The wait is finally over for millions of aspirants! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the much-anticipated notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026.
If your dream is to serve the nation as an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, this is your moment. This year, the commission has announced recruitment for approximately 933 posts across various prestigious government services. The preliminary examination is scheduled to be held on 24th May 2026.
In this article, we will cover every important detail you need to know about the UPSC CSE 2026 notification—from crucial dates and eligibility criteria to the step-by-step application process and required documents. Let’s get started!
UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026: Key Highlights
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 933 Posts |
| Popular Posts Included | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, & Group A/B Services |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date | 24th May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
✅ Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To sit for one of the toughest examinations in the world, candidates must meet the strict eligibility standards set by the commission:
1. Educational Qualification:
- A candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized central or state university in India.
- Note: Candidates who have appeared for their final year exams and are awaiting results are also eligible to apply for the Prelims.
2. Age Limit (As of 1st August 2026):
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years (for General Category)
- Age Relaxations: OBC (Up to 35 Years), SC/ST (Up to 37 Years), PwBD (Up to 42 Years).
3. Number of Attempts:
- General Category: 6 attempts
- OBC Category: 9 attempts
- SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts (up to the max age limit)
📄 Important Documents Required
- Valid Photo ID Card: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.
- Scanned Photograph & Signature: Must be clear and meet UPSC dimension/size guidelines.
- Educational Certificates: 10th mark sheet (for DOB proof) and Graduation degree.
- Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate (if applicable).
How to Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026
- Visit the OTR Portal: Go to the official UPSC application website: upsconline.nic.in.
- One Time Registration (OTR): Complete your OTR profile if applying for the first time. If already registered, log in using your details.
- Fill Part-I of the Application: Go to active examinations and click 'Apply' for CSE 2026. Fill in your personal and educational details.
- Choose Exam Center: Select your preferred center for the Prelims (allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis).
- Fill Part-II of the Application: Pay the application fee, upload your scanned Photo, Signature, and Photo ID document.
- Submit and Print: Review carefully, submit, and print the final confirmation page.
💳 Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS (Male): ₹100/-
- Female / SC / ST / PwBD: Exempted (No Fee)
🏆 Selection Process
- Preliminary Exam: Objective Type (GS I & CSAT)
- Main Exam: Descriptive Type (9 Papers)
- Personality Test: Face-to-Face Interview
Conclusion: Cracking the UPSC CSE requires dedication, the right strategy, and consistent hard work. With the notification out and the exam date set for 24th May 2026, fill out your application form today and focus entirely on your revision. Best of luck to all aspirants! 🚀