UPSC IES/ISS Recruitment 2026: Apply Now for 44 Prestigious Government Posts!

Overview

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced an exciting recruitment opportunity for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS). This is a prestigious opportunity for economics and statistics experts to work as senior government officials across India. These are among the highest-ranked civil services positions in the country, offering excellent career growth and benefits.

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🏢 Organization Details

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📊 Total Vacancies: 44 Posts

UPSC is offering a total of 44 prestigious positions across two elite services:

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💼 Post Type & Job Type

Post Type: All-India Government Service (Administrative/Technical)

Job Type: Full-time permanent positions in the Central Government

These are senior-level positions that offer:

• Prestigious career in India’s top civil services
• Posting across India and abroad
• Policy-making responsibilities
• Excellent salary and benefits

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🌐 Application Mode

Online Only ✅

Applications are submitted exclusively through the UPSC official website. No offline applications are accepted. The online portal opens on the specified date and candidates must submit all documents digitally.

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📅 Important Dates

Important Note: Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Applications submitted after 18:00 hours on 3 March 2026 will not be accepted.

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📍 Vacancy Details

Indian Economic Service (IES) – 16 Posts

This service focuses on formulating and implementing economic policies at the national level. Officers work in the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, and related organizations.

Positions: Distributed across various departments and ministries dealing with economic policy, planning, and development.

Indian Statistical Service (ISS) – 28 Posts

This service is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and providing statistical data for government decision-making. Officers work in the Ministry of Statistics, Central Statistical Office, and related agencies.

Positions: Distributed across various ministries and statistical organizations.

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🎓 Educational Qualifications Required

For Indian Economic Service (IES):

You must have a Post-Graduate Degree in any of the following:

• Economics
• Applied Economics
• Business Economics
• Econometrics

The degree must be from a recognized university in India or abroad. Bachelor’s degree alone is not sufficient for this service.

For Indian Statistical Service (ISS):

You must have at least one of the following:

Option 1 – Bachelor’s Degree with:

• Statistics as one subject, OR
• Mathematical Statistics as one subject, OR
• Applied Statistics as one subject

Option 2 – Master’s Degree in:

• Statistics, OR
• Mathematical Statistics, OR
• Applied Statistics

The degree must be from a recognized university.

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💰 Stipend / Salary Details (Per Month)

Note: The exact salary structure follows the 7th Central Pay Commission scales. Full details are available in the official notification.

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🎯 Selection Process

The selection process consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Written Examination (Part-I)

• Total Marks: 1000 marks
• Format: Objective-type questions (Multiple Choice)
• Duration: Multiple sessions
• Subjects: Economics/Statistics related topics based on your service

Stage 2: Personality Test/Viva Voce (Part-II)

• Total Marks: 200 marks
• Format: Face-to-face interview
• Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes
• Focus: Assessing personality, general awareness, leadership qualities, and subject knowledge

Selection Criteria: Only candidates who qualify Part-I written exam will be called for Part-II personality test. Final selection is based on combined performance in both stages.

Important: There is no separate preliminary test. You directly appear for the main written examination.

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⏳ Age Limit

Age Calculation Date: 1st August 2026

Important: Age relaxation is applicable to eligible categories only. SC/ST candidates can also avail OBC relaxation if applicable.

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📑 How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to apply for UPSC IES/ISS 2026:

Step 1: Visit Official UPSC Portal

• Go to www.upsc.gov.in
• Look for the notification link “UPSC IES/ISS Recruitment 2026”
• Click on “Apply Online” button

Step 2: Register/Login

• If first-time user: Create a new account with email ID and mobile number
• If existing user: Login with your previous credentials
• Verify your email and mobile through OTP

Step 3: Fill Personal Details

• Enter your full name (as in Aadhar/Passport)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Category (General/SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
• Disability status (if applicable)
• Contact information

Step 4: Choose Service

• Select “Indian Economic Service” OR “Indian Statistical Service”
• This choice cannot be changed after submission
• Choose carefully based on your qualifications

Step 5: Enter Educational Details

• Details of your Bachelor’s degree
• Details of your Post-Graduate/Master’s degree
• Marks obtained and percentage
• Year of passing
• University/Institution name

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload the following documents in JPEG/PDF format (maximum 200 KB each):

• Photograph: Recent color passport-size (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Signature: Clear signature on white background
• Caste Certificate: (if SC/ST/OBC)
• Disability Certificate: (if applicable)
• Character Certificate: From institution or employer
• Educational Certificates: Degree/Diploma certificates

Step 7: Pay Application Fee

Payment Methods: Online only (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking)

Step 8: Review & Submit

• Carefully review all entered information
• Check spelling of names and dates
• Verify document uploads
• Read and accept the declaration
• Click “Final Submit”

Step 9: Save & Print

• After successful submission, you’ll get a confirmation number
• Note down this number for future reference
• Print the confirmation page for your records
• Email confirmation will be sent to your registered email

⚠️ Important Tips:

• Save your login credentials securely
• Apply well before the deadline
• Keep scanned copies of all documents ready before starting
• Use good quality clear photographs
• Ensure document file sizes don’t exceed limits
• Test your internet connection before uploading

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⚙️ Key Documents Required

Prepare these documents before applying. All documents must be scanned in digital format:

Important Notes:

• All documents must be self-attested (signed and dated)
• Scans should be clear and readable
• File size should not exceed 200 KB per document
• Keep original documents for verification at interview stage
• Information on application must match with certificates exactly

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📘 Important Links & Quick Access

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the age limit for UPSC IES/ISS 2026?

A: The maximum age limit is 30 years (as on 1 August 2026) for General candidates. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (35 years), OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation (33 years), Ex-servicemen get 5 years relaxation, and PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation (40 years). Minimum age is 21 years for all.

Q2: Can I apply for both IES and ISS simultaneously?

A: No, you must choose either IES or ISS while applying. You cannot apply for both services in the same recruitment cycle. Once you submit your application, this choice cannot be changed.

Q3: What qualifications are required for Indian Economic Service?

A: You must have a Post-Graduate degree (Master’s or higher) in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognized university. Bachelor’s degree alone is not sufficient.

Q4: What qualifications are required for Indian Statistical Service?

A: You must have either a Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as one subject, OR a Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, or Applied Statistics from a recognized university.

Q5: Is the application fee refundable?

A: No, the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and PwBD candidates are exempt from paying any fee.

Q6: What is the last date to apply?

A: The last date to submit online applications is 3 March 2026 at 18:00 hours (6:00 PM). No applications will be accepted after this time, regardless of the reason.

Q7: How many vacancies are available?

A: UPSC has released a total of 44 vacancies: 16 posts for Indian Economic Service and 28 posts for Indian Statistical Service across India.

Q8: What is the selection process?

A: The selection consists of two stages: Written Examination (Part-I) for 1000 marks and Personality Test/Viva Voce (Part-II) for 200 marks. You must qualify both stages to be selected.

Q9: When will the examination be held?

A: The written examination will be held on 19 June 2026. The exact schedule and exam centers will be mentioned in the admit card.

Q10: Is there any negative marking in the written exam?

A: This information will be mentioned in the official notification and exam instructions. Check the detailed notification PDF for exact marking scheme.

Q11: Can I change my service choice after application?

A: No, once you submit your application with a choice of service (IES or ISS), it cannot be changed. Choose carefully before final submission.

Q12: What happens after the exam?

A: After written exam results are declared, candidates who qualify will be called for personality test/viva voce. After successful completion of both stages, final merit list will be published.

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🎓 Eligibility Quick Check

Before applying, verify if you meet these basic requirements:

✅ Citizenship: Indian Citizen (born in India or any commonwealth country)

✅ Age: Between 21-30 years (with applicable relaxations)

✅ Education:

• For IES: Post-Graduate in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/Econometrics
• For ISS: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Statistics

✅ Nationality: No nationality issues or restrictions

✅ Health: Physically and mentally fit

If you meet all these criteria, you are eligible to apply!

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🌟 Why This Opportunity?

• Prestigious Position: Join India’s elite civil services
• Excellent Salary: Monthly pay starts from ₹56,100+ with allowances
• Job Security: Permanent government position
• Career Growth: Promotions to senior levels with good prospects
• Perks: Medical, pension, leave benefits, and more
• National Service: Contribute to policy-making and nation development
• Posting Options: Work across India and abroad
• Stability: Stable and secure career for life

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📝 Important Notes

• Read the official notification carefully before applying
• Ensure all information matches your original documents
• Keep a copy of your application confirmation for reference
• Follow the document upload specifications strictly
• Don’t apply at the last moment to avoid technical issues
• For queries, contact UPSC through their official website

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🎯 Final Checklist Before Applying

Before hitting the “Submit” button, ensure:

✅ You’ve read the complete official notification ✅ You meet all eligibility criteria ✅ You have all required documents scanned and ready ✅ Application fee is arranged (if applicable) ✅ You’ve chosen either IES or ISS (not both) ✅ All personal details are correct and match with ID proof ✅ Document scans are clear and within file size limits ✅ You’ve filled educational details accurately ✅ You have a backup of your application confirmation ✅ You have your login credentials saved securely

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Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Note: All information is based on the official UPSC Notification dated 11 February 2026. For any updates or changes, refer to the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in

Best of luck with your application! This is an incredible opportunity to serve India at the highest level. 🌟