UPSC Civil Services 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 933 IAS, IPS Vacancies, Exam Date & Syllabus

UPSC Civil Services 2026 Notification: Gateway to IAS, IPS & Central Govt Jobs

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Civil Services 2026 Notification, announcing 933 vacancies for the nation’s most prestigious administrative roles. This recruitment drive offers a golden chance for graduates seeking a high-profile Government Job in India. If you aspire to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, the application window is now open. The preliminary examination is scheduled for May 2026. This comprehensive guide covers the official notification details, UPSC Syllabus 2026, eligibility criteria, and the direct link to the UPSC Online Application Form.

Key Highlights: UPSC CSE Recruitment 2026

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the premier competitive exam in India, recruiting for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Central Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ services. The UPSC Notification 2026 confirms recruitment for approximately 933 posts. Candidates must navigate a rigorous three-stage selection process designed to select the best minds for public administration.

• Exam Name: Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2026

• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Post Names: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and Group A/B Services

• Total Vacancies: 933 (Approx.)

• Job Location: All India (Central Government)

• Application Mode: Online via OTR

• UPSC Prelims Date: 24th May 2026

• Application Deadline: 24th February 2026 (6:00 PM)

UPSC Civil Services 2026 Vacancy Details

The commission has announced a tentative total of 933 vacancies for the CSE 2026 cycle. These positions are distributed across various All India Services and Central Civil Services.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit & Qualification

Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility conditions mentioned in the UPSC 2026 Notification PDF.

Educational Qualification (As of 2026)

• Graduate Degree: Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized University (Central, State, or Deemed).

• Final Year Applicants: Students appearing for their final year exams can apply for the UPSC Prelims 2026. However, proof of passing must be submitted before applying for the Mains.

• Technical/Medical Degrees: Holders of professional degrees (BE/ b.tech, MBBS, etc.) recognized by the government are eligible. Medical students who have passed the final year but are completing their internship can apply provisionally.

UPSC Age Limit 2026 (As on 01/08/2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years

• Maximum Age: 32 Years

• Date of Birth: Born between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005.

Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit):

• SC/ST: 05 Years

• OBC: 03 Years

• Defence Personnel: 03 Years

• Ex-Servicemen: 05 Years

• PwBD: 10 Years

IAS Officer Salary Structure & 7th Pay Commission Benefits

The IAS Salary per month and benefits for other services like IPS and IRS are governed by the 7th Pay Commission. This makes it one of the most lucrative career paths in India.

• Pay Level: Entry-level posts (Junior Time Scale) start at Pay Level 10.

• Basic Pay: The starting basic pay is ₹56,100/- per month.

• Allowances: Officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government quarters, and Transport Allowance (TA).

• Gross Salary: The in-hand salary at the start ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹1 Lakh+, depending on the posting location (X, Y, Z Class cities).

• Perks: Benefits include official residence, security (for specific posts), medical care, lifetime pension benefits under NPS, and prestigious career growth up to the Cabinet Secretary level (Level 18).

UPSC Selection Process & Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC Syllabus and selection mechanism are comprehensive, testing candidates on knowledge, logic, and personality.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)

Held on 24th May 2026. This is a screening test.

• Paper I (General Studies): 200 Marks. (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Current Affairs). Marks count for Mains cutoff.

• Paper II (CSAT): 200 Marks. (Reasoning, Comprehension, Numeracy). Qualifying only (33% required).

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers.

Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive)

For candidates who clear the Prelims. Total Marks: 1750.

• Qualifying Papers: Paper A (Indian Language) & Paper B (English).

• Merit Papers: Essay, General Studies (I, II, III, IV), and Optional Subjects (Paper VI & VII).

Stage 3: Interview (Personality Test)

• Marks: 275.

• Final Merit List: Based on Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 Marks.

How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026 Online

Follow this guide to fill out the UPSC Online Application Form 2026 without errors.

1. OTR Registration: Visit the official portal and complete the ‘One Time Registration’ (OTR) if applying for the first time.

2. Login: Access your account using Email/Mobile/OTR ID.

3. Active Notification: Click on “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026” under active examinations.

4. Part I Form: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and address.

5. Part-II Form: Pay the fee, select your UPSC Exam Centre, and upload a scanned photo/signature (ensure clarity).

6. Photo ID: Provide details of a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN), which you must carry to the exam hall.

7. Submit & Print: Finalize the form and print the confirmation page for your records.

Important Dates: UPSC CSE 2026 Schedule

Application Fees

Essential Links for UPSC 2026 Recruitment