The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This comprehensive guide provides the essential details for aspirants regarding dates, eligibility, and the application process.
Key Dates and Information
Candidates must adhere to the following timeline for the 2026 recruitment cycle:
|
Event |
Date / Details |
|---|---|
|
Notification Date |
February 4, 2026 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
February 24, 2026 (until 6:00 PM) |
|
Preliminary Exam Date |
May 24, 2026 |
|
Total Vacancies |
Approximately 933 |
|
Official Website |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following primary requirements:
1. Nationality
- For IAS, IFS, and IPS: Must be a citizen of India.
- For Other Services: Candidates can be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee (pre-1962), or a person of Indian origin from specific countries with the intention of permanent settlement.
2.Age Limits (as of August 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years.
- Maximum Age: 32 years.
- Relaxations: Up to 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
3. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Final-year students may apply for the Preliminary exam but must provide proof of passing before the Interview stage.
4.Number of Attempts
- General/EWS: 6 attempts.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
- PwBD: 9 attempts for General/OBC; Unlimited for SC/ST.
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
The application process is entirely online through the UPSC portal.
Phase 1: Registration (URN)
Applicants must first complete a Universal Registration Number (URN) profile. This is a one-time registration valid for a lifetime for all UPSC examinations.
Phase 2: Examination Specific Module
After URN registration, candidates must fill out the module specific to the CSE 2026. Key requirements include:
- Live Photo Capture: Applicants must upload a photograph and also capture a live photo during the application process.
- Signature: Candidates must sign three times (one below the other) in black ink on white paper and upload the image.
- Photo ID: Details of a valid Photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID) must be provided
Application Fees
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100 for Prelims; ₹200 for Mains.
- Exempted: Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt from fee payment.
Examination Structure
The CSE consists of two successive stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Two objective-type papers (General Studies I and CSAT) used as a screening test.
- Main Examination: A written examination consisting of 9 conventional (essay) type papers followed by an Interview/Personality Test.
Note on Penalty: There is a negative marking of one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question for every wrong answer in the Preliminary exam.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Withdrawal: Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn.
- Banned Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited at the examination venue.
- Face Authentication: Mandatory face authentication will be conducted at the venue.
- Admit Cards: No physical admit cards will be sent; they must be downloaded from the website.
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