The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, announcing a total of 933 vacancies to be filled through this year’s recruitment cycle. This represents a noticeable reduction in posts compared with the previous year’s figure of 979 and the 1,105 vacancies filled in 2024. Eligible aspirants can submit their applications through the official UPSC portal upsc.gov.in until 24 February 2026. The prestigious nationwide examination is conducted to recruit candidates for top administrative positions including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and other Group A and Group B services under the Government of India.
UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy Details and Reservation
The total vacancy count of 933 posts forms part of the UPSC CSE 2026 notification and will be filled across various central services. This year’s count includes reserved positions for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
- Total UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancies: 933
- Reserved for PwBD candidates: 33
- Blindness and low vision: 7
- Deaf and hard of hearing: 11
- Locomotor disabilities: 8
- Multiple disabilities: 7
The final vacancy figure may be adjusted after confirmation from the relevant cadre controlling authorities. Reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) will be provided in accordance with government norms.
UPSC CSE 2026 Registration and Important Dates
Candidates intending to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination must complete the online application on upsc.gov.in before the deadline.
The following schedule outlines key events in the CSE 2026 timeline:
Implications of Reduced Vacancies for Aspirants
The decrease in the number of posts for 2026 is expected to intensify competition among aspirants preparing for Civil Services. With fewer vacancies than the previous cycle, candidates may face higher cut-offs and tighter ranking thresholds across categories. This trend underscores the importance of strong early preparation and strategic attempt planning.
UPSC’s CSE remains one of the most competitive exams in the country, attracting lakhs of applications each year. Aspirants are advised to carefully review the official notification for eligibility criteria, age limits, educational requirements, and exam structure before submitting applications. Regular updates on exam pattern, syllabus changes, and preparation resources will be made available through official UPSC channels and recognised education portals.