UPSC CSE 2026 Notification: All you need to know

The Union Public Service Commission published the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification. Read here for the Complete Guide on Dates, Eligibility, New Rules and Application Process.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on 4th February 2026, formally initiating the UPSC 2026 examination cycle.

UPSC selects candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other prestigious civil services through the Civil Services Examination.

UPSC CSE 2026 Notification

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India.

Aspiring candidates preparing for the coveted services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), must stay updated with the official exam schedule to effectively plan their preparation.

Download the UPSC CSE 2026 notification

Click here to download the UPSC CSE 2026 notification

UPSC Vacancy 2026

The UPSC CSE 2026 notification indicates approximately 933 vacancies, including 33 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Final vacancy numbers may change after cadre confirmation and reservation adjustments.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria for CSE 2026

Nationality

• IAS, IPS, IFS: Only Indian citizens
• Other Services: Indian citizens, or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), or Persons of Indian Origin (as specified), subject to an eligibility certificate by the Government of India

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
• Final-year candidates may apply provisionally, subject to proof before interview
• No restriction on discipline or stream

UPSC does not test what you studied; it tests how you think and express.

Age Limit and Attempts

Date of Birth Window: Born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005

Major Change in UPSC CSE 2026: Restrictions on Applying

One of the most significant clarifications in the UPSC 2026 notification concerns serving and previously selected candidates.

• IAS/IFS officers from earlier CSEs– Cannot apply at all
• IPS officers from earlier CSEs– Can apply, but cannot opt for IPS again
• One-Time Improvement Attempt:
  • Allowed in CSE-2027 using training exemption
  • Applicable only once
• Failure to join training after exemption– Allocation cancelled
• Post-improvement restriction:
  • Cannot appear in CSE-2028 onwards without resignation
• Candidates already in service (CSE-2025 or earlier):
  • One chance in either CSE-2026 or CSE-2027
  • Beyond that, resignation is mandatory

This reform aims to:

• Prevent repeated service hopping
• Ensure administrative stability
• Protect public investment in training

For serving aspirants, strategic decision-making now matters as much as preparation.

UPSC CSE 2026 Application Process: Step-by-Step

UPSC applications are fully online via https://upsconline.nic.in and follow a four-module system.

Step 1: Account Creation

• Register using a valid email and mobile number
• All communication happens through these credentials

Step 2: Universal Registration Number (URN)

• Generated once and valid for life
• Stores permanent personal details
• Required for all future UPSC exams

Step 3: Common Application Form (CAF)

Includes:

• Live photo capture
• Signature upload (three times on white paper)
• Educational and category details

Incorrect uploads- candidature cancellation

Step 4: Examination-Specific Module (CSE 2026)

• Select exam centre
• Choose an optional subject, medium, or language
• Pay the fee and submit the final form

Once submitted:

• No corrections allowed
• Application Number is generated (exam-specific)

Structure of UPSC CSE 2026 Examination

1. Preliminary Examination

• GS Paper I
• CSAT (qualifying)
• Screening stage only

2. Main Examination

• 1 Essay Paper (250 marks)
• 4 General Studies Papers (250 marks each, total 1000 marks)
• 2 Optional Subject Papers (250 marks each, total 500 marks)
• Qualifying Paper A: Modern Indian language (300 marks)
• Qualifying Paper B: English (300 marks)

3. Personality Test (Interview)

• Tests suitability, not knowledge
• Final merit = Mains + Interview

Also read: When Should You Apply for the UPSC CSE?

Conclusion

The release of the UPSC CSE 2026 notification marks the transition from aspiration to accountability. At this point:

• Eligibility must be double-checked
• Application steps must be executed carefully
• Preparation must align strictly with the exam calendar

UPSC rewards discipline, consistency, and clarity, not panic or last-minute heroics. Aspirants who respect the process early gain a decisive advantage later.