UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Released: 933 Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Dates, Fee & Full Details
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification. This prestigious examination recruits candidates for top administrative services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other central services.
Total Vacancies: 933
Application Dates: 4 February to 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
UPSC CSE 2026 Tentative Vacancies (Category-wise)
Out of the total 933 vacancies, 33 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD):
| PwBD Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Blindness & Low Vision | 7 |
| Deaf & Hard of Hearing | 11 |
| Locomotor Disability | 8 |
| Multiple Disabilities | 7 |
Final vacancy count may change after confirmation from Cadre Controlling Authorities.
Who Can Apply for UPSC CSE 2026? (Eligibility Criteria)
Educational Qualification
- A Graduate degree from a recognized university
- Final-year students can also apply (subject to proof later)
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 32 years
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates as per rules
UPSC CSE 2026: Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| PwBD (Gen/EWS/OBC) | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
UPSC CSE 2026 Application Fee
Prelims Examination Fee
- ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS
- Exempted: Women, SC, ST, PwBD candidates
Mains Examination Fee
- ₹200 (only for candidates qualified for Mains)
- Exempted categories remain the same
Payment Mode: Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination
- Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
- Paper II: CSAT (200 marks – qualifying)
- Objective type (MCQs)
- Marks not counted in final merit
Main Examination
- 9 Descriptive Papers
- Total Marks: 1750
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 250 |
| GS I | 250 |
| GS II | 250 |
| GS III | 250 |
| GS IV | 250 |
| Optional Paper I | 250 |
| Optional Paper II | 250 |
| Language Papers (Qualifying) | — |
Optional Subjects for UPSC CSE 2026 (Mains)
Candidates must choose one optional subject from the list below:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Literature (Indian Languages & English)
(This table is based on the official UPSC calendar )
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
| Name of Examination | Notification Date | Application Deadline | Exam Start Date | Duration |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) | 03.09.2025 | 23.09.2025 | 08.02.2026 | 1 Day |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 08.02.2026 | 1 Day |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | 24.12.2025 | 13.01.2026 | 28.02.2026 | 2 Days |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2026 | 03.12.2025 | 23.12.2025 | 08.03.2026 | 1 Day |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I) | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 | 1 Day |
| C.D.S. Examination (I) | 10.12.2025 | 30.12.2025 | 12.04.2026 | 1 Day |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 | 1 Day |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) | 14.01.2026 | 03.02.2026 | 24.05.2026 | 1 Day |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination | 11.02.2026 | 03.03.2026 | 19.06.2026 | 3 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) | — | — | 20.06.2026 | 2 Days |
| Engineering Services (Main) | — | — | 21.06.2026 | 1 Day |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) | 18.02.2026 | 10.03.2026 | 19.07.2026 | 1 Day |
| Combined Medical Services Exam | 11.03.2026 | 31.03.2026 | 02.08.2026 | 1 Day |
| Civil Services (Main) | — | — | 21.08.2026 | 5 Days |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II) | — | — | 21.08.2026 | — |
| C.D.S. Examination (II) | 20.05.2026 | 09.06.2026 | 13.09.2026 | 1 Day |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) | — | — | 22.11.2026 | 7 Days |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 16.09.2026 | 06.10.2026 | 12.12.2026 | 2 Days |
Note: These dates are subject to alteration if circumstances warrant
. Several dates are also reserved for additional UPSC Recruitment Tests (RTs) throughout the year .
Why is UPSC CSE 2026 Important?
- One of the most competitive exams in India
- Gateway to top policy-making & leadership roles
- Ensures job security, authority & social impact
Final Words
If you are aspiring to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, UPSC CSE 2026 is your opportunity. Carefully read the eligibility criteria, understand the exam pattern, and start your preparation early.
Apply only through the official website: upsc.gov.in
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