UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification Released: Important Dates, Eligibility, Vacancies, and How to Apply
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification Released
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the Civil Services Examination 2026 notification. This marks the beginning of the recruitment process for India’s most prestigious services including IAS, IPS, IFS, and several Group A and Group B central services.
Download Official UPSC CSE 2026 Notification PDF
Download the complete and official UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification PDF. The document includes exam dates, eligibility rules, vacancy details, application process, fee structure, and service list.
Download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF
Apply Online for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
Eligible candidates can now apply online for UPSC CSE 2026 through the official UPSC application portal. Complete the registration process well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026
Important Dates for UPSC CSE 2026
The online application process begins on 4 February 2026. Candidates must submit the application form on or before 24 February 2026 till 6 PM.
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted on 24 May 2026. Admit cards will be released online prior to the examination.
Number of Vacancies in UPSC 2026
The total number of vacancies to be filled through UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is approximately 933. These include reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per Government of India norms.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university. Final year students awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
The age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026. Age relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and ex servicemen categories.
General category candidates get six attempts. OBC candidates get nine attempts. There is no attempt limit for SC and ST candidates within the age limit.
Rules for Candidates Already Appointed Through Previous Civil Services Examinations
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification clearly lays down specific rules for candidates who have already been appointed to or allocated a service through previous or current Civil Services Examinations. Aspirants falling under this category should read these conditions carefully before applying.
Ineligibility of Existing IAS and IFS Officers
Candidates who are already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service or the Indian Foreign Service and continue to be members of these services are not eligible to apply for UPSC CSE 2026.
If a candidate is appointed to IAS or IFS after qualifying the Preliminary Examination but before the Main Examination, they will not be allowed to appear for the Main Examination. Similarly, if appointment to IAS or IFS takes place after the Main Examination but before declaration of final results, such candidates will not be considered for any service allocation under CSE 2026.
Rules Applicable to IPS Officers
Candidates who are already appointed to the Indian Police Service through a previous Civil Services Examination are permitted to appear for UPSC CSE 2026. However, they will not be allowed to opt for or be allocated the Indian Police Service again.
Appearing in Subsequent Civil Services Examinations
Candidates who are allocated the Indian Police Service or any Central Service Group A based on CSE 2026 may appear for CSE 2027 subject to specific conditions. A one time exemption must be obtained from joining the training of the CSE 2026 service.
During this period, candidates are permitted to join only the Foundation Course. If a candidate neither joins training nor formally avails the exemption, the service allocation under CSE 2026 will be cancelled.
If recommended in CSE 2027, candidates may choose the service allocated either from CSE 2026 or CSE 2027. Once a choice is exercised, the other allocation stands cancelled. Seniority will be counted from the year of actual joining and will not be adversely affected.
One Time Exemption Rule and Resignation Requirement
The exemption from training to appear in a subsequent examination is allowed only once. After availing this one time opportunity, candidates will not be permitted to appear for CSE 2028 or any future examinations unless they resign from the allocated service.
Candidates who wish to utilise their remaining attempts beyond this one time window must avoid joining the allocated service. Joining the service will automatically cancel the option to appear in future examinations without resignation.
Special Provision for Candidates Allocated Through Earlier Examinations
Candidates who were allocated services based on Civil Services Examination 2025 or earlier are provided a final one time opportunity to appear in either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 without resigning from their service. To appear in CSE 2028 or later, resignation from the allocated service will be mandatory.
Stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination
The examination is conducted in three stages. The Preliminary Examination is an objective type screening test.
Candidates qualifying prelims appear for the Main Examination, which includes descriptive papers such as essay and general studies.
Candidates clearing the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test. Final merit is prepared based on Main Examination and Interview marks.
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