The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the UPSC CSE 2026 notification on 4 February 2026, marking the formal beginning of the Civil Services Examination 2026 cycle.
For lakhs of aspirants across the country, this announcement is more than just an official update. It is the point where preparation must shift from planning to disciplined execution. At this stage, understanding eligibility rules, application procedures, age limits, attempts, and recent changes becomes just as important as studying the syllabus, because these factors decide who is actually allowed to remain in the race.
Download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF
- UPSC CSE 2026 Notification (English) – Official PDF
- UPSC CSE 2026 Notification (Hindi) – Official PDF
For serious aspirants, this document sets the non-negotiable boundaries of the entire UPSC 2026 journey. The very first practical step is to understand the key dates and plan preparation around the major milestones of the year.
UPSC 2026 Important Dates: Application Window and Exam Schedule
Below are the most important dates from the official UPSC CSE 2026 calendar that every aspirant should note carefully:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Release | 4 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| UPSC Prelims 2026 | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| UPSC Mains 2026 Begins | 21 August 2026 |
| Personality Test / Interview | To be announced |
These dates should act as anchors for planning syllabus completion, revision cycles, test series, and answer-writing practice. In the UPSC journey, time management is not optional—it is a core skill.
UPSC Vacancy 2026 Details
As mentioned in the official notification, UPSC is expected to fill approximately 933 vacancies through the Civil Services Examination 2026. This includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
The vacancies are spread across services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IA&AS, and other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services.
| Year | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
| 2023 | 1105 |
| 2022 | 1022 |
| 2021 | 712 |
| 2020 | 796 |
| 2019 | 829 |
Note: Final vacancy numbers may change after confirmation from Cadre Controlling Authorities and application of reservation rules (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD).
UPSC Eligibility Criteria for CSE 2026
One of the most important sections of the UPSC notification is eligibility. Every year, many candidates lose their candidature not because of poor preparation, but due to misunderstanding or ignoring these rules.
Nationality Criteria
- For IAS, IPS, and IFS:
The candidate must be a citizen of India. - For other services:
The candidate must be:- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam) with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Candidates belonging to the above categories (except Indian citizens) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Educational Qualification
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution is mandatory.
- Candidates in the final year of graduation can apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing before the interview stage.
UPSC does not restrict eligibility based on the subject studied—only a recognized degree matters.
Age Limit and Number of Attempts (as of 1 August 2026)
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years
- Candidates must be born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005.
| Category | Age Limit | Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21–32 years | 6 |
| OBC | Up to 35 years | 9 |
| SC / ST | Up to 37 years | Unlimited |
| PwBD | Up to 42 years | PwBD (Gen/OBC): 9, PwBD (SC/ST): Unlimited |
Additional age relaxations apply for ex-servicemen and J&K domicile candidates.
Major Change in UPSC Notification 2026: Restrictions on Applying
The UPSC CSE 2026 notification introduces important clarifications regarding candidates who are already in service or have been allocated services in previous examinations.
Key Rules Explained Simply:
- IAS or IFS Officers:
Candidates already appointed to IAS or IFS from earlier CSEs cannot apply for CSE 2026. - IPS Officers:
IPS officers may appear again but cannot opt for IPS in service preferences. - One-Time Improvement Attempt:
Candidates allocated IPS or any Group ‘A’ service through CSE 2026 are allowed one improvement attempt in CSE 2027 using a training exemption. - If Training Is Not Joined or Exemption Not Taken:
The 2026 allocation stands cancelled. - After Improvement Attempt:
If a better service is secured, the earlier allocation is cancelled.
If no service is secured, the candidate may return to the 2026 service. - No Further Attempts:
After using the one improvement attempt, candidates must resign to appear again.
These rules are especially important for candidates already in service and must be evaluated carefully before reapplying.
How to Fill Out the UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form
UPSC applications must be submitted online only through the official portal.
Step 1: Account Creation
Visit upsconline.nic.in and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Step 2: Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Generated after completing universal registration
- Permanent and valid for all future UPSC exams
- Stores personal, educational, and ID details
Step 3: Common Application Form (CAF)
- Live photo capture
- Signature upload
- Educational and category details
Incorrect or unclear uploads may lead to cancellation.
Step 4: Examination-Specific Form (CSE 2026)
- Select exam center.
- Choose optional subject and exam medium
- Pay examination fee
- The final submission generates the application number.
No corrections are allowed after final submission.
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
1. Preliminary Examination
- GS Paper I
- CSAT (GS Paper II – qualifying)
2. Main Examination
- Essay
- 4 GS papers
- 2 Optional papers
- 2 qualifying language papers
3. Personality Test (Interview)
The final merit is based on Mains + Interview marks.
What Aspirants Should Do Next
With the UPSC 2026 notification out, preparation must now become structured and outcome-oriented.
Key Action Points:
- Finalise attempt strategy
- Plan preparation backwards from Prelims
- Integrate Prelims and Mains preparation
- Make testing and analysis central
- Treat CSAT as a parallel track
- Gradually shift from coverage mode to performance mode
This is the phase where discipline, consistency, and clarity matter more than experimentation.
Conclusion
The release of the UPSC CSE 2026 notification marks the official starting line of a demanding yet meaningful journey. Understanding eligibility rules and recent changes is only the first step. The real challenge now lies in building a realistic, disciplined, and sustained preparation strategy