UPSC Launches Civil Services Exam 2026 Application Process
The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the Civil Services Examination 2026. This prestigious nationwide recruitment drive will open for applications on January 14, 2026. Aspiring candidates must mark their calendars as the submission window closes on February 3, 2026.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in. The Commission will not accept any offline applications or submissions through third-party websites. Candidates should prepare their documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
The selection process follows a rigorous three-stage pattern:
- Preliminary Examination scheduled for May 24, 2026
- Main Examination beginning August 21, 2026
- Personal Interview carrying 275 marks
Exam Schedule and Important Dates
According to the UPSC exam calendar released earlier, the Civil Services Preliminary Examination will take place on May 24, 2026. The Main Examination follows with a start date of August 21, 2026. The Commission has structured the written examination across five days, featuring two three-hour papers each day.
Successful candidates will secure positions in various prestigious services including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Other Group A and Group B services
What the Notification Contains
The official notification, once released, will provide comprehensive details about vacancy numbers, eligibility criteria, complete syllabus, and the detailed selection procedure. Candidates should carefully review all requirements before beginning their application process.
Meanwhile, the interview process for UPSC CSE 2025 continues at the Commission's headquarters in Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi. This year witnessed 14,161 candidates qualifying for the Main Examination after clearing the Preliminary stage.
The personality test and interview carry significant weight with 275 marks allocated, though there are no minimum qualifying marks for this stage. The written examination for 2025 candidates occurred from August 22 to August 31, following the established pattern of two papers daily.
Prospective applicants for the 2026 examination should begin their preparation immediately while ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements. The UPSC Civil Services Examination remains one of India's most competitive recruitment processes, attracting thousands of aspirants nationwide each year.
