New Delhi: The UPSC CSE 2026 registration application deadline is February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM IST) — and thousands of civil service aspirants are rushing to complete their registrations on the official UPSC online portal before the window shuts.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination each year to recruit candidates for prestigious central government posts including IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A & B services.
Key Details of UPSC CSE 2026
Here are the most important dates aspirants should note:
- Notification Release: 4 February 2026 (Official UPSC Notification)
- Application Start Date: 4 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 — 6:00 PM
- UPSC Prelims Exam: 24 May 2026
- Mains Examination: 21 August 2026
The Commission conducts a three-stage selection process — Prelims, Mains and Personality Test — making UPSC one of the most competitive examinations in India.
UPSC CSE 2026: Official Vacancy Count & Services Covered
This year, UPSC has announced 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. These include posts across central services such as:
- IAS (Indian Administrative Service)
- IPS (Indian Police Service)
- IFS (Indian Foreign Service)
- IRS (Indian Revenue Service)
- Other prestigious Group A & B positions
The vacancies are spread across various cadres and categories, making this a highly sought-after recruitment cycle.
UPSC CSE 2026: Eligibility & Application Fee
Candidates must meet these basic eligibility norms as per the official notification:
- Age Limit: 21 to 32 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
- Application Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates
- Fee Exemptions: Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt from payment
These conditions are outlined in the official UPSC Notification available on upsconline.nic.in.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
Aspirants who have not submitted their applications should complete the following steps immediately to avoid last-minute issues:
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Create a profile at upsconline.nic.in
- Fill Part-I & Part-II: Complete personal and exam details
- Payment: ₹100 online payment via UPI or Net Banking for faster approval
- Upload Documents: Scanned photo, signature, and valid ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID)
- Choose Exam City: Centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis
If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait for the UPSC CSE 2027 cycle to open next year.
Read also: UPSC CSE Language Paper Exemption for Certain Northeastern States: Key Details | Parliament Question
