The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Notification 2026 for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) on 4th February 2026 at its official portals upsconline.nic.in and upsc.gov.in.
As per the official UPSC Notification 2026, a total of 933 vacancies have been announced for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & Group B services.
Aspirants are advised to carefully read the notification and keep all required documents, photographs, and scanned signatures ready to ensure a smooth online application process.
UPSC Notification 2026 – Key Highlights
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is one of the most competitive national-level examinations in India, conducted annually to recruit top administrators for the country.
The UPSC Notification 2026 officially invites applications for:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Other Central Civil Services
Stages of UPSC CSE 2026
- Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Main Examination (Descriptive)
- Interview / Personality Test
UPSC Notification 2026 Overview
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Posts | Group A & Group B Services |
| Popular Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains & Interview |
| Medium of Exam | English & Hindi |
| Official Websites | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC Notification 2026 PDF Download
The UPSC Notification 2026 PDF was released on 04 February 2026 and contains complete details related to:
- Exam dates
- Eligibility criteria
- Vacancy details
- Application fee
- Exam pattern
Candidates should download and read the official PDF carefully before applying.
UPSC Notification 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC Notification Release | 4 February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 24 February 2026 (18:00 hrs) |
| UPSC Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam | 21 August 2026 |
| Interview / Personality Test | To Be Announced |
UPSC Vacancy 2026
The UPSC Vacancy 2026 details indicate a total of 933 posts, which is lower compared to previous years.
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 1129 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
Service-wise and category-wise vacancy breakup is provided in the official notification PDF.
UPSC Apply Online 2026
Candidates can apply for UPSC CSE 2026 through:
Application Window:
4 February 2026 – 24 February 2026
Early application is strongly recommended to avoid server issues or last-minute errors.
Steps to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal.
Step 2: Part I Registration
Fill personal details, address, and contact information accurately.
Step 3: Review Application
Carefully verify all details before submission. Corrections are not allowed later.
Step 4: Part II Registration
Upload:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Certificates (if applicable)
Step 5: Choose Exam Centre
Select your preferred UPSC exam centre.
Step 6: Final Submission
Submit the form and note the Registration ID for future reference.
UPSC Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC (Male) | ₹100 | Online or SBI Challan |
| SC / ST / PwBD / All Female Candidates | ₹0 (Exempted) | No Payment |
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- Graduation degree from a UGC-recognized university
- Professional degrees (MBBS, BE, etc.) are valid
- Final-year MBBS students can apply with provisional proof
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age:
- General – 32 years
- OBC – 35 years
- SC/ST – 37 years
- PwBD – 42 years
Number of Attempts
- General / EWS: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited
- PwBD: As per category
Nationality
- Indian citizens for IAS & IPS
- Others (Nepal, Bhutan, PIOs) eligible for selected services with certification
UPSC Selection Process 2026
The UPSC Selection Process consists of three rigorous stages:
Preliminary Examination – Screening test
Main Examination – Descriptive & analytical papers
Interview / Personality Test – Personality, ethics & decision-making
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
| Stage | Papers | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 2 (GS-I & CSAT) | Objective | 400 |
| Mains | 9 Papers | Descriptive | 1750 |
| Interview | – | Personality Test | 275 |
| Total Marks | – | Mains + Interview | 2025 |
Final Note for Aspirants
The release of UPSC Notification 2026 marks the official beginning of the Civil Services journey for aspirants. With 933 vacancies, competition remains intense, making early planning, disciplined preparation, and proper guidance more important than ever.
UPSC 2026 Preparation with Expert Guidance
With the UPSC Notification 2026 released, this is the ideal time to start structured and exam-focused preparation. Due to high competition and limited vacancies, exclusive self-study often leaves gaps in strategy and answer writing.
At Ekam IAS Academy, we provide comprehensive UPSC coaching covering Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Our programs focus on integrated preparation, optional guidance, answer writing, mentorship, and PYQ-based, current affairs–driven learning, aligned with the latest UPSC pattern.
Aspirants looking for reliable UPSC coaching in Hyderabad can explore UPSC preparation programs at Ekam IAS Academy to build a focused, disciplined, and result-oriented preparation strategy.
UPSC Notification 2026 Released - FAQs Answered
When was the UPSC Notification 2026 released?
The UPSC Notification 2026 was released on 4th February 2026 on the official UPSC website.
How many UPSC vacancies 2026 are announced?
A total of 933 UPSC vacancies 2026 have been announced for the Civil Services Examination.
What is the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date?
The UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date is scheduled for 24th May 2026.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC 2026?
The last date to apply for UPSC 2026 is 24th February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Where can I find UPSC coaching in Hyderabad for 2026?
Aspirants can opt for UPSC coaching in Hyderabad at Ekam IAS Academy for structured Prelims–Mains–Interview preparation.
