UPSC Civil Services 2026 notification
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UPSC Civil Services eligibility
- Education
- A graduate degree from a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates who have appeared or will appear in the qualifying exam can sit the written part, and must show proof of passing within the time limit in the rules if they are called for the Interview.
- Age limit
- 21 to 32 years on 1 August of the exam year. For the 2026 exam, candidates born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005.
- Age relaxation
- Up to 5 years for SC and ST, 3 years for OBC eligible for reservation, 10 years for PwBD, and for ex-servicemen and other categories listed in the notice. Relaxation is cumulative for SC, ST and OBC candidates who also fall in another category.
- Attempts
- Six attempts for every eligible candidate. The relaxation is unlimited attempts for SC and ST, 9 for OBC, and for PwBD candidates 9 for General, EWS and OBC and unlimited for SC and ST.
- Nationality
- Citizen of India for the IAS, IFS and IPS. For the other services, the categories in the notice also apply.
UPSC Civil Services exam pattern
- 1. PreliminaryTwo compulsory objective papers of 200 marks each and 2 hours each: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Paper II is qualifying only, with minimum marks of 33 percent. The list for the Main is drawn on Paper I marks, subject to the 33 percent in Paper II. One third (0.33) of the marks of a question is deducted for each wrong answer. About 12 to 13 times the number of vacancies are admitted to the Main.
- 2. MainNine conventional papers. Paper A (an Indian language) and Paper B (English) are 300 marks each and qualifying only, with 25 percent needed. Papers counted for merit: Essay (250), General Studies I to IV (250 each) and two Optional Subject papers (250 each), 1750 marks in all.
- 3. InterviewPersonality Test of 275 marks, with no minimum qualifying marks. About twice the number of vacancies are called. The final rank is based on Main marks plus Interview marks, 2025 in all.
UPSC Civil Services syllabus
- Preliminary Paper I (General Studies)
- Current events of national and international importance, history of India and the national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environment, ecology, bio-diversity and climate change, and general science
- Preliminary Paper II (CSAT)
- Comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision making and problem solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy and data interpretation at Class 10 level
- Main: General Studies I and II
- I: Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world, and society. II: Governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations
- Main: General Studies III and IV
- III: Technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security and disaster management. IV: Ethics, integrity and aptitude
- Main: Essay and Optional Subject
- One Essay paper, and one Optional Subject with two papers, chosen from the list of subjects given in the notice
UPSC Civil Services FAQ
›What are the stages of the UPSC Civil Services exam?
Three: the Preliminary, the Main (written) and the Interview (Personality Test). The Preliminary is a screening test only. The final rank is based on Main marks (1750) plus Interview marks (275).
›What is the eligibility for UPSC Civil Services?
A graduate degree or an equivalent qualification, and an age of 21 to 32 years on 1 August of the exam year, with relaxation for reserved categories. Citizenship of India is required for the IAS, IFS and IPS.
›What is the age limit and number of attempts for UPSC?
21 to 32 years for General candidates. Relaxation is up to 5 years for SC and ST, 3 years for OBC and 10 years for PwBD. Every eligible candidate gets six attempts, OBC get 9, and SC and ST have no limit on attempts until the age limit.
›Is the CSAT paper counted in the merit list?
No. General Studies Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only, with minimum marks of 33 percent. The list for the Main is drawn on Paper I marks.
›Do Preliminary marks count in the final rank?
No. Marks in the Preliminary are not counted for the final order of merit. Only the Main and the Interview count.
›Is there negative marking in the UPSC Preliminary?
Yes. One third (0.33) of the marks of a question is deducted for each wrong answer. If more than one answer is marked, it is treated as wrong.
›What is the UPSC application fee?
Rs 100 for the Preliminary. Candidates admitted to the Main pay a further Rs 200. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt.
›Which services can I get through UPSC Civil Services?
The 2026 notice listed 23 services: IAS, IFS and IPS, Group A services such as Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes), Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Indian Postal Service, Indian Railway Management Service and Indian Trade Service, and Group B services such as AFHQ Civil Service, DANICS, DANIPS, PONDICS and PONDIPS.
›How many vacancies were there in the 2026 notice?
About 933, including 33 reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities. UPSC says the final number may change after cadre authorities confirm it.
›Can I write the Main in Hindi or another Indian language?
Yes. You can answer all papers except the two qualifying language papers in English or in any language of the Eighth Schedule. The Preliminary papers are set in Hindi and English.
›Is there a minimum score in the Interview?
No. The Interview carries 275 marks with no minimum qualifying marks.
›How are the optional subject papers marked?
The Optional Subject has two papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in all, and counts for merit. You choose one subject from the list in the notice.