UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 – 933 Vacancies
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification announcing a total of 933 vacancies for India’s most prestigious government services including IAS, IFS, IPS and several other Group A and Group B posts. This UPSC CSE 2026 recruitment offers a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming for top administrative and public service careers under the Government of India.
Overview of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification number | 05/2026-CSE |
| Mode of application | Online only |
| Stages of exam | Preliminary → Main → Interview |
| Negative marking | Yes (Prelims only) |
Vacancy Details under UPSC CSE 2026
The Vacancy Details under UPSC CSE 2026 confirm a total of 933 government vacancies for top civil services including IAS, IFS and IPS, along with several prestigious Group A and Group B posts under the Union Government. This clearly indicates the overall intake size for the current UPSC recruitment cycle.
Total vacancies announced: 933 posts
Services covered: IAS, IFS, IPS and multiple Group A & Group B services
PwBD vacancies (included in total): 33 posts
IAS Officer Salary Structure & 7th Pay Commission Benefits
The IAS salary per month, along with pay and benefits for other top services such as IPS and IRS, is governed by the 7th Pay Commission, making the UPSC Civil Services career one of the most stable and prestigious government career options in India.
Allowances: DA, HRA (or government accommodation) and Transport Allowance (TA).
Perks & benefits: Government residence, security (for eligible posts), medical facilities, NPS pension benefits and career growth up to the Cabinet Secretary level (Pay Level 18).
| Component | Salary |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹56,100/- per month |
| Gross In-Hand Salary | ₹85,000 to ₹1 Lakh |
| Maximum Pay Scale | Up to ₹2,50,000 (Cabinet Secretary – Level 18) |
Official Links for UPSC CSE 2026
| Purpose | Official Links |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | UPSC OTR Apply Link |
| Official Website | UPSC Main Website |
| Official Notification | Downlaod UPSC CSE Notification |
Eligibility Criteria for Civil Services Examination 2026
The Eligibility Criteria for Civil Services Examination 2026 clearly define who can apply for prestigious services such as IAS, IFS and IPS, along with multiple Group A and Group B posts under UPSC. Candidates must carefully check the required education, nationality and age limit before submitting the application.
Education: You must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university. Candidates awaiting final results can also apply provisionally.
Nationality:
For IAS, IFS and IPS – you must be a citizen of India.
For other services – candidates can be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before 1962), or persons of Indian origin from specified countries with a certificate of eligibility.
Age limit: You must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 August 2026 (born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005).
Age relaxation: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years, PwBD – 10 years.
UPSC CSE 2026 Number of Attempts
| Category | Attempts |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC / ST | Unlimited |
| PwBD | 9 for GL/EWS/OBC |
UPSC CSE 2026 Selection Process
The UPSC CSE 2026 selection process is designed to identify the most suitable candidates for prestigious services such as IAS, IFS, IPS and other Group A & Group B posts through a transparent and merit-based multi-stage evaluation system.
Preliminary Examination: An objective-type screening test used only to shortlist candidates for the Main examination.
Main Examination: A conventional essay-type written examination conducted to assess academic depth and analytical ability.
Personality Test (Interview): A final assessment of the candidate’s personality, suitability for public service and mental calibre.
Exam Pattern UPSC CSE 2026 Aspirants
The UPSC CSE 2026 exam pattern explains the exact structure followed for selecting candidates for IAS, IFS, IPS and other Group A & Group B services through three clearly defined stages.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination (Objective | Screening Test)
Date: 24 May 2026
Paper I – General Studies: 200 marks (counts for Mains cutoff)
Paper II – CSAT: 200 marks (qualifying only, 33% required)
Negative marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for wrong answers
Stage 2 – Main Examination (Descriptive)
Total marks: 1750
Qualifying papers: Paper A (Indian Language), Paper B (English)
Merit papers: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Paper VI & VII
Stage 3 – Interview (Personality Test)
Marks: 275
Final Merit: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks
UPSC CSE Year Wise Vacancy Trend (2014–2026)
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 933 |
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
| 2023 | 1105 |
| 2022 | 1022 |
| 2021 | 712 📉 Lowest |
| 2020 | 836 |
| 2019 | 927 |
| 2018 | 812 |
| 2017 | 1058 |
| 2016 | 1209 |
| 2015 | 1164 |
| 2014 | 1364 🏆 Highest |
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification release | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination | 24 May 2026 |
How to Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026
The UPSC CSE 2026 online application process must be completed only through the official UPSC portal for candidates applying to IAS, IFS, IPS and other Group A & Group B posts. To avoid rejection, applicants should follow the prescribed steps in the exact order.
Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
Create account and generate Universal Registration Number (URN)
Fill Universal Registration profile
Complete Common Application Form (CAF)
Upload photograph and capture live photograph
Upload signature (three times on white paper)
Fill examination-specific module
Pay fee (if applicable)
Submit final application
Important: Once submitted, no correction and no withdrawal is allowed.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Fee Details
The UPSC Civil Services Examination fee structure clearly specifies the category-wise payment required at the time of application and for candidates qualifying for the Main Examination. Applicants must carefully check their category before proceeding with the online payment.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male candidates Pre) | ₹100 |
| Women / SC / ST / PwBD candidates | Exempted |
| Main Examination | ₹200 |
All Job Titles in UPSC CSE 2026
All-India Services & Premier Central Services:
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Group ‘A’ Central Services:
Accounts & Finance: Indian Audit and Accounts, Indian Civil Accounts, Indian Defence Accounts, Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance.
Revenue & Trade: Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Indian Trade Service (Grade III).
Management & Protection: Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic, Personnel, and Accounts), Indian Railway Protection Force Service.
Specialized Administration: Indian Corporate Law, Indian Defence Estates, Indian Information, Indian Postal Service.
Group ‘B’ Services (Civil & Police):
Armed Forces: Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (Section Officer’s Grade).
Union Territories (Civil): DANICS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli) and PONDICS (Pondicherry).
Union Territories (Police): DANIPS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli) and PONDIPS (Pondicherry).
Final Word for Serious UPSC CSE 2026 Aspirants
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is not only a recruitment process but a lifelong opportunity to serve the nation through some of the most respected public services in India.
Wishing you focused preparation, strong consistency and the very best of success for your UPSC 2026 journey.
UPSC CSE 2026 FAQs for IAS, IPS, IFS Aspirants
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CSE 2026 recruitment?
Ans. The UPSC CSE 2026 total vacancies are 933 posts, including 33 PwBD vacancies.
Q2. What is the eligibility for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 candidates?
Ans. For UPSC CSE 2026 eligibility, candidates must hold a graduate degree, meet the age limit of 21 to 32 years, and satisfy the prescribed nationality conditions.
Q3. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE 2026 for different categories?
Ans. The UPSC CSE 2026 number of attempts is 6 for General/EWS, 9 for OBC, and unlimited for SC/ST candidates.
Q4. What is the selection process for UPSC CSE 2026 IAS, IPS and IFS posts?
Ans. The UPSC CSE 2026 selection process consists of Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Interview (Personality Test).