UPSC 2026: Exam Date, Notification, Vacancy, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially set the stage for one of India’s most prestigious competitive journeys by releasing the UPSC 2026 Notification on February 4, 2026. With 933 vacancies announced across the IAS, IPS, and IFS, the registration window is now open until February 24, 2026, for eligible graduates aged 21 to 32. This year’s cycle follows the rigorous three-tier structure—Prelims (May 24), Mains (August 21), and the Interview—designed to test the intellectual depth and administrative grit of future civil servants. Whether you are navigating the comprehensive syllabus or reviewing the latest eligibility norms, staying aligned with this official timeline is your first step toward success.

UPSC 2026 Overview

UPSC 2026 exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted every year to recruit officers for various Group A and Group B services under the Government of India. It is one of the most respected and challenging examinations in the country. The selection process includes three stages: UPSC 2026 Prelims, UPSC 2026 Mains, and the UPSC 2026 Interview.

UPSC 2026 Notification

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 on February 4, 2026. This announcement invites applications for a total of 933 vacancies across prestigious services such as the IAS, IPS, and IFS. While originally scheduled for mid-January, the notification release was slightly delayed due to administrative reasons, setting the new deadline for online applications to February 24, 2026.

UPSC 2026 Exam Dates

UPSC 2026 exam date has already been announced by the Commission. The UPSC 2026 prelims will be held on 24 May 2026, and the UPSC 2026 mains will start on 21 August 2026.

UPSC 2026 Calendar

According to the UPSC 2026 calendar, the UPSC 2026 Prelims exam date is 24 May 2026, and the UPSC 2026 Mains exam date is 21 August 2026. The schedule allows enough time for aspirants to plan their preparation effectively.

UPSC 2026 Application Form

The official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 has been released on February 4, 2026, marking the start of the online application window for 933 vacancies. Aspirants can submit their forms through the official portal until the deadline on February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM). The process begins with One-Time Registration (OTR), followed by filling out the detailed application form where candidates select their exam centre and pay a fee of ₹100 (exempted for females and SC/ST/PwBD candidates).

Steps to Fill the UPSC 2026 Application Form

Step 1: Visit the official website.

Step 2: Click on “Apply Online for Civil Services Examination 2026.”

Step 3: Complete registration with personal and academic details.

Step 4: Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and ID proof.

Step 5: Pay the application fee of ₹100 (exempted for female and reserved category candidates).

Step 6: Submit and download the confirmation page for reference.

A short correction window will also be provided after the application period closes. Candidates must check all details carefully before submission.

UPSC Posts 2026

The most sought-after UPSC Posts 2026 are mentioned below:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service
• Indian Postal Service
• Indian Information Service
• Indian Defence Accounts Service
• Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS)
• Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS)

UPSC Vacancy 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, marking a competitive year for aspirants aiming for the IAS, IPS, and IFS. This year’s recruitment includes 33 seats reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), ensuring inclusive opportunities across various administrative cadres. With the Preliminary examination scheduled for May 24, 2026, candidates must now align their preparation with the final seat count to secure a spot in the prestigious Group A and Group B services.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria

UPSC 2026 eligibility criteria make sure that only qualified candidates can apply. It includes conditions that are related to nationality, education, and age limit.

UPSC Age Limit 2026

UPSC 2026 age limit is between 21 and 32 years as of 1 August 2026. Relaxations will apply to candidates who are from reserved categories as per the government rules.

UPSC Exam Pattern

Below, we’ve mentioned the UPSC Exam Pattern for the 2026 attempt:

UPSC 2026 Syllabus

UPSC 2026 syllabus is very vast, and it covers subjects that range from history and geography to current affairs and ethics. It is divided into Prelims and Mains, followed by the Interview. Understanding this syllabus helps aspirants plan their study schedule effectively.

UPSC 2026 Prelims Syllabus

The UPSC 2026 Prelims have two papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II. Both papers are objective type and held on the same day.

Note:

• Paper I marks are counted for merit.
• Paper II is qualifying in nature (33% minimum required).

UPSC 2026 Mains Syllabus

The UPSC 2026 Mains is descriptive and includes nine papers. It tests analytical ability, expression, and understanding of diverse subjects.

UPSC Selection Process

UPSC 2026 selection process is conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: Screening stage to shortlist candidates.
2. Mains Examination: Written descriptive test for shortlisted aspirants.
3. Interview: Final personality assessment by a UPSC board.

Only those who clear all stages are included in the final merit list. Marks obtained in UPSC 2026 Mains and UPSC 2026 Interview determine the candidate’s final rank.

UPSC 2026 Prelims 

The Prelims exam will be held on 24 May 2026 (Sunday). This is the first stage of the UPSC exam. It has multiple-choice questions based on general knowledge and aptitude. You need to choose the correct answer from the given options. Make sure to download your admit card on time, reach your exam centre early, and focus on accuracy and speed while answering the questions.

UPSC 2026 Mains 

The Mains exam will start on 21 August 2026 (Friday). This stage involves written papers where you need to give detailed answers. It includes essay writing, general studies, and one optional subject of your choice. To do well, you should write clearly, explain your ideas properly, and understand your subjects well. Practice writing answers every day and revise your topics before the exam.

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UPSC 2026 Interview

The interview date is not yet announced, but it will be held after the Mains results. In this last stage, candidates meet the UPSC interview board. The board asks questions to understand your personality, confidence, and communication skills. They check how you think, make decisions, and handle real-life situations. To do well, focus on speaking clearly, staying calm, and keeping yourself updated with current news and topics.

UPSC 2026 Admit Card 

UPSC 2026 Admit Card will be available for download in May 2026. Candidates can log in using their registration ID and password on upsconline.nic.in. The admit card includes the exam centre, shift timing, and candidate’s details. It is mandatory to carry it along with a valid photo ID on exam day.

UPSC 2026 Result

UPSC 2026 Prelims result will be declared a few weeks after the exam. Only qualified candidates will be called for Mains. The final cut-off depends on overall performance, number of vacancies, and category. UPSC publishes category-wise cut-offs for transparency.

How to Prepare for UPSC 2026?

Preparing for UPSC 2026 needs focus, discipline, and strategy. The syllabus is huge, but with the right plan, it becomes manageable. Here are key steps to follow:

1. Understand the Syllabus

Read the complete UPSC syllabus carefully. It helps you know what to study and what to skip. Divide the syllabus into smaller topics for each subject. Keep a printed copy near your study space and check topics as you complete them. This builds clarity and direction.

2. Make a Realistic Study Plan

Create a schedule you can follow daily. Start with 6 to 7 hours and increase gradually. Study concept-based subjects like Polity or Economy in the morning when your mind is fresh. Keep factual subjects like History or Geography for the afternoon. Reserve evenings for Current Affairs or Optional subjects. Use Sundays for revision or mock tests.

3. Cover Current Affairs Daily

Read The Hindu or The Indian Express every day. Focus on important issues, government schemes, and judgments. Make short notes by topic instead of by month. This helps you connect current events with static parts of the syllabus, which is useful in both Prelims and Mains.

4. Practice Previous Year Papers

Solve at least 10 years of previous UPSC papers. It helps you understand question patterns and difficulty levels. After each paper, review your mistakes and note why they happened. Revise these notes regularly. This builds exam confidence.

5. Attempt Mock Tests

Take one Prelims mock test every week from January 2026. Increase frequency as exams approach. For Mains, practice answer writing answers daily. Revision is key—review your notes multiple times before the exam. Focus more on understanding your mistakes than just improving your score.

6. Choose an Optional Subject Wisely

Pick a subject you enjoy and can study deeply. Complete the optional syllabus before Mains preparation. Practice writing for this subject regularly. It can help you score better overall.

7. Revise Before the Exam

In the last three months, focus only on revision. Don’t start new books. Read your short notes, summaries, and mock test feedback. Create a final notebook for quick revision of facts and key points.

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