Overview
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced one of India’s most prestigious recruitment drives – the Civil Services Examination 2026 for approximately 933 vacancies. This is your gateway to prestigious All India and Central government services, including the highly coveted Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). If you’re a graduate with ambition to serve the nation and shape policy decisions, this is the examination you need to crack. Join thousands of aspirants competing for the chance to become part of India’s elite civil services.
🏢 Organization
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Constitutional body responsible for recruitment to All India Services
- Conducts the most prestigious civil service examination in India
- Maintains highest standards of transparency and fairness
- Selects candidates for positions that shape the nation’s governance
- Recognized worldwide for recruitment excellence
📊 Total Vacancies
Approximately 933 Posts across All India and Central Group A & B Services
💼 Post Type
Multiple Prestigious Services:
| Service | Category |
|---|---|
| IAS (Indian Administrative Service) | All India Service – Group A |
| IPS (Indian Police Service) | All India Service – Group A |
| IFS (Indian Foreign Service) | All India Service – Group A |
| IRS (Indian Revenue Service) | Central Service – Group A |
| Indian Audit & Accounts Service | Central Service – Group A |
| DANICS (Defence Accounts Service) | Central Service – Group B |
| DANIPS (Defence & National Insurance) | Central Service – Group B |
| AFHQ Civil Service | Central Service – Group B |
| PONDICS & Other Central Services | Central Service – Group B |
🕐 Job Type
Permanent Government Position – Lifetime career with exceptional job security, benefits, and respect
📱 Application Mode
Online Only – Apply through official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in
🌐 Official Website
https://www.upsc.gov.in https://upsconline.nic.in (Application Portal)
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 4 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Main Examination Date | To be announced |
| Interview/Personality Test | Expected in 2026 |
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Minimum Qualification:
✓ Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university in any discipline
This is the only mandatory educational requirement. Your graduation stream doesn’t matter – whether you’re from Science, Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Medicine, or any other field, you’re eligible to appear.
Important Notes:
- Candidates appearing in their final year can also apply
- They must produce proof of qualification before the interview stage
- All qualifications must be from recognized institutions
- No subject/stream restrictions
💰 Salary Details
Competitive Government Salary with Excellent Benefits:
Entry-level Salary (upon joining as IAS/IPS/IFS): Approximately ₹56,100 per month (basic pay) plus various allowances
Total Monthly Income (with allowances): Approximately ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month depending on posting and allowances
Career Progression Salary: Salary increases significantly with promotions – Senior positions earn ₹2,50,000+ monthly
Benefits Package (for all civil servants): ✓ House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government accommodation ✓ Dearness Allowance (DA) for inflation protection ✓ Medical allowance and health insurance ✓ Free government accommodation options ✓ Children’s education allowance ✓ Travel allowance ✓ Pension after retirement (one of India’s best pension schemes) ✓ Gratuity upon retirement ✓ Life insurance coverage ✓ Leave encashment
🎯 Selection Process
UPSC CSE follows a rigorous three-stage selection process designed to identify the most capable and suitable candidates:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Purpose: Screening test to shortlist candidates for Main Exam
Details:
- Total Marks: 400 (Paper 1: 200 + Paper 2: 200)
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
- Paper 1: General Studies (Objective/MCQ) – 200 marks
- Paper 2: CSAT (Aptitude Test) (Objective/MCQ) – 200 marks
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Paper 2 Qualifying: Minimum 33% marks required in Paper 2
- Screening: Top candidates 12-13 times the advertised vacancies shortlisted for Mains
Important: Preliminary exam marks are NOT counted in final merit ranking. They’re used only for screening.
Stage 2: Main Examination
Purpose: Test comprehensive knowledge and writing ability
Details:
- Total Marks: 1750 (Written) + 275 (Interview) = 2025 total
- Total Papers: 9 papers
- Paper Duration: 3 hours each
- Answer Format: Descriptive/Essay type
Main Exam Papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | Merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject (Paper 1) | 250 | Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject (Paper 2) | 250 | Merit |
Important Notes:
- Language papers (A & B) are qualifying – minimum 25% marks required
- Merit papers (I-VII) are used for ranking
- Candidates must qualify in language papers to have merit papers evaluated
- Total marks for ranking: 1750 (written) + 275 (interview) = 2025
Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test
Purpose: Assess overall personality, suitability, and leadership potential
Details:
- Marks: 275
- Duration: Typically 30-40 minutes
- Scope: Comprehensive discussion covering career choice, current affairs, personal background, and general knowledge
- Assessed Traits: Clarity of expression, analytical ability, judgment, decision-making, leadership, ethical integrity, current awareness
Final Merit & Service Allocation
- Total Marks: 2025
- Merit Ranking: Based on combined Mains + Interview performance
- Service Allocation: Based on merit ranking and candidate’s service preference
- Document Verification: Conducted after final selection
⏳ Age Limit
Age as on 01 August 2026:
| Category | Age Limit | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | 21 – 32 years | 6 attempts |
| OBC | 21 – 35 years | 9 attempts |
| SC/ST | 21 – 37 years | Unlimited |
| PwBD (General) | 21 – 42 years | — |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 – 47 years | — |
Age Relaxation: ✓ SC/ST candidates: 5 years extra ✓ OBC candidates: 3 years extra
✓ Persons with Disabilities (PwBD): Up to 10 years extra ✓ Ex-servicemen: Relaxation as per service period (additional 5 years after retirement)
Attempt Limits:
- General/EWS: Maximum 6 attempts
- OBC: Maximum 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts
- PwBD candidates: Relaxed by 5 years (no fixed attempt limit mentioned for PwBD)
📑 How to Apply
Simple 5-Step Online Application Process:
Step 1: One-Time Registration
- Visit official portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click “Register Now”
- Fill in your basic details:
- Name, email, phone number
- Date of birth
- Address
- Create username and password
- Complete email and OTP verification
- Get your URN (Unique Registration Number) – save this for future reference
Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Login with your credentials
- Search for “Civil Services Examination 2026”
- Fill detailed application form:
- Personal information (name, DOB, address)
- Educational qualifications
- Preferred services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)
- Language choice (English/Hindi/Both)
- Select optional subject (from prescribed list)
- Review all information carefully
Step 3: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies:
- Recent color photograph (4×6 cm)
- Signature
- Educational certificates
- Category/Other relevant certificates (if applicable)
- File format: JPG/PDF, size limit: 100 KB per file
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Fee Structure:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100/-
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates: Nil (Free)
Payment Options: ✓ Online banking ✓ Debit card ✓ Credit card ✓ Payment gateway options
Step 5: Final Submission
- Review entire application one final time
- Confirm all details are correct
- Submit application
- Take print of confirmation page for records
- Keep email confirmation and URN safe
Important: No changes allowed after final submission. Fill carefully!
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Documents to Prepare Before Applying:
Educational Documents:
✓ Bachelor’s degree certificate ✓ Mark sheets / transcripts of all semesters/years ✓ Educational documents from recognized institution ✓ Any other relevant certificates
Personal Documents:
✓ Recent color photograph (4×6 cm, white background) ✓ Signature (clear and on white background) ✓ Valid photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License) ✓ Age proof (Birth certificate, School certificate, Aadhar)
Category Certificates (If Applicable):
✓ SC/ST Certificate: From competent authority in prescribed format ✓ OBC Certificate: Non-creamy layer certificate, issued in prescribed format ✓ EWS Certificate: If claiming EWS category ✓ PWD Certificate: Medical certificate from authorized medical board showing disability percentage
Other Important Documents:
✓ Ex-serviceman certificate (if applicable) ✓ Degree/Diploma documents ✓ Any technical/professional certificates ✓ Medical/technical exam qualifications
Document Verification Timeline:
- Required only after passing Main exam + Interview
- Final candidates called for document verification
- Original documents must match uploaded copies
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
| Online Application Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Available on UPSC website |
| Syllabus | https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/civil-services-examination |
| Previous Year Papers | https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/civil-services-examination |
| FAQs | Available on official website |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the educational qualification required?
A: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline. Your graduation stream doesn’t matter.
Q: What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
A: Minimum 21 years and Maximum 32 years as on 01 August 2026. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, OBC gets 3 years, and PwBD get up to 10 years.
Q: How many vacancies are available?
A: Approximately 933 posts across IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Central Group A & B Services.
Q: What is the application fee?
A: General/OBC/EWS candidates must pay ₹100. SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempted.
Q: When is the Preliminary Exam scheduled?
A: The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026.
Q: How many attempts am I allowed?
A: General/EWS: 6 attempts. OBC: 9 attempts. SC/ST: Unlimited attempts.
Q: Can final-year students apply?
A: Yes, candidates appearing in their final year can apply. They must produce proof of qualification before the interview.
Q: What is the salary for IAS/IPS officers?
A: Entry-level salary is approximately ₹56,100 (basic pay) plus allowances, totaling around ₹1,00,000-1,50,000 monthly. This increases with promotions.
Q: What are the optional subjects available?
A: UPSC offers a wide range of optional subjects from Science, Humanities, and other disciplines. Check the official notification for the complete list.
Q: How is the final merit determined?
A: Final merit is based on combined performance in Mains exam (1750 marks) + Interview (275 marks) = Total 2025 marks. Preliminary marks are not counted for final ranking.
Q: What if I fail the language qualifying papers?
A: If you score less than 25% in either language paper, your merit papers won’t be evaluated, and you won’t be ranked.
🎯 Quick Checklist Before Applying
✅ Do you have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university? ✅ Are you within the age limit (21-32 years)? ✅ Have you decided your preferred services (IAS/IPS/IFS)? ✅ Have you selected an optional subject? ✅ Do you have required documents ready (certificate, ID proof)? ✅ Have you chosen your application language (English/Hindi)? ✅ Do you have email and phone number for registration? ✅ Can you pay the application fee (if applicable)? ✅ Do you have a clear passport-size photograph?
🔑 Key Things to Remember
✓ Online Only: Apply exclusively on official UPSC website (upsconline.nic.in) ✓ Deadline: 24 February 2026 at 6:00 PM – Don’t miss! ✓ No Corrections: Once submitted, applications cannot be modified ✓ Preliminary Screening: Only for shortlisting, marks not counted in final ranking ✓ Language Requirement: Must qualify in both language papers to proceed ✓ Merit Based: Selection purely on merit – no interviews beyond personality test ✓ Service Preference: Choose your preferred service carefully ✓ Three Stages: Complete Prelims, Mains, and Interview for selection ✓ Prestigious Career: Join elite civil service with exceptional job security ✓ Competitive Exam: Intense competition with lakhs of candidates – prepare well
📌 Final Tips for Success
- Start Early: Don’t wait – begin preparation immediately
- Know the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand Preliminary, Main, and Interview syllabus
- Current Affairs: Stay updated on national and international developments
- Answer Writing: Practice essay writing and descriptive answers for Main exam
- Interview Preparation: Work on personality development and communication skills
- Coaching: Consider coaching if needed, but self-study is equally effective
- Mock Tests: Attempt numerous mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
- Read Newspapers: Daily newspaper reading essential for current affairs
- Ethical Values: Showcase strong ethical foundation during interview
- This is a Marathon: Preparation takes months – consistency is key
Document Updated: 4 February 2026 Prepared by: FreeJobAlert.Com For Official Details: Visit https://www.upsc.gov.in
This is the official UPSC CSE 2026 recruitment notification. For complete and authentic information, candidates must always refer to the official UPSC website. The selection process follows constitutional provisions and UPSC rules. Selected candidates will serve the nation with integrity and dedication.
