The Union Public service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on 4 February 2026 on its official portal. This notification marks the beginning of the recruitment cycle for India’s most prestigious administrative services including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and B central services.
🧑💼 Total Vacancies Announced: 933 Posts
According to the official notification, UPSC has announced 933 vacancies for the CSE‑2026 recruitment cycle. This figure is somewhat lower than last year’s vacancies (979 posts) and part of a gradually reducing trend in total intake over recent years.
🧾 Vacancy Breakdown (Including PwBD Reservations)
Out of 933 total posts:
- 33 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Blindness & low vision – 7
- Deaf & hard of hearing – 11
- Locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack, muscular dystrophy) – 8
- Multiple disabilities – 7
🔎 Note: Final vacancy numbers may be subject to confirmation by Cadre Controlling Authorities.
📅 Important Dates & Timeline
Event
Date
Notification Release
4 February 2026
Online application Begins
4 February 2026
Last Date to Apply (upto 6 PM)
24 February 2026
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
24 May 2026
Main Examination (Mains)
21 August 2026
Candidates must apply online via UPSC’s official portal (upsconline.nic.in) and ensure all details, photos, and signatures are correctly uploaded before the deadline.
🪪 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality & Citizenship
- Indian citizens are eligible for IAS, IPS, IFS.
- For some other services, citizens of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (pre‑1962), and Persons of indian Origin may be eligible subject to government certification.
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is mandatory.
- Final‑year students can apply provisionally (subject to submitting proof of passing before the interview).
Age Limit & Number of Attempts
Category
Age Limit
Max Attempts
General / EWS
21–32 years
6
OBC
Up to 35 years
9
SC / ST
Up to 37 years
Unlimited
PwBD (General / EWS / OBC)
As per category norms
9
PwBD (SC / ST)
As per category norms
Unlimited
🛑 New Eligibility Rule: Serving Officers Barred
A significant change in the 2026 notification restricts attempts by certain candidates:
- Serving IAS and IFS officers who have already been appointed through earlier examinations cannot appear for CSE 2026.
- Serving IPS officers aren’t eligible to opt for IPS again via this exam.
- Some one‑time improvements may be allowed for candidates selected earlier (under strict conditions).
These changes are designed to streamline the attempt process and ensure fairness in competition.
💼 Application Fees & Process
- SC/ST, PwBD, and Female candidates are exempt from the ₹100 application fee for Prelims.
- If they qualify Prelims and appear for Mains, a ₹20 fee may be applicable (waived for exempt categories).
📜 Selection Stages
The UPSC CSE 2026 selection process includes:
Civil services Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Civil services Main Examination (Written + Essay Papers)
Personality Test / Interview
Candidates must qualify each stage to progress to the next, with final allocation based on combined performance and vacancy availability.
📌 Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- UPSC CSE 2026 notification is now officially active.
- 933 vacancies have been announced — lower than recent years, increasing competition.
- Online applications are open till 24 February.
- New eligibility changes affect serving civil servants.
- Dates for Prelims and Mains are fixed and cannot be changed without official updation.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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