UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out for 933 Vacancies: Eligibility, New Changes and What Aspirants Must Know

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification, opening applications for 933 civil services vacancies across the Government of India. The notification was published on February 4, 2026, and the online application process will remain open until February 24, 2026, up to 6:00 PM.

This year’s notification has drawn significant attention not just because of the exam schedule, but due to a notable reduction in vacancies, stricter service eligibility rules, and enhanced digital verification measures. For lakhs of aspirants preparing for years, UPSC CSE 2026 represents a more competitive and tightly regulated selection cycle than before.

UPSC CSE 2026 Notification: Key Highlights Aspirants Should Note

The UPSC CSE 2026 notification outlines several defining changes and confirmations that directly impact aspirants:

• Total Vacancies: 933
  
• PwBD Reservation: 33 posts
  
• Application Window: February 4 to February 24, 2026 (till 6 PM)
  
• Preliminary Exam Date: May 24, 2026
  
• Main Examination Start Date: August 21, 2026
  
• Selection Stages: Prelims, Mains, Personality Test
  
• Application Mode: Online only via upsconline.nic.in
  

Compared to 979 vacancies last year and 1,105 vacancies the year before, the reduced intake has intensified competition and raised concerns among aspirants regarding service allocation and cut-off trends.

UPSC CSE 2026 Vacancy Breakdown and Reservations

Out of the 933 total vacancies, 33 posts are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The category-wise distribution is as follows:

• Blindness and Low Vision: 7 vacancies
  
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 11 vacancies
  
• Locomotor Disability: 8 vacancies (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy)
  
• Multiple Disabilities: 7 vacancies (excluding the combination of blind and deaf)
  

UPSC has clarified that the final vacancy count may be revised after confirmation from Cadre Controlling Authorities. Reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories will be applied strictly as per government norms.

Also Read: CTET Admit Card 2026 February: February Hall Ticket Date, Exam Pattern and Centre Details

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE 2026

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Those appearing in the final year of their degree examination are eligible to apply for the Preliminary Examination, provided they submit proof of passing at later stages.

Age Limit and Cut-off Date

The age of candidates is calculated as of August 1, 2026.

• Minimum Age: 21 years
  
• Maximum Age (General): 32 years
  

Age relaxation applies as follows:

• OBC: Up to 35 years
  
• SC/ST: Up to 37 years
  
• PwBD: Up to 42 years
  

Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1994, and not later than August 1, 2005.

Number of Attempts Allowed Category-wise

The number of attempts permitted for UPSC CSE 2026 is:

• General / EWS: 6 attempts
  
• OBC: 9 attempts
  
• SC / ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
  
• PwBD (General/EWS/OBC): 9 attempts
  
• PwBD (SC/ST): Unlimited
  

An appearance in even one paper of the Preliminary Examination is counted as an attempt.

Major Changes in Service Eligibility and Re-attempt Rules

One of the most significant updates in the UPSC CSE 2026 notification concerns restrictions on candidates already selected for services:

• Candidates already selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS) cannot opt for IPS again
  
• Candidates who are already members of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) are not eligible to appear for the examination
  
• If appointment to IAS or IFS takes place after Prelims but before Mains, the candidate cannot appear for the Mains examination
  
• Candidates who joined services through CSE 2025 or earlier have been given one final opportunity in 2026 or 2027 to utilise their remaining attempts without resigning from their current service
  

These rules aim to reduce repeat participation and open more space for first-time and unselected aspirants.

Exemption from Indian Language Paper for Certain States

UPSC has confirmed that Paper A (Indian Language) is not compulsory for candidates belonging to the following states:

• Arunachal Pradesh
  
• Manipur
  
• Meghalaya
  
• Mizoram
  
• Nagaland
  
• Sikkim
  

This clarification was conveyed in Parliament on February 4, 2026, reaffirming existing regional exemptions.

UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern and Selection Process

Preliminary Examination

• Two objective-type papers (200 marks each)
  
• CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying with 33% minimum marks
  
• Marks not counted for final merit
  
• One-third negative marking for incorrect answers
  

Main Examination

• Nine descriptive papers
  
• Two qualifying language papers
  
• Seven papers counted for merit, totalling 1,750 marks
  

Personality Test (Interview)

• Carries 275 marks
  
• No minimum qualifying marks
  

Final Merit List: Based on a total of 2,025 marks (Mains + Interview).

Digital Security Measures and Application Process

To strengthen exam integrity, UPSC has introduced:

• AI-based facial recognition at exam centres
  
• Mandatory Aadhaar-linked verification
  
• A new four-step digital application portal, replacing earlier processes
  

Candidates must apply online at upsconline.nic.in, completing profile creation, URN generation, Common Application Form, and exam-specific details.

Spiritual Perspective: Guidance from the Unique Knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj

While UPSC CSE 2026 highlights rising competition and shrinking opportunities, the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj offers a deeper perspective for aspirants. His teachings emphasize that human effort must be supported by right guidance, disciplined conduct, and spiritual clarity to achieve lasting success.

According to this knowledge, career achievements alone cannot provide complete stability or peace unless aligned with true spiritual understanding. For aspirants facing pressure, uncertainty, or repeated attempts, this wisdom encourages balance—hard work combined with inner strength, ethical living, and faith in the correct path. It reminds candidates that success is meaningful only when it leads to overall well-being, purpose, and freedom from anxiety, even amid intense competition.

Why UPSC CSE 2026 Is a Turning Point for Aspirants

With fewer vacancies, stricter eligibility rules, and tighter digital scrutiny, UPSC CSE 2026 marks a decisive shift in the civil services recruitment process. While the syllabus and exam structure remain unchanged, the margin for error has narrowed sharply.

For aspirants, success in 2026 will depend not only on preparation, but also on strategic planning, eligibility awareness, and timing. The path to India’s top civil services remains prestigious—but it has undeniably become more competitive.

FAQs on UPSC CSE 2026 Notification