UPSC IAS 2026 Notification & Application Released – Apply Now

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. This is a big opportunity for students across India who dream of serving the nation as an officer. The UPSC IAS Notification 2026 was released today, January 14, 2026 . This notice is a must-read for anyone planning to take this important exam.

Along with the detailed notification, the online application form for UPSC IAS 2026 has also started. Students can apply through the official website, upsconline.nic.in . This website is where you will fill out and submit your application. The last date to complete your application is February 3, 2026 . It is very important to apply before this deadline, as no applications will be accepted afterwards.

Key Dates for UPSC IAS 2026

Here are the important dates you need to remember for the Civil Services Examination 2026:

Mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you do not miss any key steps.

What Does the Official Notification Contain?

The official notification is a detailed PDF document. Think of it as the rulebook for the exam. It gives you all the essential information you need to know. This includes:

• Total number of vacancies: This tells you exactly how many positions are open across various government services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and B services.
• Eligibility criteria: This section explains who is allowed to apply. It covers details like the minimum and maximum age limit , the required educational qualification (like needing a Bachelor's degree), and the number of attempts you can make for the exam.
• Relaxations for reserved categories: Students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) will find specific relaxations in age and attempts in this section.
• Exam pattern: This outlines the structure of the exam, including the three main stages: Preliminary Exam (Prelims), Main Exam (Mains), and the Interview.
• Detailed syllabus: A complete list of all the subjects and topics you need to study for both the Prelims and Mains exams.
• Application correction dates: If UPSC allows any changes to the submitted application, the dates for such corrections will be mentioned in the notification.

Reading the entire notification document is very important. It will answer most of your questions about the exam. Please note that any changes to rules, especially eligibility, must first be approved by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the UPSC IAS 2026 exam is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application:

• Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the main application portal, upsconline.nic.in . You can also find direct links on upsc.gov.in .
• Step 2: Find Exam Notifications: On the homepage, look for a tab or section titled "Exam Notifications" and click on it.
• Step 3: Select Civil Services Exam: Find the link specifically for "Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026" under the 'Apply Online' section.
• Step 4: Start Registration (Part-I): Click on the link for "Civil Services Part-I registration". This is the first part of your application.
• Step 5: Read Instructions: Before proceeding, make sure to read all the instructions, guidelines, and important points displayed on the screen. Understand them thoroughly.
• Step 6: Confirm and Proceed: After reading, click on "Yes" to confirm that you have understood and agree to all the terms.
• Step 7: Fill in Personal Details: Accurately enter your personal information. This includes your Full Name, Date of Birth, Category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.), Gender, Email ID, Mobile/Contact Number, Permanent Address, Marital Status, Parents' Names, and Community details .
• Step 8: Provide Educational Qualifications: Enter details about your educational background, including your highest degree.
• Step 9: Pay Application Fee: You will need to pay the application fee. This can be done online using a Visa, Master, or RuPay credit/debit card . You can also pay through internet banking with the State Bank of India (SBI) . The fee amount might vary for different categories.
• Step 10: Complete Part-II and Submit: Finish the remaining parts of the application (usually Part-II involves uploading photos and signature, and selecting exam centers) and then submit your application.

After successful submission, it is wise to download and print a copy of your application form and the e-receipt of your fee payment. Keep these safely for future reference.

Next Steps for Aspirants

Once you have applied, your main focus should be on preparing for the examination. Use the detailed syllabus provided in the notification to create a study plan. Stay updated by regularly visiting the official UPSC websites for any new announcements or changes related to the exam. Good luck to all aspiring candidates!