The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This is the most prestigious examination in India, opening doors to elite services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
If you dream of serving the nation at the highest level, the time to act is now. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 cycle, rephrased for clarity.
1. Key Highlights: UPSC CSE 2026
The official notification was released on February 4, 2026. The application window is short, so avoid last-minute rushes.
| Event | Date / Detail |
| Total Vacancies | ~933 (Includes IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.) |
| Application Start Date | February 4, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 24, 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | Opens for 7 days after the closing date |
| Prelims Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Free for Female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates) |
Important: Candidates applying for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) must also apply through this same Civil Services Prelims form.
2. Eligibility Checklist
Before you apply, ensure you meet the three core criteria:
- Age Limit: You must be between 21 and 32 years as of August 1, 2026.
- General/EWS: 21–32 years.
- OBC: 21–35 years (+3 years relaxation).
- SC/ST: 21–37 years (+5 years relaxation).
- Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply (provided they show proof of passing before the Main Exam).
- Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6 attempts.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (till age limit).
3. Know Your Services
While there are roughly 20+ services, the top three attract the most aspirants:
- IAS (Indian Administrative Service): The most coveted service. Officers handle the administration of districts (as Collectors/DMs) and eventually lead state and central government departments as Secretaries. They are the face of governance.
- IPS (Indian Police Service): For those passionate about law and order. Officers lead the police force (as SPs, Commissioners), intelligence agencies (IB, RAW), and paramilitary forces.
- IFS (Indian Foreign Service): Diplomats who represent India globally. They work in embassies, high commissions, and international bodies (UN, WTO), managing foreign policy and international relations.
4. Exam Pattern: The Three Stages
The selection process is a marathon, lasting nearly a year.
Stage 1: Preliminary Exam (May 24, 2026)
- Nature: Objective (MCQs). Qualifying only (Marks not counted for final rank).
- Paper I (GS): 100 Questions (200 Marks). Covers History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs. Cut-off is based on this paper.
- Paper II (CSAT): 80 Questions (200 Marks). Tests Logic, Math, and Comprehension. Qualifying nature (need 33% or ~66 marks).
Stage 2: Main Examination (From August 21, 2026)
- Nature: Descriptive (Written).
- Papers: 9 Papers total.
- Qualifying: Indian Language & English (300 marks each).
- Merit: Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, GS IV (Ethics), and Optional Subject (2 Papers).
- Total Merit Marks: 1750.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
- Marks: 275.
- Focus: Assesses your intellectual qualities, social traits, and interest in current affairs.
5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- OTR Registration: Go to
upsconline.nic.inand complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t done it in previous years. - Fill Application: Log in and fill out the detailed form for CSE 2026.
- Photo & Signature: Upload your photograph and signature. New Rule: Ensure the photo is recent (taken within 10 days of application) and has your name and date of photo printed on it.
- Fee Payment: Pay the ₹100 fee online (if applicable).
- Center Selection: Choose your exam center carefully. Centers are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis.
6. Preparation Strategy for Beginners
- Start with NCERTs: Build your foundation with NCERT books (Class 6-12) for History, Geography, Polity, and Economy.
- Newspaper is Key: Read The Hindu or The Indian Express daily. Focus on editorials and issues of national importance.
- Limit Your Sources: Don’t buy every book. Stick to one standard book per subject (e.g., Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History).
- Mock Tests: For Prelims, practice is more important than reading. Solve at least 30-40 mock tests before May.
Conclusion
The Civil Services Examination is not just a test of knowledge, but of character, patience, and perseverance. With 933 vacancies this year, the opportunity is significant. Apply before February 24th and kickstart your preparation today.
