UPSC CSE Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

UPSC CSE Recruitment 2026: An Overview

The UPSC CSE is the flagship examination conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission for selecting candidates for the highest echelons of the Indian government's bureaucracy. This examination recruits for various All India Services and Central Services, offering a career of immense responsibility and public service.

Key Highlights for UPSC CSE 2026

Job Profile & Responsibilities

Successful candidates of UPSC CSE are appointed to various prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. The specific role depends on the service allotted:

• IAS (Indian Administrative Service): Policy formulation, implementing government schemes, district administration, public welfare.
• IPS (Indian Police Service): Maintaining law and order, crime prevention, investigation, public safety at district and state levels.
• IFS (Indian Foreign Service): Representing India abroad, conducting foreign policy, international relations, and trade.
• IRS (Indian Revenue Service): Tax administration, revenue collection, and policy-making related to taxation.

Day-to-day duties involve administrative tasks, public interaction, decision-making, field visits, and reporting.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed) - UPSC CSE 2026

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A graduate degree from a recognized university. Final year students awaiting results can also apply, but must produce proof of passing before the Mains examination.
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or 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.
• Age Limit: Minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum age is 32 years for General Category candidates as of August 1st of the examination year. Age relaxations are applicable for SC/ST, OBC, Ex-Servicemen, and other categories as per government rules.
• Number of Attempts: For General Category candidates, it is 6 attempts. The number of attempts varies for SC/ST and OBC candidates.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern - UPSC CSE 2026

The UPSC CSE follows a three-stage selection process:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type): Consists of two papers (General Studies I and General Studies II - CSAT). Both are objective-type, multiple-choice questions.
2. Main Examination (Descriptive Type): Comprises nine papers, including Essay, General Studies (four papers), and optional subjects (two papers), along with qualifying Indian Language and English papers.
3. Interview (Personality Test): Candidates who qualify the Mains examination are called for a personality test, which assesses their suitability for the services.

Likely Syllabus Topics: Current events of national and international importance, History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, General Science, Comprehension, Logical reasoning and analytical ability, Decision making, Basic numeracy.

Salary Structure & Allowances (2026)

The pay scale for UPSC CSE recruits begins at the Level-10 of the Pay Matrix, with a basic pay of Rs. 56,100, which can go up to Rs. 1,77,500 for senior positions. In addition to the basic pay, officers receive various allowances, including:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Various other perquisites as per government rules.

How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026

Applications for the UPSC CSE are invited through a detailed notification released on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in). Candidates need to:

1. Visit the official UPSC recruitment portal.
2. Click on the 'Online Application for Civil Services Examination' link.
3. Register by providing basic details.
4. Fill in the detailed application form, upload scanned photograph and signature.
5. Pay the application fee online.
6. Submit the application and take a printout.

The examination process is conducted once every year.