The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the commencement of the online application process for the highly anticipated UPSC Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. This notification presents a significant opportunity for candidates holding postgraduate degrees in Economics or Statistics who aspire to secure coveted Group 'A' positions within various government ministries and departments. As per the official notification, a total of 44 vacancies are available for this recruitment cycle, attracting a large number of applicants from across the nation.
The UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026 is known for its rigorous selection process designed to recruit individuals with specialized knowledge for key economic and statistical advisory roles within the government. Interested candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria detailed in the official notification before applying online. The application window for the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026 opened recently, and applicants are advised to submit their forms well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues. This article from Sarkari Result All provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, eligibility requirements, exam pattern, and other essential details for candidates preparing for the UPSC IES / ISS 2026 exam.
Important Dates and Application Timeline
Candidates preparing to apply for the UPSC Indian Economic Service (IES) & Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026 must keep track of the following crucial dates to ensure timely submission of their applications and preparation for the examination. The UPSC online form submission process has a specific start and end date, and no applications will be accepted after the deadline.
As of 12 February 2026, the application window is open for candidates. Below is a detailed schedule for the UPSC IES / ISS Exam 2026 recruitment drive:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 04 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Exam Fee Online | 04 March 2026 |
| IES / ISS Online Correction Window | 05 March 2026 - 11 March 2026 |
| Examination Date | 21 June 2026 onwards |
| Admit Card Availability | June 2026 (Before Exam) |
Vacancy Details: UPSC IES / ISS 2026
The UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026 aims to fill a total of 44 posts across two distinct services. The distribution of vacancies for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) varies based on the requirements of different government departments. The detailed breakdown of vacancies by service and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) will be provided in the official notification. Candidates are advised to carefully review the reservation details to understand their eligibility for specific categories before applying for either service.
| Post Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Economic Service (IES) | 21 Posts |
| Indian Statistical Service (ISS) | 23 Posts |
| Total Vacancies | 44 Posts |
It is important to note that the total number of vacancies is subject to change based on further reviews by the government departments before the final results are declared. The positions recruited through the UPSC IES / ISS Exam 2026 offer excellent career growth opportunities and contribute significantly to economic planning and data analysis at the national level.
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Educational Qualification
To be eligible to apply for the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026, candidates must meet specific requirements regarding their age and educational background. The criteria differ slightly for the Indian Economic Service and the Indian Statistical Service, so applicants must pay close attention to the details specific to their desired service.
Age Limit (as of 01 August 2026):
Candidates must be between 21 years (minimum age) and 30 years (maximum age). This means candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1996 and not later than 1st August 2005. The specific date calculation is critical for determining eligibility.
Age Relaxation Rules:
The UPSC follows standard government norms for age relaxation for specific categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST): Up to 5 years relaxation.
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): Up to 3 years relaxation.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Up to 10 years relaxation.
- Ex-servicemen and certain government employees are also eligible for age relaxation as per government rules.
Educational Qualification Requirements (as of 01 August 2026):
The core eligibility for both services requires a specific postgraduate degree. Candidates who are appearing in the final year examination of their postgraduate degree are also provisionally eligible, provided they furnish proof of passing the examination by a specific date set by the UPSC.
For Indian Economic Service (IES):
A candidate must have obtained a Postgraduate Degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as universities under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
For Indian Statistical Service (ISS):
A candidate must have obtained a Bachelor's Degree with Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, or Applied Statistics as one of the subjects from a recognized university. Alternatively, a candidate must have obtained a Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, or Applied Statistics from a recognized university.
Application Fee Structure
To successfully complete the application process for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026, candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee structure is designed to encourage participation from all sections of society, with exemptions provided to women candidates and certain reserved categories.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC Candidates | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD Candidates | Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
| All Women Candidates | Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
Candidates can pay the application fee online using various methods, including Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or through a Bank Challan. The UPSC online form submission process ensures secure payment transactions, and candidates should retain the payment receipt for future reference.
Selection Process for UPSC IES / ISS 2026
The selection process for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026 consists of two main stages: a comprehensive written examination followed by an interview (Viva Voce). The final selection is based on the combined performance of candidates in both stages. The written examination tests specialized knowledge, while the interview assesses general knowledge, personality, and suitability for the service.
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written examination for both the Indian Economic Service and the Indian Statistical Service comprises several papers, totaling 1000 marks. The exam structure includes common papers as well as specialized papers unique to each service. The written papers are designed to evaluate the depth of knowledge in economics or statistics, general English, and general studies.
Stage 2: Interview (Viva Voce)
Candidates who successfully clear the written examination based on a minimum qualifying threshold (cut-off marks) are invited for the Viva Voce. The interview carries a weightage of 200 marks. The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate's personal suitability for a career in public service. The board will consider mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
Examination Pattern and Syllabus Overview
Understanding the examination pattern and syllabus is crucial for successful preparation for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026. Both services have six papers each, totaling 1000 marks. The exam duration varies for different papers, and the questions are primarily descriptive in nature, requiring in-depth understanding and analytical skills.
Exam Pattern for Indian Economic Service (IES):
The IES exam includes three common papers and three specialized papers in economics. The General English and General Studies papers are common to both IES and ISS. The specialized economics papers delve into topics like Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Indian Economics, and Econometrics.
- Paper I: General English (100 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper II: General Studies (100 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper III: General Economics I (200 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper IV: General Economics II (200 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper V: General Economics III (200 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper VI: Indian Economics (200 Marks, 3 Hours)
Exam Pattern for Indian Statistical Service (ISS):
The ISS exam also consists of six papers, focusing on statistics. The specialized papers cover diverse areas like descriptive statistics, probability, statistical methods, and applied statistics. The first two papers (General English and General Studies) are common with the IES exam.
- Paper I: General English (100 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper II: General Studies (100 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper III: Statistics I (Objective) (200 Marks, 2 Hours)
- Paper IV: Statistics II (Objective) (200 Marks, 2 Hours)
- Paper V: Statistics III (Descriptive) (200 Marks, 3 Hours)
- Paper VI: Statistics IV (Descriptive) (200 Marks, 3 Hours)
How to Apply Online for UPSC IES / ISS 2026
The application process for the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026 is conducted entirely online through the official UPSC website. Candidates must follow a systematic approach to ensure their application is complete and error-free before the deadline of 04 March 2026. The process involves multiple steps, including registration, filling out personal details, selecting service preference, uploading documents, and paying the fee.
Step 1: Registration (Part I)
Candidates must first visit the official UPSC online application portal. The first part of the application involves basic registration, where candidates provide personal details such as name, date of birth, father's name, mobile number, email address, and address. Once registered, candidates receive a unique registration ID and password, which must be stored securely for future logins.
Step 2: Service Selection
During the application process, candidates must clearly select whether they are applying for the Indian Economic Service (IES) or the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) based on their educational qualifications. Candidates should only apply for one service based on their eligibility. The application form requires the candidate to confirm their eligibility for the selected service.
Step 3: Uploading Documents and Photographs
Candidates are required to upload scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other relevant documents, such as a proof of identity card and educational certificates. The images must adhere to the specific file size and dimensions mentioned in the notification. The UPSC online application system has specific guidelines for uploading photographs and signatures to avoid rejection.
Step 4: Fee Payment and Final Submission (Part II)
After completing the registration and uploading documents, candidates proceed to Part II of the application. Here, they pay the application fee (if applicable) using one of the available online methods. Once the payment is confirmed, candidates must review all entered information carefully. After verification, submit the final application form. Candidates should take a printout of the final submitted form for their records.
Step 5: Application Modification Window
The UPSC provides a correction window for candidates to modify certain details in their application forms after submission. For the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026, this correction window is available from 05 March 2026 to 11 March 2026. Candidates who find any errors in their submitted form must utilize this window to make necessary corrections. It's important to note that changes to some critical fields (like name or service preference) might not be allowed after final submission.
For more details on the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026, including detailed syllabus and official notification PDF, candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission or refer to the updates on Sarkari Result All.
Important Links
Candidates can find the official notification and apply online using the links provided below:
- Official Website Link: upsc.gov.in
- Apply Online Link: https://upsconline.nic.in/
- Detailed Notification PDF Link: https://www.sarkariresultall.in/ (Check updates on UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UPSC IES / ISS 2026
What is the minimum age limit to apply for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026?
The minimum age limit for candidates applying for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026 is 21 years as of 01 August 2026. Candidates must not have attained the age of 30 years as of the same date. Age relaxation applies to reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the educational qualification required for the Indian Economic Service (IES)?
To be eligible for the Indian Economic Service (IES), candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognized university. Candidates in their final year of study are also eligible, subject to providing proof of passing before the specified date.
How many vacancies are available for the UPSC IES / ISS Exam 2026?
According to the official notification released by UPSC, there are a total of 44 vacancies available for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026. This includes 21 posts for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and 23 posts for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS).
Is there any application fee for women candidates applying for the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026?
No, all women candidates are completely exempted from paying the application fee for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026. Similarly, candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories do not need to pay any fee.
When is the last date to apply for the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026?
The last date for submitting the UPSC IES / ISS Online Form 2026 is 04 March 2026. Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete their application process well before this deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.
What is the selection procedure for the UPSC IES / ISS Examination 2026?
The selection process for the UPSC IES / ISS 2026 consists of a written examination carrying a total of 1000 marks and an interview (Viva Voce) carrying 200 marks. Final merit is decided based on the cumulative scores from both stages.
What subjects are covered in the written examination for ISS 2026?
The written examination for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) includes six papers: General English, General Studies, Statistics I (Objective), Statistics II (Objective), Statistics III (Descriptive), and Statistics IV (Descriptive). The papers cover topics related to statistical theory, methodology, and application.
Can I apply for both the Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service simultaneously?
No, candidates must choose to apply for only one service, either the Indian Economic Service (IES) or the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), based on their specific educational qualifications. The application form requires a clear selection of one service.