UPSC 2026: Eligibility, Form Dates & Exam Schedule

Introduction

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India’s most prestigious national-level exams. It selects candidates for top government roles like IAS, IPS, IFS and other central services. Every year, thousands of aspirants prepare rigorously to clear this multi-stage examination. In this article, we’ll cover the eligibility criteria, form fill dates for 2026, expected exam dates, and official links to apply so you don’t miss out on crucial deadlines.

What is UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central recruiting agency responsible for conducting various examinations, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This exam selects officers for services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFS) and more. The UPSC CSE is known for its challenging syllabus and competitive selection process.

UPSC 2026 Important Dates

Here are the official UPSC 2026 schedule highlights you need to know:

👉 Note: Dates are from the official UPSC notification and calendar for 2026.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC 2026

To apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:

1. Educational Qualification

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
• Candidates awaiting final year results can also apply, but must pass before the Main exam.

2. Age Limit

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 32 years
• Age relaxation applies for OBC, SC/ST and PwBD as per government rules.

3. Nationality

• Indian citizen (for IAS and IPS posts).
• Certain services allow citizens of Nepal, Bhutan or Tibetan refugees. (Check official notification for details.)

4. Attempt Limits

• General: Up to 6 attempts
• OBC: Up to 9 attempts
• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until age limit

Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements before filling the form. Failure to do so can lead to rejection.

How to Apply & Official Form Links

You can apply for UPSC CSE 2026 only online through the official UPSC websites. Here are the official form links:

🔗 Official UPSC Application Portal:
https://upsconline.nic.in

🔗 Official UPSC Main Website (notification & updates):
https://upsc.gov.in

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official application portal.
2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already.
3. Fill the UPSC CSE 2026 application with personal, educational and contact details.
4. Upload required documents and passport photo/signature.
5. Pay the application fee (as applicable) and submit before the deadline.

Exam Pattern Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination

• Objective-type paper
• Serve as a screening test for Main exam

2. Main Examination

• Written descriptive papers
• More in-depth and detailed

3. Interview / Personality Test

• Final stage to assess suitability for service

Candidates must clear each stage to progress to the next.

Final Tips for Aspirants

• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last date — heavy traffic can slow the portal.
• Check eligibility: Review the full official notification before applying.
• Keep documents ready: Uploading errors can delay your submission.
• Stay updated: Watch official site for admit card announcements.