The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) application deadline for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is today, February 24 , at 6 PM. Candidates must submit their applications online at upsc.gov.in .
Exam Schedule
The UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary examination is scheduled for May 24 . This exam will take place across 83 centers nationwide. The Main examination follows on August 21 , with 27 designated centers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UPSC CSE 2026, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Those currently appearing for their final qualifying examinations are also permitted to apply.
Age Limits and Relaxations
The age limits for the UPSC CSE 2026 are as follows:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General and EWS | 32 years |
| OBC | 35 years |
| SC and ST | 37 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 40 years |
Application Fees and Vacancies
A fee of Rs 100 is required for General, OBC, and EWS candidates to complete the application. No fee is charged for SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwD, and female candidates.
This year’s recruitment offers a total of 933 vacancies . Positions include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
Number of Attempts
The number of attempts permitted for the UPSC CSE exam varies by category:
- General category candidates: 6 attempts
- OBC candidates: 9 attempts
- SC and ST candidates: Unlimited, up to the maximum age limit
Admit Card Information
The UPSC CSE admit card will be released on the last working day of the week preceding the exam. Candidates requesting a scribe change at least seven days before the exam will receive their admit card three days prior to the exam date.