The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 on its website upsc.gov.in on 4 February 2026. The notification opens the application process for one of India’s most competitive national exams.
UPSC 2026 Key Dates and Application Window
Candidates willing to sit for the UPSC CSE & IFS 2026 exams should keep track of the following important dates:
- Notification release date: 4 February 2026
- Online applications start: 4 February 2026
- Last date to apply: 24 February 2026 (upto 6:00 PM)
- Preliminary examination: 24 May 2026 (CSE & IFS)
- Main examination: 21 August 2026 (for CSE)
Vacancies and Scope
The UPSC has announced approximately 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination 2026, which includes appointments to services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and Group B central government posts.
UPSC 2026 Eligibility and Selection Process
Aspirants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before submitting the form:
- Educational qualification: Degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
- Age limit and number of attempts: As specified in the official notification.
- Application fee: Payable online based on candidate category.
The selection process includes three main stages:
- Preliminary Examination – Objective-type screening test.
- Main Examination – Written descriptive papers.
- Personality Test (Interview) – Final assessment of suitability for civil services.
How to Apply Online for UPSC 2026?
Interested candidates must apply through the official UPSC portal by following these steps:
- Visit upsc.gov.in or the direct application portal link.
- Click on the UPSC 2026 application link.
- Register or log in using the required details.
- Enter personal, educational and examination details.
- Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and save the confirmation page for future reference.
UPSC CSE 2026 Preparation and Exam Strategy
With the preliminary exam scheduled for 24 May 2026, candidates are advised to:
- Familiarise themselves with the CSE syllabus and exam pattern.
- Prepare a timetable covering all GS papers and CSAT sections.
- Practise previous years’ papers and take mock tests.
- Prepare written answer strategies for the Main Exam.
A timely application and a structured preparation approach can significantly improve the chances of success in the demanding UPSC recruitment process.