Are you aspiring to serve the nation through prestigious administrative services? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Civil Services Examination 2026, a golden opportunity for eligible candidates to join esteemed Group A and Group B services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Audit & Accounts, DANICS, DANIPS, and various other Central Services. This comprehensive job description provides all essential details about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application procedures, and important dates to guide aspiring candidates through this competitive examination.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 – Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a highly regarded national-level competitive exam conducted annually to select candidates for various civil services in the Government of India. The 2026 cycle offers approximately 933 vacancies spanning multiple services and posts, making it a highly competitive yet rewarding career path for candidates with a passion for public service.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Post Type | Group A & Group B Services |
| Total Vacancy Count | Approximately 933 Posts |
| Services Covered | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, Indian Audit & Accounts, DANICS, DANIPS, and Other Central Services |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree (Any Discipline) |
| Age Limit | 21–32 Years (as on 01-08-2026) |
| Exam Stages | Preliminary, Main, Interview |
| Application Start Date | 04/02/2026 |
| Application Last Date | 24/02/2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Distribution
The vacancies are distributed across various services and categories, providing opportunities in both All India Services and Central Services Group A and B. The expected number of vacancies is around 933, categorized as follows:
| Service Category | Post Type | Expected Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| All India Services | IAS / IPS / IFS | Included in Total |
| Central Services Group A | IRS, Indian Railway Management, Indian Defence Accounts, Indian Postal Service, etc. | Included in Total |
| Central Services Group B | DANICS / DANIPS / AFHQ Civil Service / PONDICS | Included in Total |
| Total | Approximately 933 Posts |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification across any discipline.
Age Limits and Relaxation
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (as on 01-08-2026) | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21 Years | 32 Years | – |
| SC / ST | 21 Years | 32 Years + 5 Years | 5 Years |
| OBC | 21 Years | 32 Years + 3 Years | 3 Years |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 21 Years | 32 Years + Up to 10 Years | Up to 10 Years |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Selection Process
The selection process includes multiple stages designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge, aptitude, and suitability of candidates for civil services.
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Civil Services Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
Detailed Examination Pattern
Preliminary Examination
The preliminary exam serves as a screening test. Marks obtained here are not counted towards the final ranking but determine qualification for the Mains exam.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | Objective (MCQs) | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | Objective (MCQs) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Preliminary Exam Key Rules
- Both papers are objective type with multiple-choice questions.
- CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying only — minimum 33% marks required.
- Marks obtained in Paper I are considered for cut-off and shortlisting for Mains.
- Negative marking of 1/3rd mark per wrong answer applies.
- Leaving questions blank incurs no penalty.
Main Examination
The mains consist of nine written papers, including two qualifying papers, and a personality test (interview). Marks obtained here determine the final merit ranking.
| Stage | Subjects and Papers | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Papers | Paper A: Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying |
| Paper B: English | 300 | Qualifying | |
| Merit Papers | Essay | 250 | Merit |
| General Studies I | 250 | Merit | |
| General Studies II | 250 | Merit | |
| General Studies III | 250 | Merit | |
| General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | Merit | |
| Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 | Merit | |
| Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | Merit |
Main Exam Total
- Total Written Papers: 9
- Marks for Written Papers: 1750
- Interview/Personality Test: 275
- Total Merit Marks: 2025
Final Merit Calculation
The final ranking is based on the combined marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview.
- Marks from written exam (1750)
- Marks from interview (275)
The final score out of 2025 determines the allocation of services and posts.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Start of Online Registration | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Prospective candidates must follow these steps to ensure successful application submission:
- Visit the official UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in
- Register by completing the One-Time Registration (URN)
- Fill out the Civil Services Examination 2026 application form with accurate details
- Upload recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and other required documents
- Pay the prescribed application fee through available online payment modes
- Review all entered details and submit the application before the deadline: 24th February 2026, 6:00 PM
Additional Resources and Important Links
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is a gateway for talented aspirants aspiring to join India’s top administrative positions. Preparing diligently across various stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—is essential to secure a coveted place in prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. Stay informed about important dates, follow application procedures meticulously, and utilize available resources such as mock tests and official guidelines to enhance your chances of success. Embark on this challenging journey with dedication and perseverance, and pave the way for a rewarding career in public service.