🏛️ Central Govt📍 All India✓ Verified Notice

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026

Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Advt No: UPSC/Advt-No.05/2026-CS

Quick Summary: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, for recruitment to various Group 'A' and Group 'B' services under the Central Government, including prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Central Services. This highly competitive examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Successful candidates will be allocated to various services based on their rank and preferences.

📅 Important Dates

Notification Date	N/A
Apply Start Date	12/02/2026
Apply Last Date	04/03/2026
Exam Date	25/05/2026

💳 Application Fee

General / OBC	₹100
SC / ST	Free
Female	Free

🎓 Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Required: Graduate

Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.

Age Limits: 21 to 32 years.

⚡ Selection Process

1Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

2Main Examination (Written)

3Personality Test (Interview)

📎 Required Documents

Matriculation/10th Marksheet/Certificate (for Date of Birth)
Graduation Degree Certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
EWS Certificate (if applicable)
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Scanned Photograph
Scanned Signature
Valid Photo ID Proof

✍️ How to Apply Online

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website upsconline.nic.in. The process involves two parts: first, completing the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered, and then logging in to fill out the detailed application form for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026. Applicants must upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature, select their examination center, and pay the application fee online. It is advised to keep a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the age limit for CSE 2026?

A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on 1st August 2026. Age relaxations apply for candidates belonging to OBC (up to 3 years), SC/ST (up to 5 years), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories.

Can final year students apply for UPSC CSE 2026?

Yes, candidates who are appearing for their final year degree examination or awaiting results are eligible to apply for the Preliminary Examination, provided they produce proof of passing the examination along with their application for the Main Examination.

Is there any limit on the number of attempts for UPSC CSE?

Yes, General category candidates have 6 attempts, OBC candidates have 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts till they reach their maximum age limit. PwBD candidates also have specific attempt limits based on their category.

What are the stages of the Civil Services Examination?

The examination comprises three successive stages: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective type), Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written), and Personality Test (Interview). Only those who qualify Prelims are eligible for Mains, and only those who qualify Mains are called for the Personality Test.