apply. In addition, final-year medical students can apply for the examination, provided they submit provisional proof of passing the required qualification at the prescribed stage of the selection process.

Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)

To be eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, candidates must meet the prescribed age criteria. The minimum age limit is 21 years. The maximum age limit varies by category, as detailed below:

• General Category: 32 years
• OBC Category: 35 years
• SC/ST Category: 37 years
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 42 years

Number of Attempts

The number of attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination depends on the candidate’s category. General and EWS candidates are allowed 6 attempts, OBC candidates can appear 9 times, and SC/ST candidates are permitted unlimited attempts, subject to the upper age limit.

Nationality

For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), the candidate must be an Indian citizen. For other civil services, candidates belonging to specified countries may apply, provided they hold an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.

Prepare UPSC 2026 with The Study IAS

With the UPSC Notification 2026 officially released, this is the right time to start focused preparation. The Study IAS provides expert guidance, structured study plans, updated materials, and mentorship to help aspirants succeed in all three stages of the examination.

Stay connected with The Study IAS for:

• UPSC syllabus breakdown
• Prelims & Mains strategy
• Answer writing practice
• Mock tests & current affairs analysis

Start your UPSC 2026 journey today with The Study IAS