Crack UPSC Civil Services in First Attempt

UPSC 2026 Exam Date, Notification, Vacancy, Eligibility & Selection Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on January 14, 2026, at the official website — upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in.

The notification will open the online application window and provide complete details about vacancies, eligibility, exam dates, syllabus, pattern, and fee. Aspirants planning for IAS, IPS, IFS, or IRS should start preparing now, as the UPSC 2026 Prelims is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

🗓️ UPSC 2026 Important Dates

📘 UPSC 2026 Overview

🧩 UPSC 2026 Selection Process

The UPSC Civil Services selection involves three stages:

1️⃣ Prelims (Objective Type)

• Screening test of two papers (General Studies & CSAT), each of 200 marks.

• Paper I - General Studies - counts for merit; Paper II - CSAT - is qualifying (minimum 33%).

• Duration: 2 hours per paper.

2️⃣ Mains (Descriptive Type)

• Nine papers, including two qualifying language papers.

• 1750 marks in total.

• Subjects include Essay, GS I–IV, and two optional subject papers.

3️⃣ Interview / Personality Test

• Conducted for 275 marks.

• Tests personality, judgment, and awareness.

• Final merit is based on Mains (1750) + Interview (275).

📄 UPSC Exam Pattern 2026

🧠 Final Merit: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 Marks

🎯 UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026

1. Nationality: Indian citizens (special cases for IFS and IPS).

2. Age Limit: 21–32 years as on 1 August 2026.

   • OBC: +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwBD: +10 years

3. Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

4. Attempts Allowed:

   • General – 6 | OBC – 9 | SC/ST – Unlimited (till upper age limit).

💼 UPSC Posts & Services 2026

Through UPSC CSE 2026, aspirants can join prestigious Group A & B services, including:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

• Indian Police Service (IPS)

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)

• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)

• Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)

• Indian Trade Service (ITS)

• Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu Civil/Police Service (DANICS/DANIPS)

📚 UPSC Syllabus 2026 (Brief Overview)

Prelims Syllabus

• Paper I (GS): Current Affairs, History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science.

• Paper II (CSAT): Comprehension, Reasoning, Mental Ability, Quantitative Aptitude.

Mains Syllabus

• Essay Paper

• General Studies I-IV: Indian Heritage, Polity, Governance, Technology, Ethics.

• Optional Subject (2 Papers): Choose from 48 subjects listed by UPSC.

• Language & English Papers: Qualifying in nature.

💰 UPSC Salary 2026

• Starting Salary (IAS/IPS/IFS): ₹56,100/month (Pay Level 10).

• Cabinet Secretary (Highest Post): ₹2,50,000/month.

• Includes DA, HRA, TA, and other government perks.

🧠 UPSC Preparation Tips 2026

• Start early — at least 12 months before Prelims.

• Complete NCERTs before standard books.

• Practice previous year papers and mock tests.

• Stay consistent with daily current affairs.

• Revise weekly; make short notes for quick recall.

• Follow a balanced study–test–revision cycle.

🔑 UPSC Cut Off 2026 (Expected)

Official UPSC cut off will be released after final results on upsc.gov.in.

🧾 UPSC Admit Card & Result 2026

• Prelims Admit Card: To be released in May 2026 (10–15 days before exam).

• Result: Expected in June 2026 on the UPSC portal.

• Candidates shortlisted in Prelims will be eligible for the Mains exam.

💬 UPSC 2026 FAQs

Q1. When will UPSC 2026 notification release?
👉 The UPSC CSE 2026 notification will be released on 14 January 2026.

Q2. What is the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam date?
👉 The UPSC Prelims 2026 exam will be held on 24 May 2026.

Q3. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC?
👉 General – 6, OBC – 9, SC/ST – Unlimited (within age limit).

Q4. What is the maximum age for UPSC?
👉 32 years for General category, with relaxation for others.

Q5. Will UPSC remove the optional subject in 2026?
👉 No official update yet — optional subjects remain part of the Mains exam.

📌 Conclusion

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 offers one of the most prestigious career opportunities in India. With smart preparation, consistent revision, and the right strategy, any aspirant can clear it. Stay tuned to MentorAtHome.com for updates, syllabus analysis, and preparation tips for UPSC 2026.