The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is one of India’s most sought-after exams for recruitment into prestigious government services including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more. Aspirants must stay updated with the official UPSC 2026 notification, which outlines the exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, and application process.
UPSC 2026 notification is slated to be released on January 14, 2026, with applications starting the same day. This guide will highlight all key information aspirants need to know to kickstart their preparation and application process smoothly.
Notification Release: January 14, 2026
Application Start Date: January 14, 2026
Last Date to Apply: February 3, 2026
Prelims Exam Date: May 24, 2026
Mains Exam Date: August 21, 2026 (starts, duration of 5 days)
Personality Test / Interview: Dates to be announced after Mains results
Candidates should download the official notification PDF from upsc.gov.in and carefully read all instructions related to the exam.
While the exact vacancies will be declared officially with the notification, anticipated total vacancies for 2026 range between 950 to 1,100. Vacancies are distributed across Services as per last year’s trends:
| Service | Approximate Vacancies (2026) |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 180 |
| Indian Police Service (IPS) | 200 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | 37 |
| Central Services (Group A) | 600+ |
| Group B Services | 100+ |
| Total | Approx. 1,043 - 1,100 |
Vacancies are further divided among categories (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD) as per Government rules.
For IAS, IPS, IFS: Must be an Indian citizen.
Other UPSC services may allow subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before 1962).
General: 21 to 32 years
OBC: Up to 35 years (3 years relaxation)
SC/ST: Up to 37 years (5 years relaxation)
PwBD: Up to 42 years (10 years relaxation)
Ex-Servicemen: Additional relaxations apply
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply provisionally but must provide proof of passing before Mains.
| Category | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (within age limit) |
| PwBD | 9 or Unlimited (depending on category) |
The UPSC CSE 2026 will follow the usual three-stage pattern:
Preliminary Exam: Objective type questions in two papers – GS Paper I and CSAT (qualifying)
Mains Exam: Nine descriptive papers, including language papers, GS Papers, optional subject papers, and essay
Personality Test / Interview: Assesses candidate’s personality, clarity, and suitability for civil services
Selection is based on combined marks of Mains written exam and Interview.
Start with understanding syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly
Make a study plan considering prelims and mains separately
Regular revision and mock testing are key
Stay updated with current affairs related to India and the world
Focus on answer writing practice for mains and interview preparation
UPSC 2026 is an opportunity for aspirants to join the prestigious Indian civil services. Keeping track of the official notification, exam dates, vacancies, and eligibility will help candidates plan and prepare strategically. Visit UPSC’s official website for authentic updates and documents.
Q1: When will the UPSC 2026 notification be released?
A1: The UPSC 2026 notification is expected to be released on January 14, 2026.
Q2: What is the UPSC Prelims exam date for 2026?
A2: The UPSC Prelims 2026 exam is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for UPSC 2026?
A3: Candidates must be Indian citizens, aged between 21-32 years (general category), with a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Q4: How many vacancies are expected for UPSC 2026?
A4: Approximately between 950 and 1,100 vacancies across various services.
Q5: What is the last date to apply for UPSC 2026?
A5: The last date to apply is expected to be February 3, 2026.