The Union Public Service Commission has reminded aspirants that the online application window for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026 will be closing tomorrow, 24 February 2026, at 6:00 PM. Candidates keen on joining prestigious central services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and allied cadres must submit their application forms before the deadline. The application process began after the UPSC CSE 2026 notification was released earlier in February, inviting eligible graduates to register and apply online. The final date to complete the form and pay the requisite fees is fast approaching.
How to Submit the UPSC CSE 2026 Application?
Prospective candidates must follow the steps below to ensure their form is submitted correctly and on time:
- Visit the official UPSC application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR), if not already done.
- Fill in all personal and educational details in the Civil Services Examination 2026 form.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specified dimensions.
- Select the examinations to appear in (CSE, IFS, etc.).
- Pay the application fee using online payment options like net banking, debit/credit card or UPI.
- Review the form and submit before the deadline.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last minute to avoid technical issues due to heavy traffic on the portal.
Application Eligibility and Key Criteria
To be eligible for UPSC CSE 2026:
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- They must meet the age limit and attempt criteria as prescribed in the official notification.
- Final-year students awaiting results may also apply subject to conditions.
Applicants for the IFS must meet similar academic and nationality requirements before completing the form.
What Happens After the Deadline?
Once the application window closes at 6:00 PM on 24 February 2026, no further extensions will be granted under normal circumstances. UPSC will then issue admit cards to successfully registered candidates ahead of the Preliminary Examination tentatively scheduled for 24 May 2026. The CSE selection process is conducted in stages — Prelims → Mains → Interview — and only those who qualify each stage progress further. Final results and service allocations are generally announced after all phases conclude later in the year.