Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 to fill 933 vacancies across prestigious All India and Central Civil Services. The last date to apply online is 24 February 2026 (6 PM).
This examination is the gateway to India’s most sought‑after services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and many more. Eligible candidates can apply through the official UPSC recruitment portal.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 933 Posts |
| Exam Notice No. | 05/2026-CSE |
| Notification Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6 PM) |
Name of Services Included
Successful candidates will be recruited into the following services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- 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 Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group ‘A’
- Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
- Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Group ‘A’
- Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Group ‘A’
- Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III)
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’
- DANICS, Group ‘B’
- DANIPS, Group ‘B’
- Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’
- Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) 2026
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Date of Birth Range: 2 August 1994 to 1 August 2005
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a graduate degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Appearing Candidates: Candidates appearing in their final year/semester are also eligible to apply. However, proof of passing must be produced during the Interview/Personality Test stage.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Scheme
The Civil Services Examination consists of two successive stages:
Stage I – Preliminary Examination
- Objective type papers
- Screening test for Main Examination
Stage II – Main Examination
- Written Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| SC / ST / Women / PwBD | Nil |
| Other Candidates | ₹100/- |
How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
Follow the steps below to apply online:
- Visit the UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Click on New Registration and complete registration.
- Log in again using registered credentials.
- Fill in personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates – UPSC CSE 2026
- Start of Online Application: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (6 PM)
- Date of Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026
Important Links
| Online Application | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Helpline Details
- Phone: 011-24041001
- Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (6 PM).
Q2. How many vacancies are announced under UPSC Civil Services 2026?
A total of 933 vacancies have been notified.
Q3. Can final-year students apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are eligible.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 August 2026.
Q5. What is the date of UPSC Prelims 2026?
The Preliminary Examination will be held on 24 May 2026.
