UPSC CSE Notification 2026 Out, Check Exam Date, Apply by Feb 27 (Extended)

Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification on February 4, 2026, announcing 933 vacancies. UPSC CSE Application Process 2026 is open from February 4 to February 27, 2026 (6:00 PM) at the official UPSC portal. The Prelims exam will be held on May 24, 2026, followed by the Mains exam starting August 21, 2026. Candidates must hold a graduation degree and meet the prescribed age and attempt criteria as per the category. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview, making UPSC CSE 2026 one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India.

Apply Online For UPSC CSE 2026 (Link Active)

UPSC CSE 2026 New Guideline – No Second Attempt Rule

As per the latest notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission, candidates who are already selected and serving in services such as IAS or IFS will not be allowed to appear again in UPSC CSE 2026 at any stage unless they resign from their current service, while serving IPS officers cannot re-attempt to opt for IPS. This rule effectively ends the practice of repeated attempts by appointed officers for rank or service upgradation, though normal category-wise attempt limits remain unchanged for fresh aspirants.

Check UPSC CSE 2026 New Guidelines Detailed News

UPSC CSE Notification 2026

UPSC CSE Notification 2026 was officially released on February 4, 2026, by the Union Public Service Commission, starting the UPSC Civil Services exam (CSE) 2026 process. The notification includes key information on UPSC 2026 exam dates, vacancies, UPSC eligibility criteria 2026, age limit, number of attempts, UPSC application form 2026, exam pattern, and syllabus. Aspirants targeting IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other services should review the notification carefully to plan UPSC 2026 preparation as per the official schedule.

UPSC 2026 Important Dates

Candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam 2026 can refer to the table below to track all important UPSC CSE exam dates 2026 at a glance. Keeping these UPSC 2026 notification, application, prelims, and mains dates in mind will help aspirants plan their preparation strategy and avoid missing any critical deadline.

UPSC 2026 Vacancy Details

Note: As per the official UPSC Notification 2026 released on February 4, 2026, it includes vacancies across IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Group A & B services with reservations as per government norms.

How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026

UPSC CSE Application Form 2026 is released on February 4, 2026, by the Union Public Service Commission along with the Civil Services Notification 2026. The online application process is open till February 27, 2026, and candidates must apply through the UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal only.

Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website and complete One Time Registration (OTR) using a valid email ID and mobile number.

Step 2: Log in with OTR credentials and select Civil Services exam 2026 from the active exams list.

Step 3: Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and choose preferred exam centres carefully.

Step 4: Upload a recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.

Step 5: Pay the application fee (if applicable) through online or offline mode.

Step 6: Review the application form, submit it, and download the confirmation page for future reference.

UPSC IAS Application Fee 2026

UPSC CSE Optional Subjects List 2026

The UPSC 2026 Optional Subjects are prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission for the Civil Services Mains exam 2026. Candidates must choose one optional subject, which consists of Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks. Selecting the right optional plays a crucial role in improving the UPSC Mains 2026 score and overall rank.

What Aspirants Should Do After UPSC CSE Notification 2026

After the release of the UPSC 2026 Notification by the Union Public Service Commission, aspirants should move into focused execution mode with a clear and exam-oriented approach. Early action at this stage is critical for success in the UPSC Civil Services exam 2026.

• Read the UPSC 2026 Notification carefully to confirm eligibility, age limit, number of attempts, vacancies, and exam dates
• Complete UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) and submit the UPSC 2026 application form well before the deadline
• Download and thoroughly analyse the UPSC 2026 syllabus for Prelims and Mains to understand topic-wise weightage
• Start solving UPSC Previous Year Papers (PYQs) for both Prelims and Mains (last 10–15 years) to identify recurring themes, important areas, and question trends
• Create a realistic and time-bound study plan integrating static subjects, current affairs, revision, and UPSC Mock Tests
• Begin Prelims-oriented preparation with a strong focus on GS Paper I and CSAT qualifying strategy
• Link current affairs with PYQs to improve conceptual clarity and retention
• Initiate answer writing practice early, using previous year Mains questions for a smooth transition after Prelims
• Track the UPSC 2026 exam calendar and set monthly and weekly targets accordingly

Consistent study, regular PYQ practice, and disciplined execution after the UPSC 2026 notification build a strong foundation for cracking IAS, IPS, IFS, and other civil services.

UPSC CSE Previous Year Cut Off 2026

The UPSC final cut off represents the total marks (Mains + Interview) required to secure a rank.

UPSC IAS 2026 Salary

One of the most attractive aspects of a career in IAS is the salary and perks. The starting salary for an IAS officer is approximately ₹56,100 (Basic Pay), with additional allowances like:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Travel Allowance (TA)
• Official Residence

UPSC IAS 2026 exam is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and competitive exams in India. However, with proper planning, consistent study, the right UPSC Courses, and a focused approach, you can achieve your dream of becoming an IAS officer.

UPSC CSE 2026 FAQs