The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Notification 2026 for the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) on 4 February 2026. This annual national-level exam is the gateway to top government services in India, including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and several other Group A and Group B posts.
In this detailed article, we’ll walk you through:
- What the UPSC Notification 2026 contains
- Official PDF link with steps to download
- Eligibility criteria
- Vacancy details
- Exam dates and pattern
- How to apply online
- Syllabus and preparation tips
- FAQs about the UPSC CSE 2026
Let’s get started!
📢 UPSC CSE Notification 2026 — Highlights
The UPSC Notification 2026 is officially out and has started the application process for candidates aspiring to join India’s top civil services. Here are the key highlights:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 |
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission |
| Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Window | 04 February – 24 February 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam Start | 21 August 2026 |
| Official Websites | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
| Exam Languages | English & Hindi |
| Selection Stages | Prelims → Mains → Personality Test |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen Paper) |
This year’s notification brings aspirants one step closer to their dream career in public administration and governance.
📥 UPSC Notification 2026 PDF: How to Download
To view the official UPSC Notification PDF with vacancy, eligibility, exam pattern, and other vital details, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the UPSC official website: https://upsc.gov.in
- On the home page, find and click the “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026” notification link.
- The notification PDF will open on your screen — read it carefully.
- Click the Download button to save it for future reference.
🔗 The UPSC Notification 2026 PDF has been published on the UPSC portal and includes all exam-related instructions, eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and key dates.
🧑🎓 Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE 2026
Before applying, it’s important to ensure that you meet all the UPSC eligibility requirements. These criteria determine who can appear for the civil services exam:
✅ Nationality
- A candidate must be a citizen of India (for IAS, IPS, and other All India Services).
- For other services, certain citizen categories such as Nepalese or Bhutanese citizens may apply.
📜 Educational Qualification
- You must hold a Bachelor’s degree from any recognised university in India or an equivalent qualification.
- Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally, as long as they complete graduation by the required date.
🎂 Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age (General): 32 years
- Age relaxation is applicable for OBC, SC/ST, and other reserved categories as per government rules.
🔁 Number of Attempts
| Category | Eligible Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
📊 Vacancy Details – UPSC CSE 2026
A total of 933 vacancies have been announced for the UPSC CSE 2026 cycle across multiple services. These include:
- IAS
- IPS
- IFS
- Central Civil Services
- Group A and Group B positions
There are also separate posts in services like IRS, Armed Forces, etc., depending on allocation and category-wise reservation policies.
📅 UPSC CSE 2026 — Important Dates
Here’s the complete schedule for the UPSC CSE 2026 recruitment process:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Apply Online Begins | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam | 21 August 2026 onwards |
| Personality Test | To be announced |
Mark these dates in your calendar and prepare accordingly — UPSC leaves little room for postponements once the cycle begins.
📝 UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC CSE consists of three major stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
- Objective type test
- Two papers (General Studies + CSAT)
- Acts as a screening test
2. Main Examination
- Written descriptive exam
- Nine papers including Essay, GS papers, Optional subjects, etc.
3. Personality Test (Interview)
- Assess candidates’ personality, administrative aptitude, decision-making skills, and suitability for civil services.
🛠️ How to Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026
UPSC CSE applications are submitted through the ORA (Online Recruitment Application) portal.
🔹 Step-By-Step Application Process
- Visit ORA portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on New Registration and enter your personal details.
- Log in using your Registration ID and Password.
- Select “Civil Services Examination, 2026.”
- Fill in all required information carefully (personal and educational details).
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, ID proof, etc.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Review your application thoroughly and submit.
- Download the confirmation page and save for future reference.
📌 Completed applications must be submitted before 24 February 2026 — UPSC does not accept late entries.
📚 UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus Overview
Understanding the syllabus is key to UPSC success. The syllabus is extensive and covers:
Prelims Syllabus
- General Science & Technology
- History, Geography, Economy
- Environment & Ecology
- Current Affairs
- CSAT (Analytical & Logical Reasoning)
Mains Syllabus
- Essay
- General Studies (I–IV)
- Optional subject papers (two)
- Indian Language paper (qualifying only)
Interview
- Personality assessment
- Decision-making capabilities
- Current affairs discussion
A detailed, structured study plan — with revision time and regular mock tests — is essential to cover this vast syllabus.
💡 Preparation Tips for UPSC 2026
- Understand the syllabus thoroughly.
- Start with static portions (History, Geography, Polity).
- Read newspapers daily (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express).
- Practice CSAT daily with mock tests.
- Solve previous years’ UPSC questions.
- Join test series for Prelims and Mains evaluation.
- Focus on answer writing practice.
Consistent study and time management dramatically improve your chances of success in this highly competitive exam.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the UPSC Notification 2026 released?
It was officially released on 4 February 2026.
How many vacancies are there in UPSC CSE 2026?
The UPSC CSE 2026 notification announced 933 vacancies.
When is UPSC Prelims 2026 scheduled?
The Preliminary Exam will be held on 24 May 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The online application window closes on 24 February 2026.
Where can I download the official UPSC Notification PDF?
The PDF can be downloaded from the UPSC official website under “Examination Notifications.”
The UPSC Notification 2026 marks the beginning of another exciting and challenging journey for aspirants aiming for Indian civil services. With the official PDF released and the application process underway, now is the time to:
✔️ Download the UPSC notification
✔️ Check your eligibility
✔ Prepare all necessary documents
✔ Apply before the deadline
✔ Start structured preparation
With the right guidance and dedicated effort, cracking the UPSC CSE 2026 can be within your reach. Good luck! 🙌
