- UPSC CSE 2026 application process runs from 4 to 24 February 2026 on the official UPSC website.
- A total of 933 vacancies are announced for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other civil services posts.
- Graduates aged between 21 and 32 years can apply, with relaxation available for reserved categories.
UPSC CSE Notification 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) revealed the Civil Service (Prelims) Examination 2026 Notification on February 4, 2026. Interested candidates should start gearing up to apply online for the UPSC Civil Service Exam from 4 to 24 February 2026. UPSC will soon release the UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims Exam Date on its official website. In this blog, we have provided all important details related to the notification and the official PDF for more details.
UPSC CSE Notification 2026 Exam Overview
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Service Exam. The UPSC CSE Application Form filling process has started. Below, we have provided an overview related to it.
| Exam Information | Details |
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Title | Civil Service Examination (Prelims) 2025 |
| Positions Offered | IAS, IPS, IFS, and Other Gazetted Posts |
| Advertisement Number | UPSC CSE(P) 2025 |
| Total Number of Vacancies | 933 |
| Notification Release Date | 22 January 2025 |
| Category | Notification |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CSE Notification 2026 Vacancy
It is essential to keep in mind the total number of vacancies offered by UPSC, and also the qualification and age limit, before filling out the application forms for the exam. The UPSC CSE 2026 exam is ready to fill 933 posts. Any Graduate between 21 and 32 Years (age limit as on 01.08.2026) can apply for the post.
| Exam Name | Vacancy | Qualification |
| UPSC CSE 2026 | 933 | Any Graduate |
While the exact distribution of vacancies across specific services (such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) has not been detailed in the available sources, the overall vacancy trend over recent years is as follows:
| Year | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1,105 |
| 2023 | 1,011 |
| 2021 | 712 |
UPSC CSE Exam 2026 Eligibility
Eligibility for UPSC is one of the first questions that pops up in the mind of every IAS aspirant. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has strict rules regarding nationality, age, attempts, and education. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. All candidates must check these criteria before applying for the UPSC CSE Exam 2026 to ensure their application doesn’t get rejected.
UPSC IAS Nationality
For the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), there is a strict rule: You MUST be a citizen of India.
For other services (like IRS, IRTS, etc.), you can apply if you are:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, to settle permanently.
- A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam to settle in India.
Important Note: If you are a citizen of Nepal/Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee, you are NOT eligible for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). That service is for Indian citizens only!
UPSC IAS Age Limit
Age is often the biggest confusion. Let’s clear it up.
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
This means for the 2026 exam, you must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1993 and not later than 1st August 2004.
Relaxation in Upper Age Limit:
If you belong to a reserved category, you get extra years to achieve your dream. Check the table below:
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Allowed |
| SC / ST | 5 Years | 37 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years | 35 Years |
| Defence Personnel (Disabled) | 3 Years | 35 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years | 37 Years |
| PwD (Disabled Candidates) | 10 Years | 42 Years |
Note: There is NO age relaxation for the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category.
Educational Qualification
No! You don’t need to be a topper or have a Master’s degree.
- The Rule: You must hold a Graduation Degree (Bachelor’s) from any recognized University (Central, State, or Deemed).
- Final Year Students: Yes! If you are in the final year of college and waiting for results, you CAN apply for the Prelims. However, you must produce proof of passing before the Mains exam.
Number of Attempts: How Many Chances Do You Get?
UPSC gives you limited chances to crack this exam. Use them wisely!
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General / EWS | 6 Attempts |
| OBC | 9 Attempts |
| SC / ST | Unlimited (till age limit) |
| PwD (General/OBC/EWS) | 9 Attempts |
Important: An “Attempt” is counted only if you appear in at least one paper of the Prelims exam. Filling the form but remaining absent does NOT count as an attempt.
Are you eligible? Then don’t wait! Start your preparation today.
Join our exclusive Telegram group for expert guidance, personalized tips, real-time solutions, and valuable resources to boost your banking exam preparation.
FAQs: UPSC CSE Notification 2026
UPSC released the Civil Services Examination 2026 notification on 4 February 2026 on its official website for candidates preparing for civil services.
Candidates can submit UPSC CSE 2026 online application forms between 4 and 24 February 2026 through the official portal.
UPSC has announced a total of 933 vacancies across IAS, IPS, IFS, and various central civil services posts.
Candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university to apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination.
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