UPSC Exam 2026: Notification, Calendar, Application Form, Eligibility & Exam Pattern
UPSC CSE 2026 notification was released on the official website on February 4, 2026. UPSC CSE 2026 application window opened on February 4, 2026 and closed on February 27, 2026 after the extension. The notification carries all the key details such as the number of vacancies, exam pattern, syllabus, age limit, fee and important dates. UPSC has announced around 933 vacancies for the 2026 cycle, and the Civil Services Preliminary Exam is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
What is UPSC Exam?
UPSC, or Union Public Service Commission, is the central body that conducts recruitment exams for the Government of India. Through different UPSC exams, the commission selects candidates for the All-India Services and Central Services such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, CMS and CAPF.
UPSC 2026 Application Process
UPSC 2026 application form is available online on the official website for all recruitment exams. UPSC uses a One-Time Registration (OTR) system on its website. Every candidate must first complete OTR and then apply for UPSC exam of their choice. The full UPSC application process has two parts as listed below.
Part 1 – UPSC Registration
Follow the steps below to complete UPSC OTR registration.
- Visit the official website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in.
- Go to the “Recruitment” section on the home page.
- Click on “Online Recruitment Application”.
- UPSC OTR page will open on the screen.
- Fill in the basic personal, academic and contact details to get registered.
Part 2 – UPSC Login
Once the registration is complete, the applicant receives login credentials on the registered email ID and mobile number. Use these details to log in and fill UPSC application form as shown below.
- Enter the Registration ID and password to log in.
- UPSC application form for the selected exam will open on the screen.
- Fill in all the details in the application form.
- Upload the scanned copies of the photograph, signature and other required documents.
- Pay the application fee online in the last step.
- Check all the details once and submit UPSC application form.
At the time of application, candidates need to upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature, valid photo ID card, category certificate (if applicable) and academic qualification proof.
UPSC 2026 Application Fee
UPSC 2026 application fee depends on the category of the candidate and the exam. Most UPSC exams charge a fee of Rs. 100 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, while female candidates and SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempted from the fee. The fee can be paid online through debit card, credit card, RuPay card or internet banking, or offline by SBI cash challan wherever allowed.
UPSC 2026 Exam Dates
UPSC 2026 exam calendar covers all major recruitment exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission during the year. Candidates can check the full year-wise schedule of notifications, application windows and exam dates in the table below.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
| Exam Name | Date of Notification | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Jan 10, 2026 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | Sept 03, 2025 | Sept 23, 2025 | Feb 08, 2026 |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | Sept 17, 2025 | Oct 07, 2025 | Feb 08, 2026 |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | Nov 26, 2025 | Dec 16, 2025 | Mar 07, 2026 |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | Dec 03, 2025 | Dec 23, 2025 | Mar 08, 2026 |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2026 | Dec 10, 2025 | Dec 30, 2025 | Apr 12, 2026 |
| C.D.S. Examination (I), 2026 | Dec 10, 2025 | Dec 30, 2025 | May 24, 2026 |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 | Feb 04, 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | May 24, 2026 (1 Day) |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 through CS(P) Examination, 2026 | Feb 04, 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | May 24, 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Jun 13, 2026 |
| I.E.S. / I.S.S. Examination, 2026 | Feb 11, 2026 | Mar 03, 2026 | Jun 19, 2026 (3 Days) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 | - | - | Jun 20, 2026 (2 Days) |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | - | - | Jun 21, 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Jul 04, 2026 |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2026 | Feb 18, 2026 | Mar 10, 2026 | Jul 19, 2026 |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026 | Mar 04, 2026 | Mar 24, 2026 | Aug 02, 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Aug 08, 2026 |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026 | - | - | Aug 21, 2026 (5 Days) |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2026 | May 20, 2026 | Jun 09, 2026 | Sept 13, 2026 |
| C.D.S. Examination (II), 2026 | May 20, 2026 | Jun 09, 2026 | Sept 13, 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Oct 03, 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Nov 21, 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 | - | - | Nov 22, 2026 (10 Days) |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | Sept 16, 2026 | Oct 06, 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 |
| Reserved for UPSC RT / Examination | - | - | Dec 19, 2026 |
UPSC Recruitment Highlights 2026
The key highlights of UPSC exam 2026 are listed in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| UPSC Full Form | Union Public Service Commission |
| Frequency of UPSC Recruitment Exams | Yearly |
| Mode of UPSC Application | Online |
| Important UPSC Exams | UPSC CSE, UPSC IES/ESE, UPSC IES/ISS, UPSC CAPF (AC), UPSC CMS, UPSC NDA & NA, UPSC CDS, UPSC IFoS, UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, UPSC SO/Steno LDCE |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy | 933 (approx.) |
| Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Notification 2026
UPSC notifications for CSE, IFoS and other exams are uploaded on the official website upsc.gov.in. UPSC website has a “Recruitment” tab, and all notifications are placed under the “Advertisement” section of the tab. Candidates can download the notification PDF from the website. UPSC CSE and IFoS notification 2026 was released on the official website on February 4, 2026.
UPSC Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE) 2026
UPSC conducts UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination) every year to recruit officers for the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Group A and Group B central services. UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims will be held on May 24, 2026, and the Mains exam will start from August 21, 2026.
UPSC CSE Selection Process
UPSC CSE selection process has three stages as given below.
● Stage 1 – Prelims (objective type)
● Stage 2 – Mains (descriptive type)
● Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2026
UPSC CDS is conducted to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. The CDS exam is held twice a year as CDS (I) and CDS (II), with separate notifications. In 2026, CDS (I) is scheduled on May 24, 2026 and CDS (II) on September 13, 2026.
UPSC CDS Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Written Exam (MCQ based)
● Stage 2 – SSB Interview (5 days)
UPSC NDA & NA 2026
UPSC NDA & NA exam is conducted twice a year for entry into the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy after Class 12. NDA & NA (I) 2026 is scheduled for April 12, 2026 and NDA & NA (II) 2026 is scheduled for September 13, 2026. The selection has two stages – a written exam followed by the SSB interview.
UPSC Engineering Services (IES/ESE) 2026
UPSC Engineering Services Examination is conducted to recruit engineering graduates for various Group A posts in the four categories – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. The IES/ESE 2026 Prelims was held on February 8, 2026 and the Mains is scheduled for June 21, 2026.
UPSC IES Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Prelims (objective type)
● Stage 2 – Mains (descriptive type)
● Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2026
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam is conducted to recruit candidates for the posts of Geologist, Geophysicist, Junior Hydrogeologist and Chemist. The 2026 Prelims was held on February 8, 2026 and the Mains is scheduled on June 20, 2026 (2 days).
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Prelims (objective)
● Stage 2 – Mains (descriptive)
● Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC CISF AC (EXE) LDCE 2026
UPSC CISF AC (EXE) LDCE is a limited departmental competitive exam held to promote CISF personnel to the post of Assistant Commandant (Executive). The 2026 exam is scheduled for March 8, 2026.
UPSC CISF AC (EXE) LDCE Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Written Exam
● Stage 2 – Physical and Medical Standards Test
● Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC Indian Forest Services (IFoS) 2026
UPSC IFoS exam is conducted to recruit officers for the Indian Forest Service. Candidates who wish to appear for the IFoS Mains must first clear UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) 2026, which is being held on May 24, 2026. The IFoS Mains 2026 is scheduled from November 22, 2026 for 10 days.
UPSC IFoS Selection Process
● Stage 1 – UPSC IFoS Mains Exam
● Stage 2 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC IES/ISS Exam 2026
UPSC IES/ISS (Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service) exam is conducted to recruit officers for both services. The IES/ISS 2026 exam is scheduled from June 19, 2026 for 3 days.
UPSC IES/ISS Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Written Exam
● Stage 2 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2026
UPSC CMS exam is conducted to recruit MBBS-qualified candidates for the post of Medical Officer under different central services. The CMS 2026 exam is scheduled for July 19, 2026.
UPSC CMS Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Written Exam
● Stage 2 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) 2026
UPSC CAPF (ACs) exam is conducted to recruit candidates for the post of Assistant Commandant in CISF, BSF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP. The CAPF (ACs) 2026 exam is scheduled for August 2, 2026.
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process
● Stage 1 – Written Exam
● Stage 2 – Physical Standards and Medical Test
● Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test
UPSC S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE 2026
UPSC S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE is a limited departmental exam held to recruit candidates for the posts of Stenographers Grade 1 / Grade B and Section Officers. The 2026 exam is scheduled for December 12, 2026.
UPSC SO/Steno Selection Process
UPSC SO/Steno selection process has only a written exam, which is divided into Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3.
UPSC 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus and exam pattern of every UPSC exam are given in the official notification of the respective exam. Candidates are advised to download UPSC 2026 notification PDF and go through the syllabus, marking scheme and important topics carefully before starting preparation.
UPSC 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the main UPSC 2026 exams are given in the table below. Candidates should check the exam-specific notification for detailed conditions on nationality, physical standards and number of attempts.
| UPSC Exam | Age Limit | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Services Examination | 21 – 32 years | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) | 19 – 25 years | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) | 16.5 – 19.5 years | Class 12 pass; PCM for Air Force and Navy wings |
| Engineering Services (IES/ESE) | 21 – 30 years | Engineering degree in the concerned discipline |
| Combined Geo-Scientist | 21 – 32 years | Master’s degree in the relevant field |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | 18 – 23 years | As per the departmental rules |
| Indian Forest Services | 21 – 32 years | Bachelor’s degree with at least one science subject or engineering / agriculture / forestry |
| IES / ISS | 21 – 30 years | Post-graduate degree in Economics / Statistics / related subject |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) | Upper age limit 32 years | MBBS degree |
| Central Armed Police Force (ACs) | 20 – 25 years | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | As per departmental rules | As per the post-wise qualification |
UPSC Age Relaxation
UPSC provides age relaxation to candidates from reserved categories as per the government rules.
● OBC – 3 years
● SC / ST – 5 years
● PwBD – 10 years
UPSC 2026 Admit Card
UPSC 2026 admit card is released on the official portal under the “E-Admit Card” tab, usually 2 to 3 weeks before the exam date. Candidates can download the admit card using their OTR login. Follow the steps below to download UPSC admit card 2026.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Click on the “E-Admit Card” section on the home page.
- Step 3: Click on the link of UPSC exam for which the admit card is required.
- Step 4: UPSC Login window will appear on the screen.
- Step 5: Enter the registration ID and password.
- Step 6: Download UPSC admit card and take a printout for the exam day.
Details Mentioned on UPSC Admit Card 2026
The following details are printed on UPSC 2026 admit card.
- Name of the candidate
- Roll number
- Photo identity
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
- Exam centre
- Venue of exam
- Shift timings
UPSC 2026 Result
UPSC 2026 result is announced by the commission on its official website. The result is released in PDF format and contains the roll numbers of qualified candidates. Follow the steps below to check UPSC result 2026.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Go to the “What’s New” section on the home page.
- Step 3: Click on UPSC result link of the concerned exam.
- Step 4: UPSC result PDF will open on the screen.
- Step 5: Use Ctrl + F to search the roll number and download the PDF for future use.
UPSC 2026 Answer Key
UPSC 2026 answer key is released on the official website after the conduct of the exam and after the completion of the entire recruitment cycle. Check the steps below to download UPSC answer key 2026.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Go to the “Examination” tab.
- Step 3: Click on the “Answer Key” option.
- Step 4: Click on UPSC answer key PDF of the respective exam.
- Step 5: UPSC answer key 2026 will appear on the screen.
- Step 6: Download the PDF and match the answers.
UPSC 2026 Cutoff Marks
UPSC cutoff marks for all recruitment exams are released in PDF format under the “Examination” tab on the official website. The cutoff is category-wise and depends on factors such as difficulty level, number of vacancies and total candidates who appeared. Candidates can refer to previous year cutoff trends to set a realistic target score.
UPSC 2026 Salary and Benefits
UPSC 2026 basic salary starts at Rs. 56,100 (Level 10 of 7th CPC) and can go up to Rs. 2,50,000 for top posts, apart from allowances. Officers selected through UPSC exams also enjoy the following benefits.
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Official residence
- Personal security
- Official vehicle for senior posts
- Medical treatment for self and family
- Paid leaves and study leave
- Educational facilities for children
- Post-retirement pension and benefits
UPSC 2026 calendar covers the notification dates, application windows and exam dates for the full year. UPSC exams are conducted at various centres across India, and among all of them, UPSC CSE is the toughest and the most competitive. With the right study material, a solid time table and steady effort, candidates can clear UPSC exam. For any official update, aspirants must keep checking UPSC website upsc.gov.in.
UPSC Recruitment FAQs
Question: How many vacancies are there in UPSC CSE 2026?
Answer: As per UPSC CSE 2026 notification released on February 4, 2026, the commission has announced around 933 vacancies, which includes 33 vacancies for the PwBD category. The exact final number is confirmed in the reserve list stage.
Question: What is the qualifying percentage for UPSC Prelims?
Answer: There is no fixed qualifying percentage for UPSC Prelims. Candidates are shortlisted based on the CSAT paper (33% qualifying marks) and the GS Paper 1 cutoff, which changes every year. Only those who cross the GS Paper 1 cutoff are called for the Mains exam.
Question: Can I apply for UPSC exam after completing my graduation?
Answer: Yes, any candidate who holds a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is eligible to apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply, but they must submit their degree proof at the time of the Mains exam.
Question: How can I prepare for UPSC Interview?
Answer: For UPSC Interview (Personality Test), candidates should read their DAF (Detailed Application Form) in detail, follow current affairs regularly, work on communication skills, take mock interviews and stay updated on their optional subject, hobbies and work profile.
Question: Are calculators allowed in UPSC Mains exam?
Answer: Yes, non-programmable calculators are allowed in UPSC Mains for subjects like Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering papers. Calculators are not allowed in the Prelims exam. The full list of permitted items is given in UPSC admit card.
Question: Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims Exam?
Answer: Yes, there is negative marking in UPSC Prelims. For every wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks for that question is deducted. There is no negative marking on unattempted questions, so candidates should skip a question when they are unsure.
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