UPSC Civil Services 2026 – Apply Online for 933 IAS, IPS & Other Posts
UPSC Civil Services 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, announcing approximately 933 vacancies. This recruitment drive is the gateway to prestigious services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A & B Central Services.
The preliminary examination will be held on 24 May 2026, and the application window closes on 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
UPSC Civil Services 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Posts | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, Group A & B Services |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (Approx.) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online via OTR |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
| Service Category | Posts Included | Vacancy Count |
|---|---|---|
| All India Services | IAS, IPS, IFS | Included in Total (933) |
| Group A Services | Indian Audit & Accounts, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Postal Service, etc. | Included in Total |
| Group B Services | Armed Forces HQ Civil Service, DANICS, DANIPS, PONDICS, etc. | Included in Total |
| Total | – | 933 (Approx.) |
Note: Includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduate degree from a recognized university (Central/State/Deemed).
- Final year students can apply for Prelims but must produce proof before Mains.
- Professional degree holders (BE/B.Tech, MBBS, etc.) are eligible.
- Medical students completing internship can apply provisionally.
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Date of Birth: Between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005.
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- Defence Personnel: 3 Years
- Ex‑Servicemen: 5 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
Salary Structure (IAS & Other Services)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 10 (Entry) |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 per month |
| Gross Salary | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000+ (depending on posting city) |
| Allowances | DA, HRA/quarters, TA |
| Perks | Official residence, medical care, pension (NPS), career growth up to Cabinet Secretary (Level 18) |
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Date: 24 May 2026
- Paper I (General Studies): 200 Marks (counts for cutoff).
- Paper II (CSAT): 200 Marks (qualifying, 33% required).
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive)
- Total Marks: 1750
- Qualifying Papers: Indian Language & English.
- Merit Papers: Essay, General Studies (I–IV), Optional Subjects (VI & VII).
Stage 3: Interview (Personality Test)
- Marks: 275
- Final Merit: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 Marks.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online (UPI/Net Banking/Cards) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Admit Card | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
How to Apply Online
- Visit upsc.gov.in.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if new applicant.
- Login using OTR ID/Email/Mobile.
- Select Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026.
- Fill Part‑I (personal details, education, address).
- Fill Part‑II (fee payment, exam centre, upload photo/signature).
- Provide valid Photo ID details (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN).
- Submit and print confirmation page.
Important Links
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CSE 2026?
Approximately 933 posts.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q3. What is the UPSC Prelims exam date?
The exam will be held on 24 May 2026.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
21–32 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
Q5. What is the salary of an IAS officer?
Starting basic pay is ₹56,100 per month, with gross salary up to ₹1 lakh+ including allowances.
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 offers 933 vacancies across IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A/B services. With a rigorous three‑stage selection process, this exam remains the most prestigious gateway to India’s top administrative roles. Candidates should apply online before 24 February 2026 and begin preparation for the Prelims scheduled on 24 May 2026.
✅ UPSC Civil Services 2026, UPSC CSE Notification, IAS Recruitment 2026, UPSC Online Form 2026