The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on 4 February 2026 on its websites upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. This document initiates the application process for one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams for recruitment into services such as IAS, IPS, IFS and other central civil services. The notification contains comprehensive details on eligibility criteria, exam schedule, fee structure, vacancy information, and the three-stage selection process comprising Preliminary, Main and Personality Test (Interview) rounds. Aspirants must review all instructions carefully before applying.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Application Process and Timeline
With the notification now released, the online application window has also been activated. Interested candidates should complete the registration and application form before the stipulated deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
- Notification release date: 04 February 2026
- Application start: 04 February 2026
- Last date to apply: 24 February 2026 (typically by 18:00 hrs)
- Mode of application: Online via upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
- Application fee: INR 100 for general/OBC/EWS men; SC/ST/PwBD/female candidates exempted
Candidates should have essential documents such as educational certificates, identity proof, and scanned photograph and signature ready before beginning the application process.
Key Exam Dates and Selection Stages
The UPSC CSE follows a three-tier examination pattern. The key dates announced under the 2026 notification cycle include:
- Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026 (objective-type screening test)
- Main Examination: 21 August 2026 (written descriptive exam)
- Personality Test (Interview): Dates to be announced following Mains results
The notification also details the syllabus, exam pattern, and reservation provisions as per Government of India norms. Candidates qualifying prelims are eligible to appear in the mains exam, followed by the interview round for final merit ranking.
Eligibility and Services Covered
To apply for UPSC CSE 2026, candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions specified in the notification, typically including:
- Educational qualification: A degree from a recognised university or equivalent
- Age limit and number of attempts: As specified by UPSC rules in the official notification
- The examination provides entry into services such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and other Group A and Group B services
How to Apply Online?
Candidates should follow the steps below:
- Visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete Part-I registration with personal and contact details.
- Proceed to Part-II by uploading scanned photograph and signature.
- Select exam centres and pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants are advised to double-check all inputs before final submission to avoid discrepancies that could affect eligibility.
What Aspirants Should Do Now?
With the notification out, aspirants planning to sit for UPSC CSE 2026 should:
- Review the full notification PDF and eligibility norms.
- Complete the online application before 24 February 2026.
- Begin focused preparation for the Preliminary exam on 24 May 2026.
- Follow official UPSC channels for admit card releases and subsequent announcements.
UPSC CSE remains a highly competitive examination attracting hundreds of thousands of aspirants nationwide each year. Early and accurate completion of the application process, alongside disciplined preparation, is key to progressing through the selection stages.