The Union Public Service Commission officially released the UPSC Notification 2026 for the Civil Services Examination on its official website. Every year, lakhs of aspirants wait for the release of the notification to start their preparation journey for India’s most prestigious examination.
According to the official update, the UPSC Notification 2026 announces 933 vacancies for various Group A and Group B services. The notification contains complete information about the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and important instructions for candidates.
Candidates preparing for the civil services must carefully read the UPSC Notification 2026 to understand the updated rules, new application process, and important dates related to the examination.
UPSC Notification 2026 Overview
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination every year to recruit officers for top administrative services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. The exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Total Vacancies | 933 |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS Male) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Candidates should also understand the UPSC syllabus while planning their preparation strategy.
UPSC Notification 2026: Important Dates
The UPSC Notification 2026 includes the complete examination timeline for aspirants. Candidates must follow these dates carefully to avoid missing any important deadline.
| Event | Date |
| UPSC Notification Release | 4 February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 February 2026 |
| Correction Window | 28 Feb – 3 March 2026 |
| UPSC Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam | 21 August 2026 |
The admit card and result dates will be announced later by the Commission.
UPSC Vacancy 2026
As per the UPSC Notification 2026, approximately 933 vacancies have been announced for different civil services. These vacancies include positions in IAS, IPS, IFS, and several other central services.
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
| 2023 | 1105 |
The final number of vacancies may change depending on government requirements.
Download UPSC Notification 2026- Click here
New Changes in UPSC Notification 2026
The UPSC Notification 2026 introduces several changes in the application process and verification system. These reforms aim to improve transparency and reduce errors during the application process.
1. Four Stage Application Process
The new application system now includes:
- Account Creation
- Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Common Application Form (CAF)
- Examination Specific Module
This system allows candidates to register once and use the same details for multiple UPSC exams.
2. Mandatory Live Photo Upload
Candidates must now upload a recent passport photograph and a live captured photo during the application process. This step helps prevent impersonation during the examination.
3. Aadhaar Based Verification
The Commission recommends using Aadhaar for faster identity verification during registration and exam centre verification.
4. Face Authentication at Exam Centre
Face verification will be conducted at exam centres to ensure transparency and prevent unfair practices.
5. Updated Rules for Certificates
Candidates applying under OBC (NCL) and EWS categories must submit certificates issued after the specified financial year as mentioned in the notification.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions mentioned in the UPSC Notification 2026.
Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India or fulfil the nationality criteria specified by the Commission.
Age Limit
The candidate must be 21 to 32 years old as of 1 August 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Final-year students can also apply provisionally.
Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts |
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
UPSC Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC Notification 2026 clearly explains the three-stage examination pattern.
UPSC Prelims
- 2 Objective papers
- 200 marks each
- Negative marking applicable
UPSC Mains
- 9 descriptive papers
- Total marks: 1750
Interview
- Personality Test
- 275 marks
The final merit list is prepared based on Mains and Interview marks.
Students should follow a structured UPSC Mains preparation strategy to perform well in the written examination.
Check this Also- UPSC Result 2025
UPSC Services Offered Through CSE
The UPSC Notification 2026 provides recruitment for several prestigious services such as:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Management Service
- Indian Postal Service
These services play a key role in governance, administration, finance, and public policy in India.
UPSC Application Fee 2026
The application fee structure is as follows:
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil |
| Female Candidates | Nil |
Payment can be made through online mode or SBI challan.
UPSC Admit Card 2026
The UPSC Notification 2026 states that admit cards will be released online before the examination. Candidates must download their admit card from the official website using their login credentials.
The admit card will contain:
- Candidate details
- Exam centre information
- Exam date and timing
- Important instructions
Candidates must carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID to the examination centre.
FAQs on UPSC Notification 2026
1. When was the UPSC Notification 2026 released?
The UPSC Notification 2026 was released on 4 February 2026 on the official UPSC website.
2. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC 2026?
A total of 933 vacancies have been announced for different civil services.
3. What is the UPSC Prelims exam date 2026?
The UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24 May 2026.
4. What is the UPSC Mains exam date 2026?
The UPSC Mains 2026 examination will begin on 21 August 2026.
5. What are the stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
The exam consists of three stages:
- Prelims
- Mains
- Interview