The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 Notification under Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE dated 04 February 2026. Eligible candidates can now apply online for one of India’s most prestigious competitive examinations through the official portal upsconline.nic.in.
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
📌 UPSC CSE 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6 PM) |
| Civil Services Preliminary Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day of preceding week |
📝 How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
Candidates must apply online only through the official website:
UPSC Online Application Portal – 4 Modules
Account Creation
Universal Registration Number (URN) – One-time lifetime registration
Common Application Form (CAF)
Examination-Specific Module (CSE 2026)
Once registered:
A URN is generated (permanent)
An Application Number is generated (exam-specific)
⚠️ No correction, modification, or withdrawal is allowed after final submission.
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📸 Photo, Signature & Aadhaar Guidelines
Live Photo Capture is mandatory
Upload clear photograph
Upload signature signed three times on white paper using black ink
Candidates are strongly advised to use Aadhaar for seamless verification
🎯 UPSC Civil Services 2026 – Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies (Expected): 933
Includes 33 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Reservation applicable for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD as per Government rules
🏛️ Services Covered Under UPSC CSE 2026
Major services include:
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Revenue Service (IT & Customs)
Indian Audit & Accounts Service
Indian Railway Management Service
DANICS / DANIPS
Pondicherry Civil & Police Services
(and many more Group A & B services)
🎓 Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE 2026
Nationality
IAS / IPS / IFS: Indian Citizen
Other services: Indian citizen / Nepal / Bhutan / PIO (with eligibility certificate)
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 32 years
DOB Range: 02 Aug 1994 – 01 Aug 2005
Age Relaxation
SC/ST: +5 years
OBC: +3 years
PwBD: up to +10 years
Ex-Servicemen: as per rules
Educational Qualification
Graduate degree from a recognized university
Final-year students are eligible (subject to proof later)
Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
| PwBD | As per category rules |
🧾 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Payment Modes:
Net Banking
Debit/Credit Card
UPI
⚠️ Fee once paid is non-refundable.
🧠 Plan of Examination
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Objective type
Negative marking applicable
Stage 2: Main Examination
Written Examination
Personality Test / Interview
📍 Examination Centres
Preliminary Exam: Conducted across 80+ cities in India
Main Exam: Limited selected cities
⚠️ Centre allotment is first-apply-first-allot basis (except PwBD candidates).
🚫 Mobile Phones & Electronic Items Banned
Mobile phones (even switched off)
Smart watches, Bluetooth devices
Pen drives, cameras, electronic gadgets
❌ No arrangement for safekeeping at exam centres.
🆔 Face Authentication at Exam Venue
All candidates must undergo mandatory face authentication and identity verification at the examination venue.
🧑💼 PRABITHA SETU Portal (Public Disclosure Scheme)
Candidates who reach the interview stage but are not finally recommended may opt to share their biodata with registered organizations for employment opportunities.
👉 Consent is optional and once opted cannot be changed.
☎️ UPSC Helpline Details
Phone: 011-24041001
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Working days)
Active: 04 Feb 2026 to 24 Feb 2026
🔗 Important Links
Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in
Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
📢 Final Reminder for Candidates
Apply early to get preferred exam centre
Ensure eligibility before applying
Read CSE Rules 2026 carefully
Upload clear photo & signature
Keep URN and Application Number safe
Government strives for gender balance – Women candidates are encouraged to apply.
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