UPSC 2026 Notification Out: Check Prelims Date, Eligibility, Vacancies & Last Date to Apply

Lakhs of students across India dream of becoming IAS, IPS, or IFS officers. For all such aspirants, a big update has arrived. The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission, starting the recruitment process for India’s top government services.

In this article, you will find all the important details about UPSC 2026 including exam dates, eligibility, vacancies, application deadline, and what candidates should do next.

UPSC 2026 Notification: What Has Been Announced?

The Union Public Service Commission released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 on 4 February 2026. This exam is conducted every year to recruit officers for top central government posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Group A and B services.

This year, around 933 vacancies have been announced through UPSC CSE 2026. However, the final number of vacancies may change later depending on government requirements.

The online application process started on 4 February 2026 and the last date to apply is 24 February 2026 (till 6 PM).

UPSC 2026 Important Exam Dates

Candidates preparing for UPSC must note these key dates:

• Notification Release Date: 4 February 2026
• Application Start Date: 4 February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026
• UPSC Prelims Exam Date: 24 May 2026
• UPSC Mains Exam Start Date: 21 August 2026

Only candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam will be eligible to appear in the Mains Examination.

UPSC 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for UPSC 2026, candidates must meet the following basic conditions:

Educational Qualification

A candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Final-year students can also apply but must show proof of passing before the Mains exam.

Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)

• General Category: 21 to 32 years
• OBC Category: Up to 35 years
• SC/ST Category: Up to 37 years

Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government rules.

Number of Attempts

• General: 6 attempts
• OBC: 9 attempts
• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (within age limit)

UPSC Selection Process 2026

The UPSC Civil Services Examination has three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Mains Examination
3. Interview (Personality Test)

Candidates must clear each stage to get selected for services like IAS, IPS or IFS.

As of now, no official change has been announced in the exam pattern for 2026.

Why UPSC 2026 Is Important for Indian Aspirants

UPSC is considered one of the toughest exams in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for a limited number of vacancies.

Clearing this exam gives an opportunity to work in the highest administrative positions of the Government of India. These officers play a major role in policy making, governance and development work across the country.

With around 933 vacancies announced this year, UPSC 2026 offers a big opportunity for graduates who want to enter the Indian civil services.

What Happens Next?

Once the application process ends, UPSC may open a correction window for candidates to edit minor mistakes in their forms.

Read More : BSSC Inter Level & CGL Exam Dates 2026 Announced

Admit cards for the Preliminary Examination will be released a few weeks before the exam. Candidates who qualify Prelims will then have to fill the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Mains Examination.

Interview dates will be announced after the Mains results are declared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)