UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026: Application Process and Eligibility Details

UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Notification Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the commencement of the application process for the Civil Services Exam 2026. Aspiring candidates for the IAS exam can submit their applications online until February 24, 2026. It is important to note that applications must be submitted exclusively through the official UPSC website, upsconline.nic.in; any applications submitted through alternative methods will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria for Civil Services Examination

To be eligible for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, candidates must possess at least a graduate degree. The age requirements stipulate that candidates should be a minimum of 21 years old and not older than 32 years. However, candidates from reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PwD are entitled to age relaxations as per government regulations. The age will be determined as of August 1, 2026.

Steps to Apply for UPSC CSE

Candidates can complete the application process independently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in.

2. Click on 'Create Account' on the homepage and fill in the necessary details to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).

3. After registration, proceed to fill in the application form with the required information.

4. Pay the application fee, if applicable.

5. Submit the application and print a copy for your records.

Application Fee Details

The application fee for candidates is set at Rs. 100, which can be paid online. However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwD categories, and all female applicants are exempt from this fee.

This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 933 vacancies, with the preliminary examination scheduled for May 24, 2026. For further information, candidates are encouraged to consult the official notification.