Overview
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published an official recruitment notification for the position of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026. The last date to submit applications is 28 June 2026. Job location: All India.
Understanding the three-stage selection process helps qualified Prelims candidates plan their next steps effectively.The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages: Stage Exam Type Marks Nature Prelims (Paper I - GS) Objective MCQ 200 Screening (for merit) Prelims (Paper II - CSAT) Objective MCQ 200 Qualifying (min. 33%) Mains (9 Papers) Descriptive 1,750 + 600 (optional) Merit-based Personality Test (Interview) Oral 275 Merit-based Important points to remember: The Prelims examination acts purely as a screening stage. Marks from this exam do not contribute to the final merit list. CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying in nature. Candidates need to score at least 33% (66.66 marks out of 200) for their General Studies Paper I to be evaluated The Mains examination consists of nine papers, of which two language papers are qualifying in nature.
Quick Reference
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 |
| Application Mode | online |
| Application Start Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 28 June 2026 |
| Application Fee | Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source) |
| Selection Process | Screening (for merit) | Merit-based | Personality Test (Interview) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
| Source Name | upsc.gov.in |
| Freshness Reference Date | 2026-08-15 |
Vacancy Details
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification
Candidates need to score at least 33% (66.66 marks out of 200) for their General Studies Paper I to be evaluated The Mains examination consists of nine papers, of which two language papers are qualifying in nature.
Application Fee
Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source)
Candidates who qualify for the Civil Services (Mains) Examination 2026 are required to pay an application fee of ₹200. Female candidates, SC, ST, and PwBD applicants are fully exempted from this fee payment.
Selection Process
Screening (for merit) | Merit-based | Personality Test (Interview)
Important Dates
Prelims Exam Date: 24 May 2026 | Result Declaration Date: 15 June 2026 | DAF-I Submission Opens: 19 June 2026 | DAF-I Submission Last Date: 28 June 2026 | Mains Exam Start Date: 21 August 2026 | UPSC CSE Mains 2026 Exam Starts: 21 August 2026
Qualifying the Prelims is just the first step. Candidates who find their name or roll number in the result PDF must immediately take the following actions within the prescribed deadlines to remain eligible for the Mains stage.
- Online Application Start Date: 21 August 2026
- Application Last Date: 28 June 2026
- Examination Date: 24 May 2026
How to Apply
Apply online through the official recruitment portal https://upsc.gov.in/
The application window for DAF-I will remain open from 19 June to 28 June 2026 on the official portal upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must log in and fill in or reconfirm personal information, educational details, examination preferences, and cadre preferences.
Links Supplied in the Excel Row
| Label | URL | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Download UPSC CSE Prelims Result 2026 PDF (Official) | https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/WR-CSP-2026-RollList-Engl-... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ | Verified (exact match with official_website_link) |
| how to apply | https://upsconline.nic.in/ | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
Sources and Verification
| Field | Exact Value from Excel Row |
|---|---|
| category | result |
| official_website_link | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
| freshness_reference_date | 2026-08-15 |
These values are reproduced exactly from the supplied Excel row and may require verification.
Last verified: 2026-08-15
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
The last date for submitting applications for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 is 28 June 2026. Candidates should submit their applications prior to the deadline to avoid technical issues.
What is the educational qualification required for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
The required educational qualification is: Candidates need to score at least 33% (66.66 marks out of 200) for their General Studies Paper I to be evaluated The Mains examination consists of nine papers, of which two language papers are qualifying in nature.. Candidates should verify their specific degree/diploma requirements in the official notification.
What is the selection process for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
The selection procedure involves: Screening (for merit) | Merit-based | Personality Test (Interview). Candidates must clear all applicable evaluation rounds for appointment.
What is the application fee for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
The application fee structure is: Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source).
How can candidates apply for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal (https://upsc.gov.in/) as specified in the recruitment instructions.