The Union Public service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification, opening the gateway for India’s prestigious administrative services including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B services.

This notification is a crucial update for aspirants planning to appear in UPSC CSE 2026, with details about vacancies, eligibility, exam dates, and application procedures.

🧾 Total Vacancies Announced: 933 Posts

UPSC has announced 933 vacancies for CSE 2026, a slight decrease compared to the previous year (979 posts).

Vacancy Distribution Highlights:

· Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 33 posts

o Blindness & Low Vision: 7

o Deaf & Hard of Hearing: 11

o Locomotor Disability (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack, muscular dystrophy): 8

o Multiple Disabilities: 7

Note: Final allocation is subject to confirmation by the Cadre Controlling Authorities.

📅 Important Dates

Event

Date

Notification Release

4 february 2026

Online application Begins

4 february 2026

Last Date to Apply

24 february 2026 (6 PM)

Preliminary Exam

24 May 2026

Main Exam

21 august 2026

Applications are to be submitted online via UPSC official website: upsconline.nic.in.

🧑‍💼 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality:

· indian citizens eligible for IAS, IPS, IFS.

· Citizens of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before 1962), and Persons of indian Origin may be eligible for some services.

Educational Qualification:

· Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

· Final-year students can apply provisionally, subject to submission of proof of passing before the interview stage.

Age Limit & Attempts:

Category

Age Limit

Max Attempts

General / EWS

21–32 years

6

OBC

Up to 35 years

9

SC / ST

Up to 37 years

Unlimited

PwBD (General / OBC)

As per category norms

9

PwBD (SC / ST)

As per category norms

Unlimited

🛑 New Eligibility Rule for Serving Officers

A major update in CSE 2026:

· Serving IAS and IFS officers appointed through earlier examinations cannot reappear for CSE 2026.

· Serving IPS officers cannot appear again for IPS through this exam.

· Limited exceptions for one-time improvements under strict conditions.

These rules aim to ensure fairness and clarity in eligibility.

💼 Application Fees

· General/OBC: ₹100 (Prelims)

· SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates: Exempted from fee

· Mains exam fee: ₹200 (may be waived for exempt categories)

📜 Examination Stages

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

2. Main Examination (Written + Essay Papers)

3. Personality Test / Interview

Selection is merit-based, combining Prelims, Mains, and interview scores.

📌 Key Takeaways

· UPSC CSE 2026 notification is live.

· 933 vacancies announced — slightly fewer than last year.

· Online application window: 4–24 february 2026.

· New restrictions on serving civil servants make it crucial to check eligibility carefully.

· Prelims and Mains dates are fixed: 24 May and 21 august 2026, respectively.

UPSC aspirants should apply promptly, ensure eligibility, and begin preparation early to stay ahead in this competitive examination.

 

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