The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC Notification 2026, marking the commencement of the recruitment cycle for India’s most prestigious administrative services. Aspiring candidates can now register for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) through the official portal. With 933 vacancies announced this year, the notification provides a clear roadmap for the preliminary and main stages, setting the tone for thousands of students aiming for a career in the bureaucracy.
UPSC Notification 2026: Key Dates and Registration Schedule
The release of the notification has triggered the opening of the online application window. Candidates interested in the 933 vacancies must complete their registration by February 24, 2026, before 6:00 PM. The Commission has emphasized that no applications will be accepted after the stipulated deadline.
According to the schedule, the Preliminary Examination—a common screening test for both CSE and IFS—is set to take place on May 24, 2026. Those who clear this stage will move to the Main Examination, which is scheduled to begin on August 21, 2026. Timely registration at upsconline.nic.in is crucial to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the server.
Vacancy Breakdown and Selection Process
This year, the Commission aims to fill 933 positions within the various central civil services and departments. While the majority of these vacancies are for the CSE, a significant portion is dedicated to the Indian Forest Service.
The selection process remains a rigorous three-tier system:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective type papers for screening.
- Main Examination: Descriptive written tests for shortlisted candidates.
- Personality Test: An interview round to assess the candidate’s suitability for public service.
Furthermore, the final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test, followed by document verification and a mandatory medical examination.
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Educational Qualification
To apply under the UPSC Notification 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility requirements. The primary criterion is the educational qualification; applicants must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university. Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they can produce proof of passing the degree examination at the time of the Main exam.
Regarding the age limit, candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age. The crucial cut-off date for determining this age eligibility is August 1, 2026. However, the government provides age relaxations for specific categories:
- SC/ST: Up to 5 years relaxation.
- OBC: Up to 3 years relaxation.
- Defense Personnel: Specific relaxations as per service rules.
- PwBD: Up to 10 years relaxation.
Application Fee and Category Exemptions
The UPSC maintains a nominal fee structure to ensure the examination remains accessible. Candidates from the General, OBC, and EWS categories are required to pay an application fee of Rs 100. This payment can be made through online banking, credit/debit cards, or by generating a pay-in-slip for offline payment at SBI branches.
Notably, several categories are completely exempted from the fee. Female candidates, regardless of their category, do not have to pay the application charges. Similarly, applicants belonging to the SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories are also eligible for a fee waiver.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
The application process is entirely digital and follows a two-part registration system. Applicants are advised to keep their scanned photographs and signatures ready according to the specified dimensions before starting the form.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on the ‘One-Time Registration (OTR)’ link if you are a new user.
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Log in with your OTR credentials to fill out the Part-I and Part-II application forms.
- Upload the required documents, including a valid government ID proof.
- Pay the fee (if applicable) and select your preferred examination center.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Exam Day Guidelines and Admit Card Details
The Commission will issue the e-Admit Card on the last working day of the week preceding the examination date. Candidates will not receive a physical copy of the admit card by post; it must be downloaded from the official website.
On the day of the exam, strict adherence to timing is mandatory. Entry into the examination hall closes 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. For the morning session starting at 9:30 AM, the gate will close at 9:00 AM. Candidates must carry their printed e-Admit Card along with the original photo ID card mentioned in their application form to gain entry.
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