UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out | Apply Online, Step by Step Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC CSE Notification 2026 on 4th February 2026 at https://upsconline.nic.in/. The notification outlines all crucial details such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, number of vacancies, application fee, and exam pattern. 

Candidates planning to apply for UPSC CSE 2026 should keep their documents, photographs, and scanned signatures ready to ensure a hassle-free online application. As per the official notification, 933 vacancies have been announced for the Civil Services Examination 2026.

Download the UPSC 2026 Official Notification now!

UPSC notification 2026 invites eligible candidates to apply for the prestigious Civil Services Examination — the gateway to services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Group “A” and “B” Central Services.

Here are the key dates for UPSC CSE 2026: 

All dates are according to the official UPSC notification. Aspirants are strongly advised to plan their preparation and submission well before deadlines.

Also see: How Many Attempts for UPSC CSE? Category-wise Details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a total of 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. These vacancies are distributed across prestigious services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), along with other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ allied services.

UPSC Vacancy Trend (Previous Years)

• 2025: 1129
• 2024: 1056
• 2023: 1105
• 2022: 1022

While the overall number of vacancies in 2026 is lower compared to the previous two years, competition remains intense due to the limited intake and high aspirant turnout.

As per the UPSC Notification 2026, candidates must meet specific age limits and attempt criteria. Aspirants must ensure they fulfil these conditions before applying, as age and attempt eligibility are strictly verified by UPSC.

UPSC Age Limit for Civil Services Examination 2026

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Cut-off Date: 1 August 2026
• A candidate must have been born not earlier than 2 August 1994 and not later than 1 August 2005.
• Valid documentary proof is mandatory to claim age relaxation or category benefits.

Category-wise Age Limit & Attempts for UPSC 2026

Important Note:

• Ex-Servicemen and J&K Domicile candidates are eligible for additional age relaxation as per UPSC rules.
• Attempts are counted only when a candidate appears in the Preliminary Examination.

📌 Aspirants must carefully verify their age, category status, and remaining attempts as per the eligibility norms prescribed in the official UPSC Notification 2026, as discrepancies may lead to candidature cancellation at any stage.

Also see: Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS in UPSC IAS Exam

The application fee for UPSC CSE 2026 is structured as follows:

Payment Methods:

• Online: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking
• Offline: SBI Challan (if available)

As per the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification, candidates are required to apply only through the official online application portal.

The UPSC online application system follows a four-stage modular structure, with each module serving a specific purpose. Candidates must complete all modules successfully to submit their application.

Step 1: Create an Account on the UPSC Online Portal

Visit the official UPSC application website: https://upsconline.nic.in/

• The first step is account creation, where candidates must register using a valid and active email ID and mobile number.
• These credentials will be used for all future communication from UPSC, including application updates and admit card notifications.
• Ensure the email ID and mobile number remain active throughout the examination cycle.

Step 2: Universal Registration Number (URN) Generation

After account creation, candidates must complete the Universal Registration (UR) Module.

• Upon successful submission, a Universal Registration Number (URN) is generated.
• The URN is permanent and remains valid for all future UPSC examinations.
• Candidates need to generate the URN only once in their lifetime.

The URN captures core personal information such as:

• Name, date of birth, and identity details
• Photo ID details (Aadhaar is recommended by UPSC for smoother verification)
• Contact and address information

All future UPSC applications will automatically use the same URN.

Step 3: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)

The next stage is the Common Application Form (CAF), which is common across all UPSC examinations.

Candidates are required to provide:

• Live photo capture, along with uploading a recent photograph
• Signature upload (signature must be signed three times on plain white paper using black ink)
• Educational qualification details
• Category information (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD, if applicable)

⚠️ UPSC strictly mandates that photographs, live images, and signatures must be clear and as per prescribed guidelines. Any deviation may lead to rejection of the application.

Step 4: Examination-Specific Module – UPSC CSE 2026

The final stage is the Examination-Specific Module, which becomes active only during the UPSC CSE 2026 application window.

In this module, candidates must:

• Select Civil Services Examination 2026
• Choose preferred examination centres
• Select the optional subject, the medium of examination, and the compulsory Indian language
• Pay the examination fee, if applicable
• Review and submit the final application form

After Final Submission

• An Application Number (exam-specific) is generated, which is different from the URN
• No correction or withdrawal is allowed after final submission
• Candidates must retain both the URN and Application Number for all future correspondence with UPSC

📌 It is strongly recommended to download and save the application confirmation page for reference.

Must see: UPSC OTR 2026: One Time Registration & New Online Application Portal

Even minor errors in the application form can lead to rejection or cancellation of candidature. Aspirants should carefully avoid the following common mistakes:

• Using an inactive email ID or mobile number leads to missed UPSC updates and alerts
• Incorrect date of birth or name mismatch with the Class 10 certificate / official documents
• Uploading unclear or wrongly formatted photographs and a signature not as per UPSC specifications
• Entering an incorrect category or claiming an ineligible age/attempt relaxation
• Choosing the wrong optional subject, exam centre, or medium of examination
• Submitting the form without final preview and verification
• Waiting till the last date increases the risk of technical issues or server downtime

Pro Tip: Cross-check all personal details, documents, and selections carefully before final submission, as UPSC does not allow corrections after submission.

Filling out the UPSC CSE 2026 application is the first committed step towards your Civil Services dream. Stay focused, trust your preparation, and move forward with clarity and confidence. Consistency, discipline, and belief in yourself will take you far. 

Apply carefully. Prepare smartly. Stay resilient.

Must see: UPSC Calendar 2026: Exam Dates and Details