UPSC CSE 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Dates, Eligibility, and Application Process

UPSC CSE 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This examination is a prestigious national-level test conducted annually for recruitment to various services and posts under the Government of India. UPSC CSE 2026 is scheduled with important dates, eligibility criteria, and an updated application process to guide aspirants. The examination is conducted in multiple stages including Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test, making it a comprehensive selection process for candidates.

The UPSC CSE 2026 aims to select candidates for posts such as Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, among others. The application process is entirely online through the UPSC portal, and various rules and provisions are outlined for candidates’ smooth participation. Candidates are encouraged to read the official guidelines carefully before applying.

Also Read: UPSC IFS Notification 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Dates

Vacancy Details

Note: 33 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) categories including blindness, deafness, locomotor disability, and multiple disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates applying under UPSC CSE 2026 must have following criteria:

Nationality

• For IAS, IFS, and IPS: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
• For other services: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees before 1962, and persons of Indian origin from specified countries with eligibility certificate.

Age Limit (as on 1st August 2026)

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 32 years
• Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ ST, 3 years for OBC, 3 years for defense personnel disabled in operations, 5 years for ex-servicemen, and 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD).

Educational Qualification

The candidates applying under UPSC CSE 2026 must have a graduate degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification. Candidates appearing for the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply but must produce proof of graduation before the Personality Test.

Number of Attempts

• General category: 6 attempts
• OBC category: 9 attempts
• SC/ ST category: Unlimited attempts till the age limit
• PwBD category: 9 attempts (general and OBC), unlimited for SC/ST

Selection Process

• CSE is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination (objective type), Main Examination (written), and Personality Test/ Interview.
• The Preliminary exam acts as a screening test for the Mains.
• The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in Main Examination and Interview.

Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of

Preliminary Examination

• Two papers of objective type (200 marks each)
• Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
• Paper II: CSAT (General Aptitude) – qualifying with minimum 33% marks
• Negative marking: One-third marks deducted for each wrong answer

Main Examination

• Nine written papers with two qualifying language papers
• Papers on Essay, General Studies (4 papers), Optional subject (2 papers)
• Personality Test carries 275 marks
• Total marks for Main + Interview: 2025

Documents Required

• Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/ Voter Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Driving License)
• Educational certificates/ degree/ provisional certificate
• Category certificate (SC/ ST/ OBC /EWS/ PwBD) if applicable
• PwBD certificate (if claiming disability benefits)
• Photograph and signatures as per specifications
• Other documents as declared by UPSC

Steps to Apply

• Visit the official UPSC Online Application Portal at https://upsconline.nic.in
• Create a Universal Registration Number (URN) profile, if not already created
• Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
• Fill the examination-specific module
• Upload scanned photograph, signature, and other documents as per instructions
• Submit application and note the Application Number and URN for future reference
• Pay the application fee, if applicable
• No changes or withdrawals allowed after submission

Fee Structure

• General/ OBC candidates: Rs. 100 for Preliminary Examination; Rs. 200 for Main Examination
• SC/ ST/ Women/ PwBD candidates: No fee
• Payment modes: Net banking, Visa/Master/RuPay/Credit/Debit Card, UPI
• Fee once paid is non-refundable

Key Dates

Important Links

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