The Union Public service Commission (UPSC) has officially opened applications for the Indian Economic service (IES) and Indian Statistical service (ISS) examinations for 2026. These prestigious positions offer candidates an opportunity to serve in the Indian government across various economic and statistical departments.
📌 Important Dates for UPSC IES ISS 2026 Recruitment
Candidates aspiring for the IES or ISS exams need to be aware of the following important dates:
Event
Date
Notification Released
12th february 2026
Online application Period
12th february – 6th march 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment
6th march 2026
Exam Date
15th May 2026
Candidates should ensure that they submit their applications within the given window to avoid missing out.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria for IES and ISS 2026
🧑🎓 Indian Economic service (IES)
To be eligible for the IES exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification:
A Postgraduate degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognized university. - Age Limit:
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age on 1st august 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
📊 Indian Statistical service (ISS)
For the ISS exam, the eligibility requirements are:
- Educational Qualification:
A Bachelor’s degree with Statistics or Mathematical Statistics or Applied Statistics as one of the subjects or a Master’s degree in Statistics from a recognized university. - Age Limit:
Applicants should be between 21 and 30 years on 1st august 2026, with age relaxations as per government norms.
📝 How to Apply for UPSC IES ISS Exam 2026
Candidates interested in applying for the UPSC IES ISS 2026 exam can follow these steps:
Visit the UPSC Official Website: Go to the official website at www.upsc.gov.in.
Complete the Online Application: Under the “Online application for Various Examinations of UPSC” section, select IES/ISS 2026.
Fill in the Required Details: Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
Upload Documents: Upload necessary documents like photographs, signatures, and educational certificates in the prescribed format.
Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee through online modes (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards). The fee is ₹200, with exemptions for SC/ST and female candidates.
Submit the Application: Double-check your details and click Submit. After submission, print the application form for future reference.
Applications must be submitted through the online mode only.
📄 Exam Pattern and Syllabus for IES ISS 2026
📝 Indian Economic service (IES) Exam Pattern
The IES exam consists of the following stages:
Written Examination:
The written test is divided into 6 papers:
General Economics-I
General Economics-II
General Economics-III
Indian Economics
Statistics-I
Statistics-II
Each paper is of 200 marks and lasts 3 hours.
Interview/Personality Test:
Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the interview, which is worth 100 marks.
📝 Indian Statistical service (ISS) Exam Pattern
The ISS exam consists of the following:
Written Examination:
The test has 6 papers:
General Studies
Statistics-I
Statistics-II
Statistics-III
Statistical Methods
Statistical Computing
Each paper is worth 200 marks and lasts 3 hours.
Interview/Personality Test:
Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for an interview, which is also worth 100 marks.
📚 Syllabus
For detailed syllabi of both exams, candidates can visit the UPSC website or consult the official notification.
💰 Salary and Benefits for IES and ISS Officers
The selected candidates for IES and ISS roles will receive attractive pay packages and government allowances:
- Salary: The pay scale will be according to the Level 10 of the Pay Matrix (₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500).
- Allowances: In addition to the basic salary, officers receive house rent allowance (HRA), traveling allowance (TA), and other government benefits.
Moreover, officers in IES and ISS often get postings in prestigious roles within the Ministry of Finance, RBI, NITI Aayog, and other key government bodies.
💼 Career Growth and Opportunities
Officers appointed through the IES and ISS exams have excellent career growth prospects in various government departments. They can be posted in important roles such as:
- Economic Advisors in ministries
- Statistical Analysts in government agencies
- Senior officers in research and statistical organizations
They also have opportunities for inter-departmental promotions, continuing education, and global exposure at national and international platforms.
🧑🏫 Conclusion: Apply for UPSC IES ISS 2026
The UPSC IES and ISS 2026 recruitment offers aspiring candidates a golden opportunity to work in prestigious economic and statistical services of the indian government. Interested candidates should check the eligibility criteria, prepare accordingly, and apply before 6th march 2026.
For successful preparation, applicants are advised to review the syllabus thoroughly, solve previous year papers, and stay updated with current affairs related to the economy and statistics.
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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