UPSC CSE 2026

One of the most critical sections of the UPSC notification is the part that defines UPSC eligibility and UPSC criteria. Every year, candidates lose their candidature not because of poor preparation, but because of misunderstanding or ignoring these rules.

Nationality Criteria (As per UPSC CSE Notification 2026)

(1) For the Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service, a candidate must be a citizen of India.

(2) For other services, a candidate must be either:—

(a) a citizen of India, or

(b) a subject of Nepal, or

(c) a subject of Bhutan, or

(d) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

(e) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (b), (c), (d) and (e) shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the examination but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued to him/her by the Government of India.

Educational Qualification for UPSC CSE 2026

The minimum UPSC qualification required for UPSC CSE 2026 is:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution.
• Candidates who are in the final year of their graduation may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing before the interview stage.

It is important to understand that the UPSC qualification requirement is not about the subject you studied, but about having completed a recognised degree.

Age Limit and Number of Attempts (As per UPSC Notification 2026)

The UPSC eligibility rules specify age limits and maximum attempts, which vary by category.

Minimum age: 21 years, Maximum age: 32 years as of 1st August 2026 i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August, 1994 and not later than 1st August, 2005. Valid proof is required for claiming age or attempting relaxation.

Note:  Ex-Servicemen & J&K Domicile: Additional age relaxations as per category.

Every aspirant must cross-check their age, category status, and remaining attempts carefully under the UPSC criteria defined for UPSC 2026.

New Change in UPSC Notification 2026: Restrictions on Applying for examination (As per Official Notification)

The UPSC CSE 2026 notification introduces a very important clarification regarding who can apply, who cannot apply, and under what conditions a serving/allocated officer can reappear.

This section is crucial for candidates who are already allocated a service through earlier Civil Services examinations. As per the notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission, the following rules apply:

1. Absolute Restriction – Cannot Apply for CSE 2026

• A candidate already appointed to IAS or IFS from an earlier CSE cannot appear in CSE-2026 at all.
• Even if such an appointment happens after Prelims 2026, the candidate will not be allowed to write Mains or be considered for service from CSE-2026.

2. Special Rule for IPS Officers

• A candidate already appointed to IPS from an earlier CSE can apply and appear in CSE-2026.
• However, they cannot opt for IPS again while filling service preferences.

3. One-Time Improvement Rule

One-Time Improvement attempt linked to training Exemption. If a candidate is allocated IPS or any Group ‘A’ Central Service through CSE-2026:

• UPSC allows one improvement attempt in CSE-2027.
• This is allowed using a one-time training exemption.
• This is a one-time facility only.

4. If a CSE-2026 Selectee Neither Joins Training Nor Takes Exemption

• The 2026 service allocation stands cancelled.

5. If Candidate Appears in CSE-2027 After Taking Exemption

• If a better service is obtained in 2027 → candidate must choose between 2026 and 2027.
• The other service automatically gets cancelled.

6. If Candidate Appears in CSE-2027 but Does Not Get Any Service

• Candidate is allowed to go back and join the 2026 allocated service.

7. If Candidate Does Not Join Training of the Finally Chosen Service (2026/2027)

• Both allocations get cancelled.

8. Restriction After Using This One Improvement Attempt

• After availing this one improvement attempt (CSE-2027), the candidate cannot appear in CSE-2028 onwards unless he/she resigns from service.

9. Candidates Already in Any Service from CSE-2025 or Earlier

• They are allowed one chance to appear in either CSE-2026 or CSE-2027 without resigning.
• If they wish to appear beyond that, resignation becomes mandatory.

10. If Such Candidate Wants to Appear in CSE-2028 or Later

• Must resign first from the currently allocated service.

Why This Change Is Important

This clarification ensures that multiple service allocations, training exemptions, and repeated attempts are regulated strictly. Aspirants currently in service or training must evaluate their decision to reappear in UPSC CSE 2026 carefully in light of these restrictions.

How to Fill UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form (Step-by-Step Guide)

The UPSC CSE 2026 notification clearly specifies that candidates must apply only through the official online portal. Understanding the application workflow in advance helps avoid last-minute errors that often lead to rejection or cancellation of candidature.

As per the official notice, the UPSC online application system is structured into four distinct modules/cards, each serving a specific purpose.

Step 1: Account Creation on UPSC Online Portal

Candidates must first visit the official application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in

The application process begins with Account Creation, where candidates register using a valid and active email ID and mobile number. All future communication from UPSC, including admit card updates, is routed through the registered credentials.

Step 2: Universal Registration Number (URN) Generation

After account creation, candidates must complete the Universal Registration (UR) module.

• On successful completion, a Universal Registration Number (URN) is generated.
• The URN is permanent and remains valid for all future UPSC examinations.
• Candidates need to create the URN only once in their lifetime.

The URN stores core personal details such as:

• Name, date of birth, and identity details
• Photo ID information (Aadhaar recommended by UPSC for seamless verification)
• Contact and address details

Any future UPSC application will reuse this URN.

Step 3: Filling the Common Application Form (CAF)

The next stage is the Common Application Form (CAF), which is also common across UPSC examinations.

Key requirements in the CAF include:

• Live photo capture along with uploading a recent photograph
• Uploading signature (signed three times on plain white paper using black ink)
• Educational qualification details
• Category details (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD, if applicable)

UPSC clearly states that uploaded photographs, live photos, and signatures must be clear and as per instructions, failing which candidature may be cancelled

Step 4: Examination Specific Module – UPSC CSE 2026

The fourth and final card is the Examination Specific Module, which is available only during the application window mentioned in the UPSC CSE 2026 notification.

In this module, candidates must:

• Select Civil Services Examination 2026
• Choose examination centre preferences
• Select optional subject, medium of examination, and compulsory Indian language
• Pay the examination fee (if applicable)
• Submit the final application form

Once submitted:

• An Application Number is generated (exam-specific and different from URN)
• No withdrawal or correction is permitted after final submission

Both URN and Application Number must be preserved for all future communication with UPSC.

Structure of UPSC CSE 2026 Examination: Prelims, Mains and Interview

The UPSC 2026 will follow the three-stage structure that tests different dimensions of a candidate’s suitability for the civil services.

1. Preliminary Examination

This is an objective-type screening stage consisting of:

• General Studies Paper I
• CSAT (General Studies Paper II)

This stage filters candidates for the Mains examination and is qualifying in nature.

2. Main Examination

The Mains examination is descriptive and includes:

• Essay paper
• Four General Studies papers
• Two Optional subject papers
• Two qualifying language papers

This stage tests depth of understanding, analytical ability, and clarity of expression.

3. Personality Test (Interview)

Candidates who qualify the Mains are called for the interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in Mains and Interview.

Understanding this structure is essential because preparation for UPSC 2026 cannot be one-dimensional. It must integrate objective MCQ practice with answer writing and conceptual clarity.