UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Deadline Near: Apply Soon for 933 Vacancies
The application window for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is about to close, and candidates who have not yet applied are advised to act quickly. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will shut the online application process on February 24, 2026, at 6 PM for both the Civil Services Examination and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026.
Eligible aspirants must complete their applications through the official portals before the deadline, as no forms will be accepted after the closing time. The recruitment drive aims to fill 933 posts under the Central Government, making it one of the most significant opportunities for government job seekers this year.
Notification and Important Dates
UPSC released the official notification for CSE 2026 and IFS 2026 on February 4, 2026, and the application process began the same day. With the final date approaching, the commission has urged candidates to avoid last-minute technical issues by submitting their forms early.
Here are the key dates candidates should note:
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Application deadline: February 24, 2026 (6 PM)
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Preliminary Examination: May 24, 2026
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Main Examination begins: August 21, 2026
Both Civil Services and Indian Forest Service aspirants will first appear for the common preliminary examination. Only those who qualify in the prelims will be eligible to sit for the mains stage.
Total Vacancies Announced
According to the official notification, UPSC will recruit candidates for 933 positions through the Civil Services Examination 2026. These posts are distributed across various prestigious services of the Government of India.
The examination remains one of the most competitive recruitment processes in the country, attracting lakhs of applicants every year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026
Candidates can complete their registration online by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in.
Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done.
Step 3: Log in using your credentials.
Step 4: Click on the link for CSE 2026 or IFS 2026.
Step 5: Fill in the required personal, educational, and contact details carefully.
Step 6: Pay the application fee online, if applicable.
Step 7: Review the form thoroughly and submit it.
Step 8: Download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates are advised to double-check all details before final submission to avoid rejection.
Application Fee Details
The prescribed application fee structure is as follows:
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General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
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SC / ST / Female candidates: ₹100
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PwBD (benchmark disability): Fee exempted
All payments must be completed through the online mode only.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification:
Applicants must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit:
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Minimum age: 21 years
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Maximum age: 32 years
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved category candidates as per government norms.
Selection Process
The UPSC selection process for CSE 2026 includes multiple stages:
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Preliminary Examination
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Main Examination
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Personality Test (Interview)
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Document Verification
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Medical Examination
Candidates must clear each stage to secure final selection.
Final Advice for Aspirants
With the deadline just around the corner, candidates planning to appear for UPSC CSE 2026 should complete their applications immediately to avoid last-minute server issues or payment failures. Ensure that your One-Time Registration is updated, documents are ready, and all details are entered accurately.
The Civil Services Examination remains a gateway to India’s most prestigious administrative roles, and timely application is the first crucial step toward that goal.
