The UPSC Recruitment 2025 announces vacancies for various Group A and B posts across central government departments. Eligible candidates with graduate or postgraduate qualifications can apply online via the official UPSC portal before the deadline. The selection process includes a preliminary exam, a mains exam, and an interview. Selected candidates will receive a competitive salary, allowances, and career growth opportunities in prestigious administrative and technical services.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Civil Services Examination (CSE) notification, apply online, courses, eligibility, salary and exam date
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year for the recruitment of candidates for reputed services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and other central services.
UPSC recruitment for CSE 2026 will be one of the most competitive examinations in India, which attracts millions of aspirations across the country. If you are planning to apply for UPSC CSE 2026, this detailed guide involves all the things you need to know – post, salary, course, eligibility, online process, date of exam, exam date, exam location, exam pattern and fee.
UPSC CSE Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Services | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS & Group A/B Central Services |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview (Personality Test) |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CSE 2026 Post
Candidates selected through UPSC CSE 2026 will be admitted to various groups A and Group B services, such as:
- Indian Administrative Service
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS – Income Tax, Customs, GST, etc.)
- Indian audit service (IAAS)
- Indian Railway -Traffic Services (IRTS)
- Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS)
- Indian Postal Service
- Indian Information Service (IIS)
- Pondicherry Civil Service and Police Service (PCS and PPS)
UPSC CSE 2026 Salary
The salary structure depends on service and post.
IAS officer salary (as an example):
- Initial Salary (Junior Time Scale): ₹ 56,100 per month (level 10)
- Senior scale (after promotion): ₹ 67,700 – ₹ 78,800
- Joint Secretary (15+ years): ₹ 1,44,200 – ₹ 2,18,200
- Chief Secretary / Cabinet Secretary: Per month, up to 2,50,000
Allowance and benefits:
- Government House
- Official vehicle and driver (for senior rank)
- Dearness allowance (DA)
- Home rent allowance (HRA)
- Medical facilities and pension
A similar pay scale is applied with service-specific allowances on IPS, IFS and IRS.
UPSC CSE 2026 Syllabus
The examination is conducted in three phases – prelims, mains and interviews.
1. Preliminary examination (objective)
Paper I – General Studies (200 marks):
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian politics and governance
- Indian and world geography
- Economic and social development
- Environmental ecosystem and biodiversity
- General Science
Paper II – CSAT (200 marks, qualification):
- Understanding
- Logical logic
- Decide
- Original number and data interpretation
Prelims are only qualifying for the main (not counted in merit).
2. Main examination (descriptive)
9 papers include (7 count for merit, 2 qualifications):
- Qualifying Papers:
- Paper A – Indian Language (300 digits)
- Paper B – English (300 digits)
- Called papers for merit (1750 marks):
- Essay (250 marks)
- General Studies I – History, Geography, Society (250 Marks)
- General Studies II – Politics, Governance, IR (250 digits)
- General Studies III – Economy, Environment, Science, Security (250 digits)
- General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity, Qualification (250 digits)
- Alternative Paper I – The subject selected by the candidate (250 marks)
- Alternative Paper II – Subjects chosen by candidate (250 marks)
3. Personality Testing (Interview) – 275 marks
Candidates are evaluated on personality, communication, general awareness and decision making.
Last Merit = Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 digits
UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen for IAS and IPS. For other services, Nepal, Bhutan and the subjects of some categories are also eligible.
- Educational Qualification: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Age limit (till 1 August 2026):
- General: 21 to 32 years
- OBC: 21 to 35 years
- SC/ST: 21 to 37 years
- Efforts are allowed:
- General – 6 attempts
- OBC – 9 attempts
- SC/ST – unlimited (to age limit)
UPSC CSE 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC/ST / PwD / Female | Exempted (No fee) |
How to apply for UPSC CSE 2026 online?
- Official UPSC website – go to upsc.gov.in
- Click “UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 – Apply online”.
- Full Part I Registration (Basic Description).
- Full Part II registration (upload document, payment fee).
- Upload the scanned photo and signature.
- Pay the online application fee through Net Banking/UPI/Debit Card.
- Submit the form and download a copy for reference.
UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates (Tental)
- Notification release date: February 2026
- Online application starts date: February 2026
- Last date to apply online: March 2026
- Prelims exam date: June 2026
- Main Exam Date: September 2026
- Interview dates: January – March 2027
- Final result: April 2027
UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude) | 200 | 2 hours |
Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper B | English | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Essay | Essay Writing | 250 |
| GS I | History, Geography, Society | 250 |
| GS II | Polity, Governance, IR | 250 |
| GS III | Economy, Environment, Security | 250 |
| GS IV | Ethics, Integrity | 250 |
| Optional I | Chosen Subject | 250 |
| Optional II | Chosen Subject | 250 |
Total (Mains + Interview) = 2025 Marks
Conclusion
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates who aim to become IAS, IPS, IFS, or other group A officer. With an attractive salary, high job security and rights, the exam is one of the highest demand in India.Candidates should carefully examine eligibility, courses, exam patterns and important dates, and start preparing early to crack this prestigious examination.
To observe the UPSC Recruitment 2025, CLICK HERE.
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