The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, one of India’s most prestigious competitive examinations. Through this recruitment process, a total of 933 vacancies will be filled in various Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Central Government services.
Eligible candidates who aspire to join top administrative services such as IAS, IPS, and IFS can submit their applications online before the last date.
Overview of UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026
- Name of Exam: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Total Vacancies: 933 Posts
- Exam Notice No.: 05/2026-CSE
- Application Mode: Online
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026
The Civil Services Examination is conducted annually to recruit candidates for several prestigious administrative and allied services under the Government of India.
Services Offered Through UPSC Civil Services Exam
Successful candidates are recruited into multiple All India and Central Civil Services, including:
- 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 Railway Management Services
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
- DANICS, DANIPS, Pondicherry Civil and Police Services, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Candidates must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Not exceed 32 years of age as of 1 August 2026
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: Up to 10–15 years depending on category.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution. Final-year students awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of qualification before the interview stage.
Examination Scheme
The Civil Services Examination is conducted in two major stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
- Main Examination & Interview
- Written examination followed by a Personality Test for final selection.
The prelims exam consists of objective-type papers designed to assess general awareness, analytical ability, and aptitude.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/Women/PwBD | No Fee |
| Other Candidates | ₹100 |
Payment can be made online during the application process.
How to Apply Online for UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
- Register using basic personal details.
- Log in and complete the application form.
- Upload required documents and photographs.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: 4 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (6 PM)
- Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026
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Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Examination remains one of the most competitive and respected exams in India, offering opportunities to serve the nation through top administrative roles. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria should complete their online applications well before the deadline and begin structured preparation for the preliminary examination.