The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the much-anticipated notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, announcing 933 vacancies for prestigious positions across the country. This announcement comes after an unexpected delay from the originally scheduled date of January 14, which was postponed due to administrative reasons without prior information about the new release date.
Key Details of UPSC CSE 2026 Notification
The notification was published on February 4, 2026, marking the beginning of the recruitment process for India's most competitive examination. Aspiring candidates can now submit their applications online through the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in, with the deadline set for February 24, 2026.
Vacancy Breakdown and Reservation Details
This year's recruitment drive offers 933 vacancies, which represents a slight decrease from last year's 979 vacancies and a more significant reduction from the 1,105 vacancies filled in 2024. The commission has specifically reserved 33 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category, distributed as follows:
- Seven vacancies for candidates with blindness and low vision
- Eleven vacancies for deaf and hard of hearing candidates
- Eight vacancies for locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy)
- Seven vacancies for candidates with multiple disabilities
Examination Schedule and Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CSE 2026 follows the traditional three-stage pattern:
- Preliminary Examination: Scheduled for May 24, 2026
- Main Examination: Commencing from August 21, 2026
- Personal Interview: The final stage of the selection process
The interview and personality test will carry 275 marks, with no minimum qualifying marks specified.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Age and Attempt Limits
Candidates must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have exceeded 32 years as of the specified date. However, there are relaxations for reserved categories:
- General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts
- OBC and PwBD candidates can attempt the exam 9 times
- SC and ST candidates have unlimited attempts
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories who also qualify under other clauses (such as Ex-servicemen or PwBD) will be eligible for cumulative age-relaxation benefits.
How to Apply
Prospective candidates must register through the One Time Registration (OTR) platform at upsconline.gov.in before submitting their applications. Those already registered can proceed directly to fill out the online application form. It is crucial to complete the application process before the February 24 deadline to avoid disqualification.
Services Offered Through UPSC CSE 2026
The nationwide recruitment aims to select candidates for various prestigious positions, including but not limited to:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Various other Group A and Group B services
The complete list encompasses 23 different services, ranging from Indian Audit and Accounts Service to various railway management services, revenue services, and regional civil services.
Current UPSC Activities
While the notification for CSE 2026 has been released, the interview process for UPSC CSE 2025 is currently ongoing in two phases at the Union Public Service Commission headquarters in Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi.
This annual examination continues to be the gateway to some of India's most prestigious administrative positions, attracting lakhs of aspirants from across the country who dream of serving the nation through civil services.
