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UPSC Exams 2026 — CSE (IAS/IPS), NDA, CDS, CAPF & More

🏛️ Union Public Service Commission
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🔥 Updated 2026
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🏛️ UPSC Exams 2026 — Overview

🏛️ UPSC Exams 2026 — Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruitment body, conducting highly competitive examinations for various prestigious positions in the Indian Government. UPSC conducts examinations for IAS, IPS, IFS, NDA, CDS, CAPF, Engineering Services, and many more prestigious posts.

The UPSC Annual Exam Calendar 2026 was officially released on 15 May 2025 on upsc.gov.in, listing all exam schedules for the year. Every year, over 10 lakh candidates apply for UPSC exams — particularly the Civil Services Examination (CSE) which has only 933 vacancies in 2026, making it one of the most competitive exams in the world.

DetailInformation
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC), Government of India
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in
CSE 2026 Vacancies933 (including 33 for PwBD)
Salary Range₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 per month (IAS — Cabinet Secretary level)
Services Covered (CSE)IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IDAS, IRPS, IAAS, ICAS, DANICS, DANIPS, and 20+ others
Prelims Date 202624 May 2026 (Sunday)
Mains Date 202621 August 2026 (Friday) — 5 days
Attempts Allowed6 (General) · 9 (OBC) · Unlimited up to age limit (SC/ST)

🗂️ UPSC Exams 2026: Complete List of Upcoming UPSC Exams

All UPSC exams 2026 with official dates, vacancies, and auto-updating status based on today's date.

ExamPostsVacanciesQualificationExam DateStatus
UPSC CSE 2026IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS & 20+ Central Services933Graduation (any stream)Prelims: May 24, 2026
UPSC IFoS 2026Indian Forest Service (IFS)~160B.Sc / B.Tech (relevant)Prelims via CSE (May 24)
NDA & NA (I) 2026IMA, INA, AFA, Naval Academy~40012th Pass (PCM for Army/Air Force)Apr 12, 2026
CDS (I) 2026IMA, INA, AFA, OTA451Graduation (degree-wise)May 24, 2026
UPSC CAPF ACs 2026Assistant Commandants (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB)~350Graduation (any stream)Jul 19, 2026
NDA & NA (II) 2026IMA, INA, AFA, Naval Academy~40012th Pass (PCM for Army/Air Force)Sep 13, 2026
CDS (II) 2026IMA, INA, AFA, OTA~450Graduation (degree-wise)Sep 13, 2026
UPSC ESE (IES) 2026Engineering Services (Civil, Elec, Mech, E&T)~250B.Tech / B.Sc (Engg)Jun 7, 2026 (Prelims)
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2026Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, Jr Hydrogeologist~60M.Sc (relevant)Jun 20–21, 2026
UPSC CMS 2026Medical Officer (CGHS, Railways, CHS etc.)~700MBBS DegreeAug 9, 2026
UPSC IFoS Mains 2026Indian Forest Service (Mains)Included in IFoSQualified in CSE Prelims 2026Nov 22, 2026

📋 UPSC Exams List 2026 (Civil Services, NDA, CDS & More)

UPSC conducts examinations across four broad categories. Below is the complete category-wise list of all UPSC exams 2026.

🏛️ Civil Services
⚔️ Defence Services
⚙️ Technical Services
🎯 Mock Tests

📅 UPSC Exams 2026 Dates (Latest Exam Schedule)

Official UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 dates released on 15 May 2025 by upsc.gov.in. Status updates automatically based on today's date.

ExamNotificationApply Last DatePrelims / Exam DateMains DateStatus
UPSC CSE 2026Feb 4, 2026Feb 24, 2026May 24, 2026Aug 21, 2026
UPSC IFoS 2026Feb 4, 2026Feb 24, 2026May 24, 2026 (via CSE)Nov 22, 2026
NDA & NA (I) 2026Dec 2025Dec 31, 2025Apr 12, 2026SSB Interview
UPSC ESE / IES 2026Jan 8, 2026Jan 28, 2026Jun 7, 2026Jul 2026
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2026Jan 8, 2026Jan 28, 2026Jun 20–21, 2026—
UPSC CAPF ACs 2026Feb 14, 2026Mar 6, 2026Jul 19, 2026—
CDS (I) 2026Dec 10, 2025Dec 31, 2025May 24, 2026SSB Interview
UPSC CMS 2026Apr 9, 2026Apr 29, 2026Aug 9, 2026—
NDA & NA (II) 2026May 14, 2026Jun 3, 2026Sep 13, 2026SSB Interview
CDS (II) 2026May 14, 2026Jun 3, 2026Sep 13, 2026SSB Interview

* All dates as per UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 released 15 May 2025. Dates are liable to change — always verify on upsc.gov.in.

📄 UPSC Exams 2026 Notification PDF (Download Official Notice)

The official UPSC notification PDF is released on upsc.gov.in under the "What's New" section. It contains complete details of vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and application process.

ExamNotification DateVacanciesStatusPDF Link
UPSC CSE 2026Feb 4, 2026933Admit Card PhaseDownload from upsc.gov.in →
UPSC IFoS 2026Feb 4, 2026~160Admit Card PhaseDownload from upsc.gov.in →
NDA & NA (I) 2026Dec 11, 2025~400Result AwaitedDownload from upsc.gov.in →
CDS (I) 2026Dec 10, 2025451Exam DoneDownload from upsc.gov.in →
UPSC ESE / IES 2026Jan 8, 2026~250Admit Card PhaseDownload from upsc.gov.in →
UPSC CAPF ACs 2026Feb 14, 2026~350Apply OpenDownload from upsc.gov.in →
UPSC CMS 2026Apr 9, 2026~700Expected Apr 2026Check When Live →
NDA & NA (II) 2026May 14, 2026~400Expected May 2026Check When Live →
💡 All official UPSC notification PDFs are available only at upsc.gov.in. PrepResults links directly to the official UPSC website for downloads.

📝 UPSC Exams 2026 Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

All UPSC exam applications are submitted online through upsconline.nic.in. The process involves a two-part application for CSE (Part I & Part II). Here is the complete step-by-step guide.

1
Register on upsconline.nic.in
Visit upsconline.nic.in → Click "Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC" → Select the exam → Click "Part I Registration". Enter Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Email ID, and choose preferred exam centre.
2
Complete Part I Registration
Fill in personal details, educational qualification, category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS), Ex-SM status, and PwBD details if applicable. Save the Registration ID and Password generated after Part I completion.
3
Upload Photograph & Signature
Upload: Recent passport-size photo (JPG, up to 300 KB) on white background, Signature (JPG, up to 20 KB), Left thumb impression (JPG, up to 20 KB), and a handwritten declaration as specified in the notification.
4
Complete Part II — Fill Detailed Form
Login with Registration ID and Password. Fill in detailed personal particulars, educational certificates, contact details, and write-in information about optional subjects (for CSE Mains). Review all entries carefully.
5
Pay the Application Fee
Pay via SBI Net Banking / Credit or Debit Card / UPI. Fee: ₹100 (General / EWS / OBC males). Female candidates, SC, ST, PwBD — fee exempted. Ex-Servicemen are also exempt.
6
Submit & Download Confirmation
Review all details in the final preview. Submit the form. Download and save the confirmation page with your Roll Number. UPSC provides a 3-day correction window after the application closes.
⚠️ Important: Name, Father's Name, Date of Birth, and Category must exactly match Class 10th records. Candidates whose online applications are incomplete or not submitted in time will not be considered.

🗓️ UPSC Exam 2026 Application Date (Registration Schedule Details)

Complete registration schedule for all UPSC exams 2026 — notification date, apply open, apply close, and key deadlines.

ExamNotification DateApply OpensApply ClosesExam DateApplication Fee
UPSC CSE 2026Feb 4, 2026Feb 4, 2026Feb 24, 2026May 24, 2026₹100 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
UPSC IFoS 2026Feb 4, 2026Feb 4, 2026Feb 24, 2026May 24, 2026 (Prelims)₹100 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
NDA & NA (I) 2026Dec 11, 2025Dec 11, 2025Dec 31, 2025Apr 12, 2026₹100 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
CDS (I) 2026Dec 10, 2025Dec 10, 2025Dec 31, 2025May 24, 2026₹200 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
UPSC ESE / IES 2026Jan 8, 2026Jan 8, 2026Jan 28, 2026Jun 7, 2026₹200 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
UPSC CAPF ACs 2026Feb 14, 2026Feb 14, 2026Mar 6, 2026Jul 19, 2026₹200 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
UPSC CMS 2026Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026Apr 29, 2026Aug 9, 2026₹200 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
NDA & NA (II) 2026May 14, 2026May 14, 2026Jun 3, 2026Sep 13, 2026₹100 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)
CDS (II) 2026May 14, 2026May 14, 2026Jun 3, 2026Sep 13, 2026₹200 (Gen/OBC) / Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women)

🔗 UPSC Exam 2026 Registration (Direct Apply Online Link)

All UPSC exam registrations are done through upsconline.nic.in. Use the links below to apply directly for each exam once the registration window opens.

ExamVacanciesApply Last DateDirect Apply Link
UPSC CSE 2026933Feb 24, 2026 — ClosedClosed
NDA & NA (I) 2026~400Dec 31, 2025 — ClosedClosed
CDS (I) 2026451Dec 31, 2025 — ClosedClosed
UPSC ESE / IES 2026~250Jan 28, 2026 — ClosedClosed
UPSC CAPF ACs 2026~350Mar 6, 2026Apply Now
UPSC CMS 2026~700Apr 29, 2026Notify Me
NDA & NA (II) 2026~400Jun 3, 2026Notify Me
CDS (II) 2026~450Jun 3, 2026Notify Me
💡 All applications are through upsconline.nic.in. Register on PrepResults to get instant alerts when any UPSC exam registration opens.

📖 UPSC Exam 2026 Syllabus (Prelims & Mains Detailed Topics)

UPSC CSE is the most comprehensive exam in India. Prelims has two papers; Mains has nine papers including optional subject. Below is the complete syllabus overview.

UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus 2026

PaperTopicsMarksDuration
GS Paper I (Merit)Current Events (National & International) · History of India & Indian National Movement · Indian & World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic) · Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights) · Economic & Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector) · General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change · General Science200 Marks2 Hours
GS Paper II / CSAT (Qualifying)Comprehension · Interpersonal Skills including Communication · Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability · Decision Making & Problem Solving · General Mental Ability · Basic Numeracy (Class X level) · Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables)200 Marks (33% qualifying)2 Hours

UPSC CSE Mains Syllabus 2026

PaperSubjectMarks
Paper A (Qualifying)Indian Language (any from 8th Schedule)300 (Qualifying)
Paper B (Qualifying)English300 (Qualifying)
Paper IEssay Writing (2 essays)250
Paper IIGS I: Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society250
Paper IIIGS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations250
Paper IVGS III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management250
Paper VGS IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude250
Paper VIOptional Subject Paper 1 (candidate's choice from approved list)250
Paper VIIOptional Subject Paper 2 (candidate's choice from approved list)250
Total Written Marks (Papers I–VII)1,750
Interview/Personality TestUPSC Interview Panel275
Grand Total2,025

Optional Subjects Available (48 subjects)

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce & Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science & International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, and 23 Literature subjects.

NDA & CDS Syllabus 2026

ExamPapersTopics
NDA 2026Mathematics (300 marks) + GAT (600 marks)Math: Algebra, Matrices, Calculus, Statistics, Probability · GAT: English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events
CDS 2026English (100) + GK (100) + Elementary Math (100 — for IMA/INA/AFA only)English: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary · GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs · Math: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics

📅 UPSC Exam 2026 Prelims Date (Expected Schedule)

The UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination 2026 is officially scheduled for 24 May 2026 (Sunday) as per the UPSC Annual Calendar 2026. Below are all prelims / first-stage exam dates.

May 24
CSE Prelims 2026
GS Paper I (10 AM) + GS Paper II / CSAT (2:30 PM) — Same day, two sittings
Aug 21
CSE Mains 2026
Starts Aug 21, 2026 (Friday) — continues for 5 days. Only Prelims qualifiers appear.
Feb 2027
Personality Test
UPSC Interview/PT for Mains qualifiers. Results expected Mar–Apr 2027.
StageDateDurationMarksNature
Prelims GS Paper IMay 24, 2026 (10:00 AM)2 Hours200Merit — counts for shortlisting
Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT)May 24, 2026 (2:30 PM)2 Hours200Qualifying only (33% = 66 marks)
Mains (7 papers)Aug 21, 2026 onwards (5 days)3 Hours each1,750Written descriptive exam
Interview / Personality TestFeb–Mar 2027~30–45 min275Personality assessment
📌 Key Fact: Only GS Paper I score counts for Prelims cutoff. CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying — you only need 33% (66/200). Many good candidates fail by ignoring CSAT. Don't underestimate it.

📋 UPSC Exam 2026 Application Form (Fees, Documents & Steps)

Application Fee Details

CategoryCSE / IFoS / NDACDS / CAPF / ESE / CMSMode of Payment
General (Male)₹100₹200SBI Net Banking / Credit / Debit Card / UPI
OBC / EWS (Male)₹100₹200SBI Net Banking / Credit / Debit Card / UPI
SC / STFreeFreeNo payment required
PwBD (All genders)FreeFreeNo payment required
Female (All categories)FreeFreeNo payment required
Ex-ServicemenFreeFreeNo payment required

Documents Required for Application

  • Recent passport-size photograph (JPG, up to 300 KB) — plain white background, face clearly visible
  • Signature (JPG, up to 20 KB) — on white paper with black/blue pen
  • Left Thumb Impression (JPG, up to 20 KB) — on white paper
  • A handwritten declaration in English or Hindi as specified in the notification
  • Class 10th certificate for Date of Birth proof
  • Graduation degree / final year certificate for eligibility proof
  • Category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) — if claiming reservation
  • PwBD certificate — if applicable

Important Points About UPSC Application Form

  • Applications can only be submitted online through upsconline.nic.in — no offline mode available
  • UPSC provides a 3-day correction window after the application close date — limited changes only
  • Candidates must indicate their optional subject preference at the time of application for Mains
  • IAS/IFS serving officers cannot re-appear in CSE 2026
  • One-time improvement attempt allowed for IPS candidates under strict conditions
  • Physically submitting application to UPSC office is not required — online submission is final
⚠️ Check the official UPSC notification PDF for exact photograph specifications, declaration wording, and any exam-specific requirements before submitting.

🏆 UPSC CSE Selection Process 2026 — 3 Stages

1
Preliminary Examination (Prelims) — May 24, 2026
Two objective papers: GS Paper I (200 marks, merit) + CSAT Paper II (200 marks, qualifying 33%). Prelims shortlists ~12–15x vacancies for Mains. Negative marking: 1/3rd for wrong answers.
2
Main Examination (Mains) — Aug 21, 2026
9 papers over 5 days — 2 qualifying + 7 merit papers totalling 1,750 marks. Descriptive/essay type. Optional subject papers carry 500 marks. Shortlists ~3x vacancies for Interview.
3
Personality Test (Interview) — Feb–Mar 2027
275 marks. Tests personality, leadership, and suitability for civil services. Final merit = Mains Written (1,750) + Interview (275) = 2,025 marks. No optional subject marks in final merit.

✅ UPSC Exams 2026 Eligibility (Qualification, Age & Attempts)

UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility

CriterionGeneral / EWSOBC (NCL)SC / STPwBD
Minimum Age21 years21 years21 years21 years
Maximum Age32 years35 years (+3)37 years (+5)42 years (+10)
Number of Attempts69Unlimited9 (Gen PwBD)
QualificationGraduation from any recognised university. Final year students can also apply (subject to producing degree at Mains)

Other UPSC Exams Eligibility

ExamQualificationAge Limit
NDA & NA12th Pass (PCM for Army/Air Force; any for Navy)16.5 – 19.5 years
CDSGraduation (degree-wise: Engineering for INA/AFA; any for IMA/OTA)19–25 years (post-wise)
UPSC ESE / IESB.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc (Engg) in relevant discipline21–30 years
UPSC CAPF ACsGraduation from recognised university20–25 years
UPSC CMSMBBS Degree (internship completed)32 years (General)
UPSC IFoSB.Sc / B.Tech (relevant science subjects)21–32 years (General)
UPSC Geo-ScientistM.Sc in Geology / Geophysics / Chemistry21–32 years (General)

🎯 Free Mock Tests — UPSC Exams 2026

Practice with free mock tests designed as per the latest UPSC exam pattern. No registration required for the first 3 tests!

UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I
100 Qs · 120 Min · FREE
Start Test →
UPSC CSAT Paper II Mock
80 Qs · 120 Min · FREE
Start Test →
NDA Mathematics Mock Test
120 Qs · 150 Min · FREE
Start Test →
CDS General Knowledge Mock
120 Qs · 120 Min · FREE
Start Test →
UPSC ESE / IES Paper I
200 Qs · 120 Min · FREE
Start Test →
CAPF ACs Mock Test
125 Qs · 120 Min · FREE
Start Test →
View All UPSC Mock Tests →

💡 UPSC CSE 2026 Preparation Strategy

📚
NCERT Foundation (Class 6–12)
Start with NCERT books for History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science. They form the bedrock for 60–70% of Prelims questions.
📰
Daily Newspaper Reading
Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily for 1–1.5 hours. Focus on editorials, governance, international relations, and economy sections.
📝
Answer Writing Practice
Mains is won on answer writing. Practice writing structured 150–250 word answers daily. Use sub-headings, facts, and forward-looking conclusions.
🔄
Revision Over New Content
Repeat revision of covered topics is more important than adding new material. Revise each topic at least 3 times before the exam.
📊
Solve PYQs Intensively
Solve last 10 years of Prelims & Mains PYQs. Understand the pattern — UPSC repeats themes (not questions) every 3–4 years.
🧠
Don't Neglect CSAT
CSAT (GS Paper II) requires 33% qualifying marks. Many aspirants fail here by underestimating it. Practice comprehension and basic numeracy regularly.