UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 – Notification Released

UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 – Notification Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 on 4 February 2026. Eligible candidates can now apply online through the UPSC Online Application Portal.

🔔 Key Highlights

Name of Examination: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026

Date of Notification: 04 February 2026

Date of Examination: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)

Duration: One Day

Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM)

Mode of Application: Online only

📝 Vacancies

Total expected vacancies: ~933

Includes reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per Government rules.

🎯 Services Covered

IAS, IFS, IPS and various Central Services Group ‘A’ & Group ‘B’ including IRS, IA&AS, IRMS, DANICS, DANIPS, PONDICS, PONDIPS, and others.

🧾 Application Process

Candidates must apply online through four modules:

Account Creation

Universal Registration (URN – one time only)

Common Application Form (CAF)

Examination-Specific Application Form

Applicants are advised to keep documents (photo, signature, ID proof) ready before applying. Aadhaar Card is recommended for seamless verification.

🎓 Eligibility Snapshot

• Age: 21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026
  (Relaxation applicable for reserved categories)

• Education: Graduate degree from a recognized university

• Attempts:

  • General/EWS: 6

  • OBC: 9

  • SC/ST: Unlimited

  • PwBD: As per rules

💰 Examination Fee

• ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS (Male candidates)

• No fee for Women, SC, ST, PwBD candidates

📍 Examination Centres

The Preliminary Examination will be held across 80+ cities in India. Centre allotment is on a first-apply-first-allot basis.

⚠️ Important Instructions

• Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the exam hall.

• Face authentication will be mandatory at the examination venue.

• No application withdrawal or correction is allowed after submission.

🌐 Important Links

• Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in

• Helpdesk: 011-24041001

• Email: upscsoap@nic.in