The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 on February 4, 2026. This is one of the toughest and most sought-after exams in India. It recruits officers for top services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and Group B central services.
The exam offers approximately 933 vacancies (including 33 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability). This is slightly less than last year’s 979 posts. It signals high competition. The application process is ongoing and fully online.
This recruitment is ideal for graduates aspiring for a career in public service with prestige, power, job security, and excellent growth opportunities.
Key Highlights
- Examination Name: Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
- Notification No.: 05/2026-CSE
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 933 (including reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
- Services Covered: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS (Income Tax & Customs), Indian Audit & Accounts Service, Indian Revenue Service, and more (24 services in total)
- Official Websites: www.upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in
- Application Mode: Online only (One Time Registration – OTR required)
- Exam Stages: Preliminary (screening), Main (written), and Personality Test (Interview)
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: February 4, 2026
- Online Application Start Date: February 4, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: February 24, 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
- Preliminary Examination Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
- Main Examination Date: Starting from August 21, 2026 (for 5 days)
- Admit Card for Prelims: Expected in May 2026
- Result Declarations: Prelims (June/July 2026 tentative), Mains (December 2026/January 2027), Final (April/May 2027)
Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Also Read RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Detailed News and Complete Guide (CEN 09/2025)
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet these requirements as on August 1, 2026.
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India (for IAS/IPS/IFS). For other services, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or certain migrants are also eligible.
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can apply for Prelims but must submit proof before Mains.
- Age Limit: Minimum 21 years, Maximum 32 years (born not earlier than August 2, 1994, and not later than August 1, 2005).
- Relaxations: OBC – 3 years, SC/ST – 5 years, PwBD – 10 years, Ex-Servicemen – as per rules.
- Number of Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
- PwBD: 9 attempts (General/OBC/EWS PwBD)
- New Rules for Serving Officers: Candidates already appointed to IAS or IFS from previous exams cannot reappear while in service. They must resign first. Restrictions also apply to IPS and some Group A officers.
Physical standards apply for certain services like IPS (height, chest, vision requirements).
Vacancy Details
Approximately 933 vacancies across various services. This includes reservations as per government norms. Exact service-wise and category-wise breakup will be finalized later, but major allocations go to:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS – Income Tax/Customs)
- Other Group A services: Indian Audit & Accounts, Civil Accounts, Corporate Law, Defence Accounts, etc.
- Group B services: DANICS, Pondicherry Civil Service, Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, etc.
Around 33 posts are reserved for PwBD categories.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates start as officers with attractive pay and perks.
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix)
- In-Hand Salary: Approximately ₹70,000–₹1,00,000+ (including DA, HRA, TA, depending on posting city)
- Perks: Government accommodation, official vehicle, medical facilities, pension (NPS), leave travel concession, study leave, and high social status.
- Career Growth: Rapid promotions; IAS officers can reach Secretary level.
Selection Process
The exam has three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective, Qualifying):
- Two papers: General Studies (GS) Paper I (200 marks), CSAT Paper II (200 marks, qualifying at 33%).
- Negative marking: 1/3rd for wrong answers.
- Acts as screening; marks not counted in final merit.
- Main Examination (Descriptive, Merit-based):
- Nine papers (total 1750 marks): Essay, GS I-IV, Optional Subject (2 papers), Indian Language & English (qualifying).
- Duration: 3 hours each.
- Personality Test (Interview): 275 marks. Focuses on mental caliber, leadership, and suitability.
Final merit: Mains + Interview marks.
Syllabus Overview
- Prelims: Current affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Aptitude (CSAT).
- Mains: In-depth GS topics, Essay writing, Optional subject (26 choices like Public Administration, Sociology, History).
- No major changes in syllabus for 2026.
Application Process
- Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not done (valid for lifetime).
- Fill the application form in two parts.
- Upload photo, signature, ID proof.
- Pay fee online.
- Submit and print confirmation.
Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
- Female/SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted
New Changes for 2026
- Mandatory face authentication at exam venues for identity verification.
- Enhanced online application portal for better user experience.
- Stricter rules on attempts for serving IAS/IFS officers.
- Technological interventions for transparency and security.
This is a life-changing opportunity for dedicated aspirants. With only 933 posts, preparation must start immediately. Focus on NCERT books, standard references, current affairs, and mock tests.
Always refer to the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and the notification PDF for the most accurate details. Download the PDF from the site for full guidelines, syllabus, and service list.
If you meet the criteria, apply before February 24, 2026! Good luck with your preparation. For doubts on optional subjects or strategy, feel free to ask.
