
Introduction The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This is a golden opportunity for aspirants looking to join prestigious central government services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS.
For the year 2026, the commission has announced approximately 933 vacancies. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website upsconline.nic.in. The last date to submit the application form is February 24, 2026.
Below, we have provided all the necessary details regarding the UPSC CSE 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, age limit, and exam centers in Gujarat.
Overview: UPSC CSE 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (Approx.) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 24th February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24th May 2026 |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates Candidates must keep track of the following dates to avoid missing the deadline.
- Notification Release Date: 04 February 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
- Last Date for Application: 24 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM)
- Application Correction Window: 25 February to 03 March 2026
- UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- UPSC CSE Mains Exam Date: Starts from 21 August 2026
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized University in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, etc.).
- Candidates currently in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for the Preliminary exam.
2. Age Limit (As on 01/08/2026):
PwBD: 10 Years
Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 32 Years
Age Relaxation:
OBC: 3 Years (Up to 35 Years)
SC/ST: 5 Years (Up to 37 Years)
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 100/-
- SC / ST / PwBD / All Female Candidates: No Fee (Exempted)
- Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, UPI, Credit/Debit Card).
Selection Process:
The UPSC selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective Type (2 Papers).
- Mains Examination: Descriptive Type (9 Papers).
- Interview / Personality Test: For candidates who clear the Mains.
Exam Centers in Gujarat For aspirants from Gujarat, the UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted in the following cities:
- Ahmedabad
- Rajkot
- Surat
(Note: The Mains examination will only be held in Ahmedabad for Gujarat candidates.)
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026? Follow these simple steps to apply online:
- Visit the official application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on “One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations”.
- Register yourself (if not already registered) and log in.
- Go to “Latest Notifications” and select Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
- Fill in Part-I and Part-II of the application form carefully.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Select your preferred Exam Center.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Key Takeaways
Vacancies:933 posts (approx) including 33
reserved for PwBD.
services: IAS,IPS,IFS,IRS, and other Group A & B services
Attempt: 6 for General,9 for OBC/PwBD
(GL/EWS/OBC), Unlimited for SC/ST.
PHOTO ID: Details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter
ID/PAN/passport/Driving License) must be
provided.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join Our WhatsApp Group | Click Here |
FAQs
Q1. When is the UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims exam?
Ans. The Preliminary Examination will be held on 24 May 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Ans. The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM).
Q3. How many vacancies are there in CSE 2026?
Ans. There are approximately 933 vacancies.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the Prelims exam?
Ans. Yes, there is a penalty of one-third (0.33) marks for every wrong answer in the objective type question papers.
Final Thoughts
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most competitive exams in the country. With 933 vacancies this year, aspirants have a significant opportunity to serve the nation. Candidates are advised to read the detailed notification carefully, especially regarding eligibility and the physical standards, before applying. Ensure you submit your application well before the closing date to avoid last-minute congestion.
Important: Please always check and confirm the above details with the official website and advertisement/notification.
