Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 today, February 4, 2026. This marks the beginning of the application process for the most prestigious recruitment drive in the country.
📋 Key Details of UPSC CSE 2026
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (Including 33 for PwBD) |
| Notification Date | February 4, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | February 24, 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | February 25 – March 3, 2026 (Expected) |
| Services Offered | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ Services |
📅 Exam Schedule
- CSE Preliminary Exam: May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
- CSE Main Exam: August 21, 2026 (Starts)
- Interview / Personality Test: Early 2027
⚖️ New Rules & Restrictions
The 2026 notification introduces tighter regulations regarding repeat attempts:
- IAS/IFS Appointment: If you are appointed to the IAS or IFS based on a previous exam and continue in that service, you are not eligible to appear in CSE 2026.
- IPS Restriction: Candidates already appointed to the IPS cannot opt for or be re-allocated to the IPS again through CSE 2026.
- Attempt Limits: General/EWS candidates have 6 attempts; OBC candidates have 9; SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until the age limit of 37.
🔗 How to Apply Online
The application process is entirely online and involves two parts.
- Official Portal: Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- OTR (One-Time Registration): If you haven’t registered before, you must complete the OTR profile first.
- Part-I Registration: Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and choose your exam center.
- Part-II Registration: Pay the application fee (₹100 for Gen/OBC/EWS males; Exempted for Females/SC/ST/PwBD) and upload your scanned photograph, signature, and Photo ID card.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students are eligible to apply for Prelims.
- Age Limit (as of Aug 1, 2026): Minimum 21 years and Maximum 32 years.
- Born between August 2, 1994, and August 1, 2005.
