Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
Through this exam, UPSC will recruit candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group ‘A’ & Group ‘B’ services.
If you are planning for UPSC CSE 2026, this article covers vacancy details, eligibility, exam pattern, important dates and the application process in simple language.
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 – Overview
- Name of exam: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Conducting body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Total vacancies: 933 posts
- Last date to apply online: 24 February 2026 (till 6 PM)
- Mode of application: Online only
Some of the services/cadres filled through this exam include:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Audit & Accounts Service, Indian Defence Accounts Service, Indian Railway Services and various other Central Civil Services (Group A & Group B)
UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy Details
- Total posts: 933 (all India service and central civil services combined)
- The detailed breakup by service will be available in the official UPSC notification.
- Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwBD candidates is applicable as per Government rules.
UPSC Civil Services 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- For IAS, IPS and IFS: Citizen of India only.
- For other services: rules as per official notification (Indian citizen / certain categories of citizens from neighbouring countries).
2. Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years
The candidate must be born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.
Age Relaxation
- SC / ST: + 5 years
- OBC: + 3 years
- PwBD (Unreserved/EWS): + 10 years
- PwBD (OBC): + 13 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): + 15 years
3. Educational Qualification
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- Final-year students who are awaiting results can also apply. However, they must produce proof of passing the degree before the Main Examination / Interview, as per UPSC rules.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Examination Scheme
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 will have three levels, but the notification here mainly concerns the Preliminary examination.
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Two papers (General Studies I & CSAT).
- Used to screen candidates for the Main Examination.
- Main Examination (Written)
- Personality Test / Interview
Only candidates who qualify Prelims will be allowed to appear in the Mains, and finally in the interview.
Exam Centres in Assam
- Jorhat
- Dispur
(Other centres across India are listed in the official notification.)
Application Fee
- SC / ST / Women / PwBD candidates: No fee
- All other candidates: ₹100
Fee can be paid online or by the methods mentioned in the UPSC online application portal.
How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026
The application is fully online. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the UPSC Recruitment Portal (link given in Important Links section).
- Go to the “Online Application Form” for Civil Services (Pre) Examination 2026.
- Complete Part I registration by filling in basic details.
- Complete Part II – choose exam centre, upload photo & signature and other required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the available online payment options.
- Check all details carefully and submit the form.
- Download and take a printout of the submitted application for your record.
Important Dates – UPSC CSE 2026
- Notification release date: 4 February 2026
- Start of online application: 4 February 2026
- Last date to apply online: 24 February 2026 (up to 6:00 PM)
- Date of Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026
Important Links – UPSC Civil Services (Pre) 2026
- Online Application Form – UPSC CSE 2026
- Official UPSC CSE 2026 Notification (PDF)
- UPSC Official Website