UPSC CSE Official Notification for 2026

 Page 1


1 
 
 
EXAMINATION NOTICE NO 05/2026-CSE      DATE: 04.02.2026 
(LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS: 24.02.2026 of CIVIL SERVICES 
EXAMINATION, 2026) 
(The Commission’s Website: www.upsc.gov.in) 
 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CANDIDATES 
 
          The Online Application Portal of Union Public Service Commission for registration 
and filling up of application form online, has four cards/modules, three of which namely, 
Account creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form are common to 
all examination applications and can be filled anytime by the candidate while the fourth 
card/module is examination specific and can be filled during the time period allowed in 
notification of an examination. Applicants are required to apply online by using the website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
Once a candidate has registered on the Online Application Portal, a Universal 
Registration Number (URN) is generated which is common for all the examinations of the 
Commission. After filling up of the examination specific form, Application Number is 
generated which is examination specific and is to be retained by the applicant alongwith 
the URN for any future communication with the Commission. The URN has to be 
registered only once in lifetime. While the URN will be unique and remain constant, the 
Application Number will be dynamic in nature and will vary from examination to 
examination.  
 
        Detailed instructions are available on the home page of the portal as well as with all 
profiles/modules to guide the candidates for filling up the application and upload the 
documents. Candidates are advised to first go through these Instructions carefully and 
prepare documents in advance to have a smooth flow during filling up of form and 
document uploading. 
 
     Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, 
effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. 
 
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:  
  
All candidates are requested to carefully read the Rules of Civil Services Examination notified by 
the Government (Department of Personnel and Training) and this Notice of Examination derived from these 
Rules. The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions 
for admission to examination. Their admission to all the stages of the examination will be purely 
provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of e-Admit Card to the 
Page 2


1 
 
 
EXAMINATION NOTICE NO 05/2026-CSE      DATE: 04.02.2026 
(LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS: 24.02.2026 of CIVIL SERVICES 
EXAMINATION, 2026) 
(The Commission’s Website: www.upsc.gov.in) 
 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CANDIDATES 
 
          The Online Application Portal of Union Public Service Commission for registration 
and filling up of application form online, has four cards/modules, three of which namely, 
Account creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form are common to 
all examination applications and can be filled anytime by the candidate while the fourth 
card/module is examination specific and can be filled during the time period allowed in 
notification of an examination. Applicants are required to apply online by using the website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
Once a candidate has registered on the Online Application Portal, a Universal 
Registration Number (URN) is generated which is common for all the examinations of the 
Commission. After filling up of the examination specific form, Application Number is 
generated which is examination specific and is to be retained by the applicant alongwith 
the URN for any future communication with the Commission. The URN has to be 
registered only once in lifetime. While the URN will be unique and remain constant, the 
Application Number will be dynamic in nature and will vary from examination to 
examination.  
 
        Detailed instructions are available on the home page of the portal as well as with all 
profiles/modules to guide the candidates for filling up the application and upload the 
documents. Candidates are advised to first go through these Instructions carefully and 
prepare documents in advance to have a smooth flow during filling up of form and 
document uploading. 
 
     Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, 
effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. 
 
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:  
  
All candidates are requested to carefully read the Rules of Civil Services Examination notified by 
the Government (Department of Personnel and Training) and this Notice of Examination derived from these 
Rules. The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions 
for admission to examination. Their admission to all the stages of the examination will be purely 
provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of e-Admit Card to the 
2 
 
candidate will not imply that his/her candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission. The 
Commission takes up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after 
the candidate has qualified for Interview/Personality Test. 
 
2. HOW TO APPLY: 
  
Candidates are required to apply online by using the website https://upsconline.nic.in. 
Candidates are advised to go through the General instructions, Profile/Module wise instructions and 
instructions for uploading of documents before proceeding to fill up the form. A candidate who is willing to 
apply for Civil Services Examination shall be required to submit the requisite information and supporting 
documents towards various claims, such as date of birth, educational qualification, etc as may be sought 
by the Commission alongwith the Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF) 
and the fourth module i.e. Examination Specific module (including fees and centre etc.).  Failure to provide 
the required information/documents alongwith the Common Application Form (CAF) will entail cancellation 
of candidature for the examination. 
 
NOTE 1:- The Commission provides a one-time facility for candidates to update or modify their Universal 
Registration Number (URN) profile. Please note that any changes made to the URN Profile will not be 
reflected in applications already submitted. The updated information will apply only to applications 
submitted after the candidate has made the necessary changes and successfully re-locked the URN Profile. 
 
NOTE 2 - Live Photo Capture for filling up of Common Application Form (CAF) 
             Applicants are required to upload their photograph and also capture their live photograph while 
filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). Applicants must ensure that the uploaded photograph and 
the live photograph captured are clear as per instructions given on “Instructions and FAQs > Instruction 
for filling the form > Photos and Signature” available on the Commission’s website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
NOTE 3 :- Uploading of Signature 
Applicants are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using a 
black ink and upload the same while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). The uploaded 
signatures should be clear and legible. The Candidates are advised to refer to the instruction for uploading 
the signature available under “Instructions and FAQs” on the website of the Commission with the URL: 
https://upsconline.nic.in.” 
 
2.1 The candidates will not be allowed to withdraw their applications after the submission of the same. 
Further no correction /alteration/modification in any field(s) of the Application Form is allowed after 
submission. 
 
2.2   The candidate should have details of one Photo ID Card viz. Aadhaar Card/Voter Card (EPIC)/PAN 
Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. 
The details of this Photo ID Card will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the Universal 
Registration Number (URN) Profile. This Photo ID Card will be used for all future reference and the 
candidate is advised to carry this Photo ID Card while appearing for Examination/Personality Test. 
 
3.    LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:  
Page 3


1 
 
 
EXAMINATION NOTICE NO 05/2026-CSE      DATE: 04.02.2026 
(LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS: 24.02.2026 of CIVIL SERVICES 
EXAMINATION, 2026) 
(The Commission’s Website: www.upsc.gov.in) 
 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CANDIDATES 
 
          The Online Application Portal of Union Public Service Commission for registration 
and filling up of application form online, has four cards/modules, three of which namely, 
Account creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form are common to 
all examination applications and can be filled anytime by the candidate while the fourth 
card/module is examination specific and can be filled during the time period allowed in 
notification of an examination. Applicants are required to apply online by using the website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
Once a candidate has registered on the Online Application Portal, a Universal 
Registration Number (URN) is generated which is common for all the examinations of the 
Commission. After filling up of the examination specific form, Application Number is 
generated which is examination specific and is to be retained by the applicant alongwith 
the URN for any future communication with the Commission. The URN has to be 
registered only once in lifetime. While the URN will be unique and remain constant, the 
Application Number will be dynamic in nature and will vary from examination to 
examination.  
 
        Detailed instructions are available on the home page of the portal as well as with all 
profiles/modules to guide the candidates for filling up the application and upload the 
documents. Candidates are advised to first go through these Instructions carefully and 
prepare documents in advance to have a smooth flow during filling up of form and 
document uploading. 
 
     Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, 
effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. 
 
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:  
  
All candidates are requested to carefully read the Rules of Civil Services Examination notified by 
the Government (Department of Personnel and Training) and this Notice of Examination derived from these 
Rules. The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions 
for admission to examination. Their admission to all the stages of the examination will be purely 
provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of e-Admit Card to the 
2 
 
candidate will not imply that his/her candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission. The 
Commission takes up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after 
the candidate has qualified for Interview/Personality Test. 
 
2. HOW TO APPLY: 
  
Candidates are required to apply online by using the website https://upsconline.nic.in. 
Candidates are advised to go through the General instructions, Profile/Module wise instructions and 
instructions for uploading of documents before proceeding to fill up the form. A candidate who is willing to 
apply for Civil Services Examination shall be required to submit the requisite information and supporting 
documents towards various claims, such as date of birth, educational qualification, etc as may be sought 
by the Commission alongwith the Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF) 
and the fourth module i.e. Examination Specific module (including fees and centre etc.).  Failure to provide 
the required information/documents alongwith the Common Application Form (CAF) will entail cancellation 
of candidature for the examination. 
 
NOTE 1:- The Commission provides a one-time facility for candidates to update or modify their Universal 
Registration Number (URN) profile. Please note that any changes made to the URN Profile will not be 
reflected in applications already submitted. The updated information will apply only to applications 
submitted after the candidate has made the necessary changes and successfully re-locked the URN Profile. 
 
NOTE 2 - Live Photo Capture for filling up of Common Application Form (CAF) 
             Applicants are required to upload their photograph and also capture their live photograph while 
filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). Applicants must ensure that the uploaded photograph and 
the live photograph captured are clear as per instructions given on “Instructions and FAQs > Instruction 
for filling the form > Photos and Signature” available on the Commission’s website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
NOTE 3 :- Uploading of Signature 
Applicants are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using a 
black ink and upload the same while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). The uploaded 
signatures should be clear and legible. The Candidates are advised to refer to the instruction for uploading 
the signature available under “Instructions and FAQs” on the website of the Commission with the URL: 
https://upsconline.nic.in.” 
 
2.1 The candidates will not be allowed to withdraw their applications after the submission of the same. 
Further no correction /alteration/modification in any field(s) of the Application Form is allowed after 
submission. 
 
2.2   The candidate should have details of one Photo ID Card viz. Aadhaar Card/Voter Card (EPIC)/PAN 
Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. 
The details of this Photo ID Card will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the Universal 
Registration Number (URN) Profile. This Photo ID Card will be used for all future reference and the 
candidate is advised to carry this Photo ID Card while appearing for Examination/Personality Test. 
 
3.    LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:  
3 
 
 The Online Applications can be filled upto 24
th
 February, 2026 till 6:00 PM. 
 
4. ISSUANCE OF E-ADMIT CARD: 
       The eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the preceding week 
of the date of examination. Further, those candidates, who have opted for change of Scribe seven 
(07) days prior to the date of the examination, shall be issued e-Admit Card three (03) days prior 
to the date of examination. The e-Admit Card will be made available on the website 
[https://upsconline.nic.in] for downloading by the candidates. No Admit Card will be sent by post or 
Email. All the applicants are requested to provide valid & active e-mail i.d. while creating 
account as the Commission may use electronic mode for contacting them. 
 
5. PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS: 
 Candidates should note that there will be penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a 
candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. 
 
6. Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep): 
 The Commission will be providing an opportunity to the appeared candidates to make representations 
to the Commission on the questions asked in the Papers of the Examination and on the Answer key of 
the Question paper (Objective Type) of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination in a time frame of 
5 days (Five Days) i.e. from the third day of the Examination Date to 6.00 p.m. of the 7th day. The 
appeared candidates may login to the Commission’s website https://upsconline.nic.in and submit 
their representation(s), if any, on Question Paper(s) under the header Examinations > Representations 
on Question Paper. No representation by email/post/hand or by any other mode shall be accepted and 
the Commission shall not involve into any correspondence with the candidates in this regard.  No 
representation shall be accepted under any circumstances after this window of 5 days is over. 
 
7. HELPDESK FOR CANDIDATE 
 
 The Commission has established a dedicated helpline to assist the candidates during the 
application process. Candidates seeking clarification, guidance, or assistance related to the 
application process or examination details can contact the helpline no. 011-24041001 or 
email ID – upscsoap@nic.in. The helpline will be operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all 
working days during the application window i.e. from 04.02.2026 to 24.02.2026. Applicants 
may utilize this service for any issues relating to the application process, including fee 
payment, uploading of documents, etc. 
 
 8.       Change of Scribe:  
            Candidates, who have opted to use a scribe, may request a change of scribe upto seven (7) days 
prior to the date of the examination. Such requests shall be submitted via URL 
https://upsconline.nic.in. The request will be reviewed in accordance with the prescribed 
guidelines, and the candidate will be informed accordingly. 
 
9.    MOBILE PHONES BANNED: 
 (a)  The use of any mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager or any electronic equipment 
or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches etc. or camera or Bluetooth 
devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable 
Page 4


1 
 
 
EXAMINATION NOTICE NO 05/2026-CSE      DATE: 04.02.2026 
(LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS: 24.02.2026 of CIVIL SERVICES 
EXAMINATION, 2026) 
(The Commission’s Website: www.upsc.gov.in) 
 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CANDIDATES 
 
          The Online Application Portal of Union Public Service Commission for registration 
and filling up of application form online, has four cards/modules, three of which namely, 
Account creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form are common to 
all examination applications and can be filled anytime by the candidate while the fourth 
card/module is examination specific and can be filled during the time period allowed in 
notification of an examination. Applicants are required to apply online by using the website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
Once a candidate has registered on the Online Application Portal, a Universal 
Registration Number (URN) is generated which is common for all the examinations of the 
Commission. After filling up of the examination specific form, Application Number is 
generated which is examination specific and is to be retained by the applicant alongwith 
the URN for any future communication with the Commission. The URN has to be 
registered only once in lifetime. While the URN will be unique and remain constant, the 
Application Number will be dynamic in nature and will vary from examination to 
examination.  
 
        Detailed instructions are available on the home page of the portal as well as with all 
profiles/modules to guide the candidates for filling up the application and upload the 
documents. Candidates are advised to first go through these Instructions carefully and 
prepare documents in advance to have a smooth flow during filling up of form and 
document uploading. 
 
     Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, 
effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. 
 
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:  
  
All candidates are requested to carefully read the Rules of Civil Services Examination notified by 
the Government (Department of Personnel and Training) and this Notice of Examination derived from these 
Rules. The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions 
for admission to examination. Their admission to all the stages of the examination will be purely 
provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of e-Admit Card to the 
2 
 
candidate will not imply that his/her candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission. The 
Commission takes up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after 
the candidate has qualified for Interview/Personality Test. 
 
2. HOW TO APPLY: 
  
Candidates are required to apply online by using the website https://upsconline.nic.in. 
Candidates are advised to go through the General instructions, Profile/Module wise instructions and 
instructions for uploading of documents before proceeding to fill up the form. A candidate who is willing to 
apply for Civil Services Examination shall be required to submit the requisite information and supporting 
documents towards various claims, such as date of birth, educational qualification, etc as may be sought 
by the Commission alongwith the Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF) 
and the fourth module i.e. Examination Specific module (including fees and centre etc.).  Failure to provide 
the required information/documents alongwith the Common Application Form (CAF) will entail cancellation 
of candidature for the examination. 
 
NOTE 1:- The Commission provides a one-time facility for candidates to update or modify their Universal 
Registration Number (URN) profile. Please note that any changes made to the URN Profile will not be 
reflected in applications already submitted. The updated information will apply only to applications 
submitted after the candidate has made the necessary changes and successfully re-locked the URN Profile. 
 
NOTE 2 - Live Photo Capture for filling up of Common Application Form (CAF) 
             Applicants are required to upload their photograph and also capture their live photograph while 
filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). Applicants must ensure that the uploaded photograph and 
the live photograph captured are clear as per instructions given on “Instructions and FAQs > Instruction 
for filling the form > Photos and Signature” available on the Commission’s website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
NOTE 3 :- Uploading of Signature 
Applicants are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using a 
black ink and upload the same while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). The uploaded 
signatures should be clear and legible. The Candidates are advised to refer to the instruction for uploading 
the signature available under “Instructions and FAQs” on the website of the Commission with the URL: 
https://upsconline.nic.in.” 
 
2.1 The candidates will not be allowed to withdraw their applications after the submission of the same. 
Further no correction /alteration/modification in any field(s) of the Application Form is allowed after 
submission. 
 
2.2   The candidate should have details of one Photo ID Card viz. Aadhaar Card/Voter Card (EPIC)/PAN 
Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. 
The details of this Photo ID Card will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the Universal 
Registration Number (URN) Profile. This Photo ID Card will be used for all future reference and the 
candidate is advised to carry this Photo ID Card while appearing for Examination/Personality Test. 
 
3.    LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:  
3 
 
 The Online Applications can be filled upto 24
th
 February, 2026 till 6:00 PM. 
 
4. ISSUANCE OF E-ADMIT CARD: 
       The eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the preceding week 
of the date of examination. Further, those candidates, who have opted for change of Scribe seven 
(07) days prior to the date of the examination, shall be issued e-Admit Card three (03) days prior 
to the date of examination. The e-Admit Card will be made available on the website 
[https://upsconline.nic.in] for downloading by the candidates. No Admit Card will be sent by post or 
Email. All the applicants are requested to provide valid & active e-mail i.d. while creating 
account as the Commission may use electronic mode for contacting them. 
 
5. PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS: 
 Candidates should note that there will be penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a 
candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. 
 
6. Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep): 
 The Commission will be providing an opportunity to the appeared candidates to make representations 
to the Commission on the questions asked in the Papers of the Examination and on the Answer key of 
the Question paper (Objective Type) of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination in a time frame of 
5 days (Five Days) i.e. from the third day of the Examination Date to 6.00 p.m. of the 7th day. The 
appeared candidates may login to the Commission’s website https://upsconline.nic.in and submit 
their representation(s), if any, on Question Paper(s) under the header Examinations > Representations 
on Question Paper. No representation by email/post/hand or by any other mode shall be accepted and 
the Commission shall not involve into any correspondence with the candidates in this regard.  No 
representation shall be accepted under any circumstances after this window of 5 days is over. 
 
7. HELPDESK FOR CANDIDATE 
 
 The Commission has established a dedicated helpline to assist the candidates during the 
application process. Candidates seeking clarification, guidance, or assistance related to the 
application process or examination details can contact the helpline no. 011-24041001 or 
email ID – upscsoap@nic.in. The helpline will be operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all 
working days during the application window i.e. from 04.02.2026 to 24.02.2026. Applicants 
may utilize this service for any issues relating to the application process, including fee 
payment, uploading of documents, etc. 
 
 8.       Change of Scribe:  
            Candidates, who have opted to use a scribe, may request a change of scribe upto seven (7) days 
prior to the date of the examination. Such requests shall be submitted via URL 
https://upsconline.nic.in. The request will be reviewed in accordance with the prescribed 
guidelines, and the candidate will be informed accordingly. 
 
9.    MOBILE PHONES BANNED: 
 (a)  The use of any mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager or any electronic equipment 
or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches etc. or camera or Bluetooth 
devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable 
4 
 
of being used as a communication device during the examination is strictly prohibited. Any 
infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future 
examinations. 
 (b) Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned items including 
mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as no arrangement for safe-keeping will be 
made at the venue of the examination. 
 (c) Candidates are advised not to bring any valuable/costly items including mobile phones, 
smart/digital watches, other IT gadgets, books, bags etc. to the venue of the examination, as no 
arrangement for safe-keeping will be made at the venue of the examination. Commission will not be 
responsible for any loss in this regard. 
 
10. The candidates should reach the venue of the Examination well in time at least 30 
minutes prior to the commencement of each session of the Examination. No late 
entry will be allowed inside the Exam-venue under any circumstances. 
 
11.   Face Authentication for Candidates at the Examination Venue 
 
              In order to ensure a secure and smooth examination process, all 
candidates will be required to undergo face authentication at the 
examination venue mandatorily. Candidates are advised to enter the 
examination venue well in time for face authentication/identity 
verification and frisking. 
 
 
 
 
CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY ONLINE AT https://upsconline.nic.in ONLY. 
NO OTHER MODE IS ALLOWED FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION. 
 
 
 
GOVERNMENT STRIVES TO HAVE A WORKFORCE WHICH REFLECTS GENDER 
BALANCE AND WOMEN CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 
 
  
Page 5


1 
 
 
EXAMINATION NOTICE NO 05/2026-CSE      DATE: 04.02.2026 
(LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS: 24.02.2026 of CIVIL SERVICES 
EXAMINATION, 2026) 
(The Commission’s Website: www.upsc.gov.in) 
 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CANDIDATES 
 
          The Online Application Portal of Union Public Service Commission for registration 
and filling up of application form online, has four cards/modules, three of which namely, 
Account creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form are common to 
all examination applications and can be filled anytime by the candidate while the fourth 
card/module is examination specific and can be filled during the time period allowed in 
notification of an examination. Applicants are required to apply online by using the website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
Once a candidate has registered on the Online Application Portal, a Universal 
Registration Number (URN) is generated which is common for all the examinations of the 
Commission. After filling up of the examination specific form, Application Number is 
generated which is examination specific and is to be retained by the applicant alongwith 
the URN for any future communication with the Commission. The URN has to be 
registered only once in lifetime. While the URN will be unique and remain constant, the 
Application Number will be dynamic in nature and will vary from examination to 
examination.  
 
        Detailed instructions are available on the home page of the portal as well as with all 
profiles/modules to guide the candidates for filling up the application and upload the 
documents. Candidates are advised to first go through these Instructions carefully and 
prepare documents in advance to have a smooth flow during filling up of form and 
document uploading. 
 
     Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, 
effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. 
 
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:  
  
All candidates are requested to carefully read the Rules of Civil Services Examination notified by 
the Government (Department of Personnel and Training) and this Notice of Examination derived from these 
Rules. The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions 
for admission to examination. Their admission to all the stages of the examination will be purely 
provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of e-Admit Card to the 
2 
 
candidate will not imply that his/her candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission. The 
Commission takes up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after 
the candidate has qualified for Interview/Personality Test. 
 
2. HOW TO APPLY: 
  
Candidates are required to apply online by using the website https://upsconline.nic.in. 
Candidates are advised to go through the General instructions, Profile/Module wise instructions and 
instructions for uploading of documents before proceeding to fill up the form. A candidate who is willing to 
apply for Civil Services Examination shall be required to submit the requisite information and supporting 
documents towards various claims, such as date of birth, educational qualification, etc as may be sought 
by the Commission alongwith the Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF) 
and the fourth module i.e. Examination Specific module (including fees and centre etc.).  Failure to provide 
the required information/documents alongwith the Common Application Form (CAF) will entail cancellation 
of candidature for the examination. 
 
NOTE 1:- The Commission provides a one-time facility for candidates to update or modify their Universal 
Registration Number (URN) profile. Please note that any changes made to the URN Profile will not be 
reflected in applications already submitted. The updated information will apply only to applications 
submitted after the candidate has made the necessary changes and successfully re-locked the URN Profile. 
 
NOTE 2 - Live Photo Capture for filling up of Common Application Form (CAF) 
             Applicants are required to upload their photograph and also capture their live photograph while 
filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). Applicants must ensure that the uploaded photograph and 
the live photograph captured are clear as per instructions given on “Instructions and FAQs > Instruction 
for filling the form > Photos and Signature” available on the Commission’s website 
https://upsconline.nic.in. 
 
NOTE 3 :- Uploading of Signature 
Applicants are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using a 
black ink and upload the same while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). The uploaded 
signatures should be clear and legible. The Candidates are advised to refer to the instruction for uploading 
the signature available under “Instructions and FAQs” on the website of the Commission with the URL: 
https://upsconline.nic.in.” 
 
2.1 The candidates will not be allowed to withdraw their applications after the submission of the same. 
Further no correction /alteration/modification in any field(s) of the Application Form is allowed after 
submission. 
 
2.2   The candidate should have details of one Photo ID Card viz. Aadhaar Card/Voter Card (EPIC)/PAN 
Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. 
The details of this Photo ID Card will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the Universal 
Registration Number (URN) Profile. This Photo ID Card will be used for all future reference and the 
candidate is advised to carry this Photo ID Card while appearing for Examination/Personality Test. 
 
3.    LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:  
3 
 
 The Online Applications can be filled upto 24
th
 February, 2026 till 6:00 PM. 
 
4. ISSUANCE OF E-ADMIT CARD: 
       The eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the preceding week 
of the date of examination. Further, those candidates, who have opted for change of Scribe seven 
(07) days prior to the date of the examination, shall be issued e-Admit Card three (03) days prior 
to the date of examination. The e-Admit Card will be made available on the website 
[https://upsconline.nic.in] for downloading by the candidates. No Admit Card will be sent by post or 
Email. All the applicants are requested to provide valid & active e-mail i.d. while creating 
account as the Commission may use electronic mode for contacting them. 
 
5. PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS: 
 Candidates should note that there will be penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a 
candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. 
 
6. Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep): 
 The Commission will be providing an opportunity to the appeared candidates to make representations 
to the Commission on the questions asked in the Papers of the Examination and on the Answer key of 
the Question paper (Objective Type) of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination in a time frame of 
5 days (Five Days) i.e. from the third day of the Examination Date to 6.00 p.m. of the 7th day. The 
appeared candidates may login to the Commission’s website https://upsconline.nic.in and submit 
their representation(s), if any, on Question Paper(s) under the header Examinations > Representations 
on Question Paper. No representation by email/post/hand or by any other mode shall be accepted and 
the Commission shall not involve into any correspondence with the candidates in this regard.  No 
representation shall be accepted under any circumstances after this window of 5 days is over. 
 
7. HELPDESK FOR CANDIDATE 
 
 The Commission has established a dedicated helpline to assist the candidates during the 
application process. Candidates seeking clarification, guidance, or assistance related to the 
application process or examination details can contact the helpline no. 011-24041001 or 
email ID – upscsoap@nic.in. The helpline will be operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all 
working days during the application window i.e. from 04.02.2026 to 24.02.2026. Applicants 
may utilize this service for any issues relating to the application process, including fee 
payment, uploading of documents, etc. 
 
 8.       Change of Scribe:  
            Candidates, who have opted to use a scribe, may request a change of scribe upto seven (7) days 
prior to the date of the examination. Such requests shall be submitted via URL 
https://upsconline.nic.in. The request will be reviewed in accordance with the prescribed 
guidelines, and the candidate will be informed accordingly. 
 
9.    MOBILE PHONES BANNED: 
 (a)  The use of any mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager or any electronic equipment 
or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches etc. or camera or Bluetooth 
devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable 
4 
 
of being used as a communication device during the examination is strictly prohibited. Any 
infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future 
examinations. 
 (b) Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned items including 
mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as no arrangement for safe-keeping will be 
made at the venue of the examination. 
 (c) Candidates are advised not to bring any valuable/costly items including mobile phones, 
smart/digital watches, other IT gadgets, books, bags etc. to the venue of the examination, as no 
arrangement for safe-keeping will be made at the venue of the examination. Commission will not be 
responsible for any loss in this regard. 
 
10. The candidates should reach the venue of the Examination well in time at least 30 
minutes prior to the commencement of each session of the Examination. No late 
entry will be allowed inside the Exam-venue under any circumstances. 
 
11.   Face Authentication for Candidates at the Examination Venue 
 
              In order to ensure a secure and smooth examination process, all 
candidates will be required to undergo face authentication at the 
examination venue mandatorily. Candidates are advised to enter the 
examination venue well in time for face authentication/identity 
verification and frisking. 
 
 
 
 
CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY ONLINE AT https://upsconline.nic.in ONLY. 
NO OTHER MODE IS ALLOWED FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION. 
 
 
 
GOVERNMENT STRIVES TO HAVE A WORKFORCE WHICH REFLECTS GENDER 
BALANCE AND WOMEN CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 
 
  
5 
 
F.No. 1/2/2025-E.I(B): Preliminary Examination of the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the 
Services and Posts mentioned below will be held by the Union Public Service Commission on  24
th
 May, 
2026 in accordance with the Rules published by the Department of Personnel & Training in the Gazette of 
India Extraordinary dated 04
th
 February, 2026, All candidates must carefully read the Civil Services 
Examination- 2026 Rules together with all the Appendices along with the Annexures thereof and this 
Examination Notice derived from the CSE Rules-2026 in entirety for gaining awareness of the current Rules 
and Regulations as changes may have been incorporated since the previous Examination Rules. 
 
 (i) Indian Administrative Service 
 (ii) Indian Foreign Service 
 (iii) Indian Police Service 
 (iv) Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (v) Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (vi) Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (vii) Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (viii) Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (ix) Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (x) Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (xi) Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’ 
(xii) Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’ 
(xiii) Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group ‘A’ 
(xiv) Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group ‘A’ 
 (xv)   Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’ 
 (xvi) Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) Group ‘A’ 
 (xvii) Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) Group ‘A’ 
 (xviii) Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III) 
 (xix) Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade) 
(xx) Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli 
Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’ 
 (xxi) Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli 
Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’ 
 (xxii) Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’ 
 (xxiii) Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group‘B’ 
 
 The number of vacancies to be filled through the examination is expected to be approximately  
933 which include 33 Vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category, i.e. 7 
Vacancies for candidates of (a) blindness and low vision; 11 Vacancies for (b) deaf and hard of hearing; 
8 Vacancies for (c) locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack 
victims and muscular dystrophy; and 7 Vacancies for (e) multiple disabilities from amongst persons under 
clauses (a) to (c) except the combination of blind & deaf (B+D).  The final number of vacancies may 
undergo change after getting firm number of vacancies from Cadre Controlling Authorities. Reservation 
will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, 
the Economically Weaker Sections and Persons with Benchmark Disability in respect of vacancies as may 
be fixed by the Government.