Last Updated on: 05 Feb 2026, 03:30 AM
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Notification Update– Find Complete Exam Details.
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 notification Details. Check exam date, eligibility criteria, age limit, application fee, selection process, important dates and how to apply online.
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Notification Update– Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Date
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims 2026 notification. This examination is conducted annually to recruit officers for India’s top administrative services such as IAS, IPS, IFS and other Central Services.
Important Dates – UPSC CSE 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 | Confirmed |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 | Confirmed |
| UPSC CSE Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 | Confirmed |
| UPSC CSE Mains Exam | September 2026 | Pending |
| Dates are as per UPSC notification | ||
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100 | Online / Offline |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | ₹0 | Fee Exempted |
| Fee once paid is non-refundable | ||
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General | 21 Years | 32 Years |
| OBC | 21 Years | 35 Years |
| SC / ST | 21 Years | 37 Years |
| Age relaxation as per Government of India rules | ||
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill Civil Services Examination 2026 form
- Upload required documents
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and download confirmation page
Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification| Candidate Category | Minimum Qualification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| All Categories | Graduate Degree | From a recognised university |
| Final Year Students | Appearing Candidates | Eligible subject to proof |
| Professional and technical degrees recognised by UPSC are valid | ||
Medical and physical standards for UPSC CSE are post-specific and are assessed at the final stage. Different services such as IAS, IPS, IFS and CAPF have separate medical requirements notified by UPSC.
Domicile / State EligibilityThere is no state-wise domicile restriction for UPSC CSE. Candidates from any state or union territory of India can apply, subject to nationality conditions.
Selection Process
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Civil Services Main Examination (Written)
- Personality Test / Interview
- Medical Examination
Final merit is prepared based on marks obtained in Mains Examination and Interview.
Total Number of Vacancies
The total of 933 vacancies for UPSC CSE 2026 has been officially announced.
| Category | Vacancies | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General | Coming Soon | To be Notified |
| OBC | Coming Soon | To be Notified |
| SC | Coming Soon | To be Notified |
| ST | Coming Soon | To be Notified |
| EWS | Coming Soon | To be Notified |
| Total | Coming Soon | |
Posts Under UPSC CSE Exam 2026
| S. No. | Name of Service | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | Group ‘A’ |
| 2 | Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | Group ‘A’ |
| 3 | Indian Police Service (IPS) | Group ‘A’ |
| 4 | Indian Audit and Accounts Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 5 | Indian Civil Accounts Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 6 | Indian Corporate Law Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 7 | Indian Defence Accounts Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 8 | Indian Defence Estates Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 9 | Indian Information Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 10 | Indian Postal Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 11 | Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 12 | Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic) | Group ‘A’ |
| 13 | Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel) | Group ‘A’ |
| 14 | Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts) | Group ‘A’ |
| 15 | Indian Railway Protection Force Service | Group ‘A’ |
| 16 | Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) | Group ‘A’ |
| 17 | Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) | Group ‘A’ |
| 18 | Indian Trade Service | Group ‘A’ (Grade III) |
| 19 | Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service | Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade) |
| 20 | Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS) | Group ‘B’ |
| 21 | Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS) | Group ‘B’ |
| 22 | Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS) | Group ‘B’ |
| 23 | Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS) | Group ‘B’ |
| Services are allocated based on UPSC Civil Services Examination ranks and preferences. | ||
Important Do’s & Don’ts
- Read the notification carefully before applying
- Ensure eligibility before fee payment
- Use a valid email and mobile number
- Do not submit multiple applications unnecessarily
- Do not wait till the last date to apply
Conclusion
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 marks the first step towards a career in India’s most prestigious civil services. Candidates should focus on understanding the exam structure, meeting eligibility conditions and submitting their applications correctly and on time.