🏛️ UPSC CSE 2026 — PRELIMS: 24 MAY 2026

UPSC Civil Services 2026
933 Vacancies | IAS / IPS / IFS / IRS

Notification Released: 4 February 2026 | Source: upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in

⏰ Last Updated: 8 March 2026
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✅ Official Source: upsc.gov.in | upsconline.nic.in (Notification Released: 4 February 2026)

⚡ Quick Overview — UPSC CSE 2026

📌 Note: Application window has closed (deadline was 27 February 2026). Candidates who applied should prepare for Prelims on 24 May 2026. The Prelims serves as a screening test — marks are NOT counted in final merit.

📋 UPSC CSE 2026 — Services & Vacancies

ServiceCategory
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)Group A
Indian Police Service (IPS)Group A
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)Group A
Indian Revenue Service – IRS (IT & Customs)Group A
Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IAAS)Group A
Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)Group A
Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)Group A
Delhi, A&N Islands Civil Service (DANICS)Group B
Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS)Group B
Total Vacancies (2026 cycle)933 (subject to revision)

📅 UPSC CSE 2026 — Schedule (Official)

EventDate
Notification Release4 February 2026
Application Opens4 February 2026
Application Closes27 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Correction Window28 February – 3 March 2026
Prelims Exam24 May 2026 (Sunday)
Mains Exam21 August 2026 onwards
Personality Test (Interview)To be announced (post-Mains)

✅ UPSC CSE 2026 — Eligibility (Official)

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Degree from a recognised University or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Final year students may also apply (subject to producing proof before Mains).

Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)

CategoryAge LimitDate of Birth Range
General / EWS21–32 years2 August 1994 – 1 August 2005
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)21–35 years2 August 1991 – 1 August 2005
SC / ST21–37 years2 August 1989 – 1 August 2005
PwBD (UR)21–42 years2 August 1984 – 1 August 2005
Ex-Servicemen (General)Upto 37 yearsAs per Govt norms

Number of Attempts

CategoryAttempts Allowed
General / EWS6 attempts
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)9 attempts
SC / STUnlimited (within age limit)
PwBD (UR/OBC)9 attempts

📝 UPSC Prelims 2026 — Exam Pattern

PaperSubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
Paper IGeneral Studies1002002 hours
Paper IICSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)802002 hours

Important: Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only — minimum 33% required. Only Paper I marks are used for shortlisting to Mains. Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer.

📝 UPSC Mains 2026 — Exam Pattern

PaperSubjectMarksType
Paper AIndian Language (Qualifying)300Qualifying
Paper BEnglish (Qualifying)300Qualifying
GS Paper IHistory, Geography, Society250Merit
GS Paper IIGovernance, Constitution, Polity, IR250Merit
GS Paper IIIEconomy, Science, Environment, Security250Merit
GS Paper IVEthics, Integrity, Aptitude250Merit
EssayEssay writing (2 essays)250Merit
Optional IOptional Subject — Paper 1250Merit
Optional IIOptional Subject — Paper 2250Merit
Total Mains Written—1,750—
Personality TestInterview275Merit
Grand Total—2,025—

💰 IAS / IPS Salary 2026

GradePay LevelBasic Pay
Junior Time Scale (IAS/IPS)Level-10₹56,100/month
Senior Time ScaleLevel-11₹67,700/month
Junior Administrative GradeLevel-12₹78,800/month
Selection Grade (IAS)Level-13₹1,23,100/month
Secretary to Govt of IndiaLevel-17 (Apex)₹2,25,000/month

Plus: HRA, DA, Government accommodation, vehicle, medical, leave travel allowance, and pension.

🔗 Official Links

UPSC Official Website ↗ UPSC Apply Portal ↗

❓ UPSC CSE 2026 — FAQ

When is UPSC Prelims 2026?
UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled on 24 May 2026 (Sunday) as per the official UPSC Annual Calendar.
How many vacancies in UPSC CSE 2026?
The official UPSC CSE 2026 notification announced 933 vacancies (including 33 reserved for PwBD). Final count may change after confirmation by Cadre Controlling Authorities.
What is the age limit for UPSC 2026?
General category: 21–32 years as on 1 August 2026. OBC: up to 35 years. SC/ST: up to 37 years. PwBD: up to 42 years.
Is CSAT qualifying in UPSC Prelims?
Yes. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only. You need minimum 33% marks (66/200) in CSAT. Only Paper I (GS) marks count for shortlisting to Mains.
What is UPSC Mains total marks?
UPSC Mains written papers carry 1,750 marks. Adding the Personality Test (275 marks), the grand total comes to 2,025 marks. Final merit is based on Mains + Interview combined score.
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