UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 Online Form [1013 Post] Apply

UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 Online Application Form Released: Apply Now for 1013 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the highly anticipated UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2026. This notification signals the start of the application process for aspiring candidates seeking to join the prestigious civil services of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS), among others. The recruitment drive for 2026 aims to fill a substantial number of positions, with a total of 1013 vacancies announced across various services.

The online registration process for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 commenced on February 4, 2026. Candidates interested in applying for these coveted positions are advised to visit the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, to complete their applications well before the approaching deadline. The UPSC Civil Service Exam Online Registration Form 2026 must be submitted by the specified last date to be considered for the examination process.

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is renowned as one of the most challenging and competitive examinations in India. It serves as the primary gateway for entry into Group 'A' and Group 'B' central services. The 2026 notification offers a significant opportunity for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, particularly those holding a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The selection process involves a three-stage examination: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).

This article provides comprehensive details regarding the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 Online Form, including eligibility requirements, application fees, important dates, selection process, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply online. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to read the official notification thoroughly before proceeding with the application process.

Key Highlights of UPSC CSE 2026 Notification

The Union Public Service Commission has officially published the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 Notification on its portal, upsc.gov.in. This notification details the complete schedule for the examination cycle, starting from the application window to the dates for the preliminary and main examinations. The UPSC Civil Service IAS IPS Recruitment 2026 drive includes a significant number of 1013 posts, offering opportunities across various services and posts. The application window opened on February 4, 2026, giving candidates ample time to prepare and submit their forms accurately. As of today, February 25, 2026, candidates still have time to apply, but it is highly recommended to complete the process quickly to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

Aspirants can access the official notification for detailed information on eligibility criteria, including age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards required for specific services like IPS. The UPSC Civil Service Online Form 2026 process requires candidates to register on the official website, pay the required application fee, and upload necessary documents as specified in the guidelines. The examination aims to select highly capable individuals for crucial administrative roles, making it a pivotal event in the national recruitment calendar.

UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026: Important Dates and Timeline

Understanding the examination timeline is critical for successful application and preparation. The UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 follows a strict schedule for its different stages. Candidates must ensure they meet all deadlines for registration, fee payment, and form submission. The following table provides the key dates as per the official notification:

Candidates are advised to frequently check the official UPSC website for any updates or changes to the examination schedule. The last date to submit the application form is typically a few weeks after the start date, and missing this deadline will result in disqualification. The UPSC Civil Service Online Registration Form 2026 must be completed within this specified window.

Vacancy Details: Understanding the 1013 Posts

The UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 has announced a total of 1013 vacancies. These vacancies are distributed across various central civil services. While the final allocation of services and posts (like IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) depends on the candidate's rank, preference, and service requirements, the total number of vacancies gives an indication of the scale of recruitment. The services typically recruited through the Civil Service Examination include:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Group ‘A’
• Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Group ‘A’
• Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’
• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
• Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’
• Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’
• Pondicherry Civil Service (PCS), Group ‘B’
• Pondicherry Police Service (PPS), Group ‘B’

The exact distribution of 1013 posts among these services will be finalized by the time of selection based on the specific needs of the government. Candidates are encouraged to carefully research the roles and responsibilities associated with each service before indicating their preferences during the main examination stage.

UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 Notification before applying. The criteria cover nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications.

Nationality Criteria

To be eligible for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026, a candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India (for IAS and IPS).
• A citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from certain countries (like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka) with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Educational Qualification

The fundamental requirement for the UPSC Civil Service Exam Application Form 2026 is a bachelor's degree. Candidates must hold a graduate degree from any recognized university established under a central or state act in India, or equivalent qualification recognized by the government. Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree and expecting to complete it before the main examination are also generally eligible to apply for the preliminary examination. However, they must provide proof of passing the degree examination during the main examination application (DAF) process.

Age Limit Criteria

As per the standard notification guidelines, the age limit for candidates is calculated as on August 1, 2026. The minimum age for all candidates is 21 years. The maximum age for different categories varies as follows:

• General Category: 32 years (Born between August 2, 1994, and August 1, 2005)
• OBC Category (Non-Creamy Layer): 35 years (Age relaxation of 3 years)
• SC/ST Category: 37 years (Age relaxation of 5 years)
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): Up to 42 years (Age relaxation of 10 years for General PwBD)

Candidates from reserved categories are required to provide valid certificates to avail age relaxations as per government norms. The specific cutoff dates mentioned in the official notification are used for calculating the age limit. It is essential for candidates to verify these dates before filling out the UPSC Civil Service Online Form 2026.

Application Fees and Payment Mode

Candidates applying for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee structure varies based on the candidate's category. The following table details the fee structure for different categories:

The fee payment for the UPSC Civil Service IAS IPS Recruitment 2026 can be made through various online modes, including credit card, debit card, or net banking. Candidates also have the option to pay the fee offline by generating a Bank Challan at any branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). The payment process must be completed before the last date specified in the notification. Candidates exempted from paying the fee do not need to follow the fee payment steps.

UPSC Civil Service Examination Structure and Pattern

The UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 consists of three main stages designed to assess a candidate's intellectual, academic, and personal attributes. A good understanding of this structure is crucial for effective preparation.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

The preliminary examination consists of two objective-type (multiple-choice questions) papers:

• Paper 1: General Studies (GS): This paper assesses the candidate's general knowledge and current affairs. It covers subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science & Technology, and Environment. The marks obtained in this paper determine selection for the Main Examination.
• Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): This paper evaluates comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and basic numeracy. It is a qualifying paper, where candidates need to score a minimum of 33% to pass.

Stage 2: Main Examination (Mains)

The main examination is descriptive in nature and consists of nine papers. Only candidates who clear the preliminary examination are eligible for the main examination. The marks obtained in the main examination (7 papers) contribute significantly to the final merit list. The papers include two qualifying language papers and seven papers focusing on General Studies (4 papers), Essay (1 paper), and Optional Subjects (2 papers). The syllabus for each paper is detailed in the official UPSC Notification 2026.

Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)

The interview, or personality test, assesses the candidate's personal suitability for a career in public service. This stage evaluates mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, and ability for social cohesion and leadership. The interview score is added to the main examination score to determine the final rank list.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online for UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026

Candidates applying for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 must follow a precise procedure to avoid errors and ensure successful submission of their application forms. The application process involves two parts: Part 1 Registration and Part 2 Registration.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at https://www.upsc.gov.in/.
2. Access the Application Link: On the homepage, navigate to the "Apply Online" or "Examination Notification" section. Look for the link related to the UPSC Civil Service IAS IPS Recruitment 2026.
3. Part 1 Registration: Click on "Part I Registration" to start the process. Fill in all mandatory personal details, including name, date of birth, contact information, educational qualifications, and category. Double-check all information before submission.
4. Generate Registration Number: Upon successful completion of Part 1, a registration number and password will be generated. Note these credentials for future use and for completing Part 2 of the application.
5. Part 2 Registration and Fee Payment: Log in using the registration number and password to proceed to Part 2 Registration. Pay the application fee using the preferred online method (credit card, debit card, or net banking) or select the offline challan option.
6. Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph and signature in the specified format and resolution. The guidelines for photo and signature size are provided in the official notification.
7. Select Examination Center and Preferences: Choose your preferred examination centers for both the preliminary and main examinations. Candidates will also need to indicate their choice of optional subject for the main examination.
8. Review and Final Submission: Carefully review all the information provided in the UPSC Civil Service Exam Online Registration Form 2026. Ensure all fields are correctly filled before finalizing the submission.
9. Print Confirmation: After successful submission, print a copy of the final application form for future reference and documentation.

Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute to apply for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026. High website traffic near the deadline can lead to technical issues and prevent successful submission. For more information regarding the application process, candidates can also refer to reliable sources like Sarkari Result All at https://www.sarkariresultall.in/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026

The online application process for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 started on February 4, 2026. The specific last date for submission will be announced by the UPSC and is typically a few weeks after the start date. Candidates must complete their application process before this deadline to be considered eligible for the preliminary examination. It is crucial to monitor the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, for the final last date announcement.

As per the official notification, there are a total of 1013 vacancies announced for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026. These vacancies are distributed across various services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and Group B central services. The number of vacancies for specific services will be determined based on the requirements and preferences during the subsequent stages of the examination process.

To apply for the UPSC Civil Service Exam Online Form 2026, a candidate must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Candidates who are in the final year or awaiting their results can apply for the preliminary examination, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination before the main examination's application stage (Detailed Application Form).

The age limit for general category candidates for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 is typically between 21 and 32 years. The exact calculation date for the age limit is generally August 1 of the examination year. Age relaxation rules apply for reserved categories such as OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD (10 years).

The UPSC Civil Service Exam consists of three main stages: The Preliminary Examination (objective type), the Main Examination (descriptive type), and the Personality Test (interview). Candidates must pass each stage sequentially to be eligible for selection. The preliminary stage acts as a screening test, while the marks from the main exam and interview determine the final rank list.

Yes, final year students are eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 preliminary examination. However, they must be able to produce proof of passing their bachelor's degree at the time of filling out the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the main examination.

No, female candidates belonging to any category (General, OBC, SC, ST) are exempted from paying the application fee for the UPSC Civil Service Exam Online Form 2026. Similarly, candidates from the SC/ST and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) categories are also exempted from paying the application fee.

The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2026 varies based on the category of the candidate. General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts, while OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts. SC/ST candidates have no restrictions on the number of attempts within the maximum age limit.