UPSC Notification 2026 Out: PDF Download, Vacancies, Dates

The Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC Notification 2026 on February 4, 2026. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for May 24, 2026. There are 933 vacancies available for recruitment.

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UPSC Notification 2026 Out

Key Highlights

  • Notification Date: 4th February 2026

  • Last Date to Apply: 24th February 2026 (6:00 PM)

  • Prelims Exam Date: 24th May 2026

  • Total Vacancies: 933

  • Age Limit: 21–32 Years

  • Official PDF: Available for download at upsc.gov.in

The UPSC Notification 2026 is the official regulatory mandate released by the Union Public Service Commission to initiate the Civil Services Examination (CSE) cycle for the year. 

This gazette serves as the legal framework that governs the recruitment of officers into Group A and Group B services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).

PadhAI centralizes these critical updates, past year questions, and AI-driven revision tools to help aspirants study smarter and remain consistent throughout this rigorous cycle. The commission activated the upsc online notification link on February 4, 2026, marking the start of the application window.

What is the UPSC Notification 2026?

What is the UPSC Notification 2026?

The UPSC Notification 2026 is a comprehensive document that defines the rules, eligibility, and syllabus for the Civil Services Examination. It acts as the primary reference point for all aspirants regarding age limits, educational qualifications, and the examination structure. 

UPSC Official Notification 2026 PDF Released

The document lists the specific services participating in the examination and the approximate number of vacancies available for recruitment. Candidates must read this document to understand the medical and physical standards required for specific services like the IPS or IRMS.

UPSC Official Notification 2026

Download UPSC Official Notification 2026 PDF

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Official Exam Schedule and Key Dates

Official Exam Schedule and Key Dates

The UPSC latest notification establishes a strict timeline for the 2026 examination cycle. The Commission adheres to these dates rigidly. Aspirants must complete their registration processes within the allotted twenty-day window.

Table 1: Important Dates for UPSC CSE 2026

Event

Date

Notification Release Date

04 February 2026

Application Start Date

04 February 2026

UPSC Notification 2026 Last Date to Apply

24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)

Admit Card Release

May 2026 (Last working day of preceding week)

Preliminary Examination

24 May 2026

Mains Examination

21 August 2026

The upsc recent notification explicitly states that the link to fill applications will be disabled precisely at 6:00 PM on the closing date.

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Vacancy Breakdown for 2026

Vacancy Breakdown for 2026

The UPSC new notification announces approximately 933 vacancies for the current year. This number is subject to change based on the final intake reported by Cadre Controlling Authorities. The government reserves specific slots for various categories to promote inclusivity.

Table 2: Vacancy Distribution

Category

Vacancy Details

Total Vacancies

933 (Approx.)

Reserved for PwBD

33

Blindness/Low Vision

07

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

11

Locomotor Disability

08

Multiple Disabilities

07

The reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections applies as per government policy fixed for these vacancies.

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Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The UPSC CSE notification outlines three primary eligibility parameters: Age, Nationality, and Educational Qualification.

Age Limit and Relaxations

A candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of 1st August 2026. This means the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.

Table 3: Category-Wise Age Relaxations

Category

Relaxation

Maximum Age

General / EWS

None

32 Years

SC / ST

5 Years

37 Years

OBC

3 Years

35 Years

Defence Services Personnel

3 Years

35 Years

Ex-Servicemen

5 Years

37 Years

PwBD

10 Years

42 Years

Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized University or possess an equivalent qualification. Candidates awaiting their final year results can also apply for the Preliminary Examination but must produce proof of passing before the Main Examination.

Application Procedure and Fees

Application Procedure and Fees

Aspirants must submit their forms online. The process involves registering on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform and then filling out the specific exam application.

Table 4: Application Fee Structure

Category

Fee Amount

General / OBC / EWS (Male)

Rs. 100

Female (All Categories)

Exempt (Nil)

SC / ST / PwBD

Exempt (Nil)

Steps to Apply:

  1. Navigate to upsconline.nic.in.

  2. Complete the upsc otr registration to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN).

  3. Log in and select the active exam notification.

  4. Fill in the upsc application form with personal and educational data.

  5. Upload scanned photographs and signatures as per the specifications.

  6. Pay the fee via Net Banking, Card, or UPI.

Check the UPSC notifications page regularly for updates regarding the rejection of applications or window for corrections.

Exam Pattern and Structure

Exam Pattern and Structure

The UPSC exam notification prescribes a three-stage selection process.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

This stage serves as a screening test. It consists of two objective papers.

  • Paper I (General Studies): 200 Marks. Counts for merit ranking for Mains.

  • Paper II (CSAT): 200 Marks. Qualifying nature (33% minimum required).

Stage 2: Main Examination

Candidates who clear Prelims advance to the Mains. This stage comprises nine papers of conventional essay type questions.

  • Qualifying Papers: Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English) - 300 Marks each.

  • Merit Papers: Essay, GS I-IV, and two Optional Subject papers - 250 Marks each.

Stage 3: Personality Test

Candidates selected from the Mains appear for an interview carrying 275 marks.

Critical Questions for Aspirants

Critical Questions for Aspirants

Is Negative Marking Applicable in Prelims?

Yes. There is a penalty for wrong answers in the Objective Type Question Papers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Is the Application Fee Refundable?

No. The fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances.

Can I Withdraw My Application?

No. The UPSC notification 2026 pdf clearly states that candidates are not allowed to withdraw their applications after submission.

How to Prepare Using Official Resources

How to Prepare Using Official Resources

Aspirants should download the UPSC notification 2026 pdf to access the detailed syllabus in Appendix I. PadhAI integrates this official syllabus into its AI-powered tutor to generate relevant practice questions and revision duels. You should verify all updates regarding centers and admit cards directly from the official website.

Frequently asked question (FAQs)

When was the UPSC Notification 2026 released?
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
How many vacancies are available in UPSC 2026?
When is the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date?
Is there a fee exemption for female candidates?

Conclusion

Conclusion

The UPSC Notification 2026 sets the stage for the 2026 recruitment cycle with 933 vacancies. The Prelims will take place on May 24, 2026. Aspirants must finalize their applications by February 24, 2026, to avoid disqualification.

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UPSC Foundation Day 2026: 100 Years of Its Formation

A hundred years have passed since India got its first Public Service Commission on 1 October 1926. UPSC Foundation Day on 1 October 2026 marks that full century.

What started as an advisory body under colonial rule eventually became the Union Public Service Commission, an independent constitutional authority governed by Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution.

Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is hosting the centenary across two days, 30 September and 1 October 2026. Day one carried the title Shatabdi Samaroh - Manthan and centred on where civil services go next, how public administration can innovate, and what constitutional values mean in practice.

The Prime Minister attends the 1 October programme. A commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and a book covering 100 landmark judgments that shaped the work of UPSC and State Public Service Commissions are all part of the official releases.

For an aspirant, UPSC foundation day works as a current-affairs topic because it ties history to Indian Polity, governance, constitutional bodies, civil service reforms, and ethics in public administration.UPSC Foundation Day 2026: Key Highlights

UPSC Foundation Day 2026 thumbnail marking 100 years from 1926 to 2026.

UPSC Foundation Day 2026: 100 Years of Its Formation

A hundred years have passed since India got its first Public Service Commission on 1 October 1926. UPSC Foundation Day on 1 October 2026 marks that full century.

What started as an advisory body under colonial rule eventually became the Union Public Service Commission, an independent constitutional authority governed by Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution.

Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is hosting the centenary across two days, 30 September and 1 October 2026. Day one carried the title Shatabdi Samaroh - Manthan and centred on where civil services go next, how public administration can innovate, and what constitutional values mean in practice.

The Prime Minister attends the 1 October programme. A commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and a book covering 100 landmark judgments that shaped the work of UPSC and State Public Service Commissions are all part of the official releases.

For an aspirant, UPSC foundation day works as a current-affairs topic because it ties history to Indian Polity, governance, constitutional bodies, civil service reforms, and ethics in public administration.UPSC Foundation Day 2026: Key Highlights

UPSC Foundation Day 2026 thumbnail marking 100 years from 1926 to 2026.

SSC CGL City Intimation 2026 Out: Check Tier 1 City Now

Candidates appearing for the first stage of the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 can now view their assigned locations.

The Staff Selection Commission published the official SSC CGL city intimation 2026 update on 21 September 2026.

You must log into your personal dashboard on ssc.gov.in to see the specific details tied to your application profile. The computer-based test runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026.

This early location update exists mainly to help candidates plan their travel arrangements ahead of time. It shows the specific assigned city linked to your exam schedule, but it does not act as your final entry document for the testing centre. The actual Admission Certificate arrives later with the exact venue and day-of rules.

SSC CGL Tier-I exam city details 2026 with login and exam dates

SSC CGL City Intimation 2026 Out: Check Tier 1 City Now

Candidates appearing for the first stage of the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 can now view their assigned locations.

The Staff Selection Commission published the official SSC CGL city intimation 2026 update on 21 September 2026.

You must log into your personal dashboard on ssc.gov.in to see the specific details tied to your application profile. The computer-based test runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026.

This early location update exists mainly to help candidates plan their travel arrangements ahead of time. It shows the specific assigned city linked to your exam schedule, but it does not act as your final entry document for the testing centre. The actual Admission Certificate arrives later with the exact venue and day-of rules.

SSC CGL Tier-I exam city details 2026 with login and exam dates

UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027: Notification, 127 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission published the official UPSC Geoscientist notification on 2 September 2026. This document covers 127 tentative openings split between the Central Ground Water Board and the Geological Survey of India. You are looking at a highly specialized UPSC Geoscientist hiring cycle.

The application window closes at 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026. The preliminary test happens on 10 January 2027, and the main written exams follow on 19 and 20 June 2027.

All applications go through the main government portal. The preliminary test is on 10 January 2027 and the main written exams on 19 and 20 June 2027.

All applications are submitted via the main government portal. You must be aged between 21 and 32 as of 1 January 2027 (there are some exceptions). Most positions require a master's degree in chemistry, hydrogeology, geophysics or geology.

Read the full PDF before you fill out the UPSC Geoscientist form. That document lists every physical requirement, exam center, reservation rule, and specific degree needed for each post.

UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027 notification with 127 vacancies

UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027: Notification, 127 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission published the official UPSC Geoscientist notification on 2 September 2026. This document covers 127 tentative openings split between the Central Ground Water Board and the Geological Survey of India. You are looking at a highly specialized UPSC Geoscientist hiring cycle.

The application window closes at 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026. The preliminary test happens on 10 January 2027, and the main written exams follow on 19 and 20 June 2027.

All applications go through the main government portal. The preliminary test is on 10 January 2027 and the main written exams on 19 and 20 June 2027.

All applications are submitted via the main government portal. You must be aged between 21 and 32 as of 1 January 2027 (there are some exceptions). Most positions require a master's degree in chemistry, hydrogeology, geophysics or geology.

Read the full PDF before you fill out the UPSC Geoscientist form. That document lists every physical requirement, exam center, reservation rule, and specific degree needed for each post.

UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027 notification with 127 vacancies
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Gajendra Singh Godara

Ex-UPSC Aspirant | Exam Preparation Expert

Gajendra Singh Godara is an IIT Bombay graduate and a UPSC aspirant with 4 attempts, including multiple Prelims and Mains appearances. He specializes in Polity, Modern History, International Relations, and Economy. At PadhAI, Gajendra leverages his firsthand exam experience to simplify complex concepts, creating high-efficiency study materials that help aspirants save time and stay focused.

a close up of a cell phone with a blurry background

Gajendra Singh Godara

Ex-UPSC Aspirant | Exam Preparation Expert

Gajendra Singh Godara is an IIT Bombay graduate and a UPSC aspirant with 4 attempts, including multiple Prelims and Mains appearances. He specializes in Polity, Modern History, International Relations, and Economy. At PadhAI, Gajendra leverages his firsthand exam experience to simplify complex concepts, creating high-efficiency study materials that help aspirants save time and stay focused.

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

View the complete exam schedule, including Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test dates.
Check category-wise cutoff marks for the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination.
View the final list of recommended candidates for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
The final list of selected candidates for UPSC CSE 2025 is now available.
Check the category-wise cut-off marks for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
The official schedule for UPSC examinations in 2026 has been released on 15 May 2025.
The results of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 have been officially released.
Check the updated and latest syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
The official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 was released on 22 January 2025.
Access the UPSC Prelims 2025 question paper along with the unofficial answer key.

UPSC Exam Dates 2026

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held on 24 May 2026, and UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21 August 2026.

UPSC Selection Process

The UPSC Civil Services selection process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 & Marksheet

The UPSC Civil Services Result 2024 has been released along with the official marksheet.

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

View the complete exam schedule, including Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test dates.
Check category-wise cutoff marks for the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Examination.
View the final list of recommended candidates for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
The final list of selected candidates for UPSC CSE 2025 is now available.
Check the category-wise cut-off marks for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
The official schedule for UPSC examinations in 2026 has been released on 15 May 2025.
The results of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 have been officially released.
Check the updated and latest syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
The official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 was released on 22 January 2025.
Access the UPSC Prelims 2025 question paper along with the unofficial answer key.

UPSC Exam Dates 2026

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held on 24 May 2026, and UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21 August 2026.

UPSC Selection Process

The UPSC Civil Services selection process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 & Marksheet

The UPSC Civil Services Result 2024 has been released along with the official marksheet.

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Why choose PadhAI?

Read daily top news (TH & IE) & Solve Current Affairs MCQs

Topic-wise search of 30+ yrs PYQs

24×7 AI tutor for doubt resolution

Practice 30k+ MCQs & full GS + CSAT mocks

Play Duel UPSC quizzes with fellow aspirants

PadhAI UPSC App

We're PadhAI - a free UPSC prep app built by IITians, AI PhDs & top UPSC experts.

Why choose PadhAI?

Read daily top news (TH & IE) & Solve Current Affairs MCQs

Topic-wise search of 30+ yrs PYQs

24×7 AI tutor for doubt resolution

Practice 30k+ MCQs & full GS + CSAT mocks

Play Duel UPSC quizzes with fellow aspirants

PadhAI UPSC App

We're PadhAI - a free UPSC prep app built by IITians, AI PhDs & top UPSC experts.
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Don't get left behind on your UPSC prep

Don't get left behind on your UPSC prep

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