The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services Examination 2026 notification for recruitment to Group A and Group B services, including IAS, IPS and IFS. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Overview
Name of Organization
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name
Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026
Post Name
Civil Services
Post Type
Group A and Group B Services
Education
Graduate Degree (Any Discipline)
Total Vacancies
933 Posts
Apply Mode
Online
Exam Stages
Preliminary, Main, Interview
Last Date To Apply
24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Eligibility Criteria
Graduate Degree from a recognized University or equivalent qualification.
Application Fee
Categories
Fees
General / OBC / EWS
₹100
SC / ST / PwBD / Women
Nil
Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 32 years
SC/ST: 5 Years Relaxation
OBC: 3 Years Relaxation
PWBD: Up to 10 Years Relaxation
UPSC CSE 2026 – Preliminary Examination Pattern
Paper
Subject
Type
Marks
Duration
Paper I
General Studies (GS)
Objective (MCQs)
200 Marks
2 Hours
Paper II
CSAT (Aptitude Test)
Objective (MCQs)
200 Marks
2 Hours
Both papers are objective type (Multiple Choice Questions).
Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature – minimum 33% marks required.
Marks of Paper I are considered for cutoff & shortlisting for Mains.
Negative marking applies: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Leaving a question blank carries no penalty.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Main Examination Pattern
The Civil Services (Main) Examination is the second stage of the selection process. It includes a written exam followed by an Interview/Personality Test. Marks from both stages are used to prepare the final merit list.