UPSC CSE 2026 Notification: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams that selects candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services.
The UPSC CSE is a gateway to leadership roles in government and public administration. The UPSC CSE 2026 notification outlines eligibility criteria, important dates, application procedures, and examination patterns that aspirants must follow.
UPSC CSE 2026 Notification: Important Dates to Remember
- Notification Release Date: UPSC has issued the official CSE 2026 notification.
- Application Start Date: Candidates can submit their applications online from the designated start date.
- Application Last Date: The deadline to apply is mentioned in the notification — aspirants must ensure they complete the process before this date.
- Preliminary Exam Date: Usually scheduled between May and June — exact date will be available in the official schedule.
- Main Exam Date: Typically held between September and October — candidates should check the detailed timetable.
Aspiring candidates should also keep track of deadlines for submitting fee payments and correcting any application errors during the edit window.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for UPSC CSE 2026, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent. Final year students are also eligible to apply provisionally.
- Age Limit: Generally between 21 to 32 years (age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government norms).
- Number of Attempts: Varies by category — general category candidates are typically allowed six attempts, with relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, and other eligible candidates.
Candidates are advised to carefully read the eligibility guidelines in the notification before applying to avoid disqualification.
How to Apply
The UPSC CSE application process is entirely online through the UPSC official website. Aspiring candidates must:
- Register on the UPSC e-service portal.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned documents and passport-size photographs as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, and submit the form before the deadline.
After submission, candidates should download the confirmation page and retain it for future reference.
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
UPSC CSE follows a three-stage selection process:
Personality Test/Interview: Final stage to evaluate candidate’s suitability for civil services.
Preliminary Examination: Objective type papers assessing general studies and aptitude.
Main Examination: Descriptive written examination covering multiple subjects including Essay, General Studies, and Optional Papers.
