UPSC & Central Govt · Updated 19 October 2026
UPSC CSE 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission, this flagship national examination recruits officers to the IAS, IPS, IFS, and 20+ Group A and Group B central civil services. The three-tier selection process rigorously evaluates analytical depth, policy acumen, and leadership suitability.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC CSE syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC CSE exam overview and highlights
About UPSC CSE
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for the All India Services and Group A and Group B central services. It is a three stage examination: a preliminary screening test, a descriptive main examination and a personality test. Successful candidates are allotted services such as IAS, IPS and IFS on the basis of their final rank and preferences.
The examination process for UPSC CSE comprises 3 stages: Prelims, followed by Mains, followed by Personality Test (Interview). The official syllabus tests candidates across 7 core areas — History and Culture, Geography, Polity and Governance, Economy, Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, CSAT (Paper II) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims is only a screening stage. Final merit is decided on the Mains written papers (1750 marks) plus the Personality Test (275 marks); the two language papers are qualifying only. Service allotment follows rank, preferences and category, after document verification and medical examination.
Key subjects
- History and Culture
- Geography
- Polity and Governance
- Economy
- Environment and Ecology
- Science and Technology
- CSAT (Paper II)
What clearing UPSC CSE leads to
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and other Group A central services
- Group B services such as DANICS and DANIPS
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances at entry for IAS, IPS and the other Group A services
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet for Prelims, pen and paper for Mains)
- Languages
- Prelims and Mains question papers in English and Hindi; Mains answers may be written in English or any language in the Eighth Schedule
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (11 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC CSE — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC CSE conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CSE — UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Category | UPSC & Central Govt |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification in February; Prelims in late May or June; Mains in September; personality tests from January to April; final result around April |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal; a separate Detailed Application Form is filled before Mains |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet for Prelims, pen and paper for Mains) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | Prelims and Mains question papers in English and Hindi; Mains answers may be written in English or any language in the Eighth Schedule |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (11 Papers Total): Prelims → Mains → Personality Test (Interview) |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims is only a screening stage. Final merit is decided on the Mains written papers (1750 marks) plus the Personality Test (275 marks); the two language papers are qualifying only. Service allotment follows rank, preferences and category, after document verification and medical examination. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline; final year students may appear for Prelims |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years on 1 August of the exam year for the general category, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC and ST |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances at entry for IAS, IPS and the other Group A services |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 10 lakh applicants, of whom roughly half sit Prelims, for about a thousand posts |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
Civil Services Examination 2026: important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | 4 February 2026 | Done |
| Last date for online application | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) | Done |
| Preliminary Examination | 24 May 2026 | Done |
| Prelims result (roll numbers) | 15 June 2026 | Done |
| Mains fee, scribe and cadre preference window | 19 to 28 June 2026 | Done |
| Main Examination (written) | Held; question papers are on the UPSC exam page | Done |
| Mains written result and Personality Test | Not yet announced | Expected |
- Vacancies
- About 933 at notification, including 33 for Persons with Benchmark Disability. UPSC's Prelims result press note of 18 June 2026 puts the vacancies notified for CSE 2026 at 1,016. The final number can still change.
- Application fee
- Prelims: ₹100. Mains: a further ₹200 for those who qualify Prelims. Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt from both fees.
Latest updates
- 4 February 2026: UPSC notified CSE 2026 with about 933 expected vacancies; online applications closed on 24 February 2026.
- 24 May 2026: The Preliminary Examination was held.
- 15 June 2026: The Prelims result was declared by roll number. UPSC's 18 June press note says 13,343 candidates qualified for the Main Examination.
- 18 June 2026: UPSC said Prelims marks, cut-offs and answer keys will be released only after the final result of CSE 2026 and the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026.
- 19 to 28 June 2026: Candidates who cleared Prelims had to log in, pay the Mains fee where due and fill in cadre preferences to get the Mains admit card.
Mains dates will be added once they are confirmed from the official UPSC Mains time table.
Sources: UPSC exam page, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, UPSC exam page, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, CSE 2026 Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE, UPSC press note, CS (Preliminary) 2026 result (18 June 2026)
How to apply online for UPSC CSE
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit upsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal; a separate Detailed Application Form is filled before Mains.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the UPSC CSE application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Prelims and Mains question papers in English and Hindi; Mains answers may be written in English or any language in the Eighth Schedule), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final UPSC CSE Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC CSE eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC CSE must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline; final year students may appear for Prelims.
Age limit & relaxations
21 to 32 years on 1 August of the exam year for the general category, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC and ST.
Number of attempts
6 attempts for general and EWS, 9 for OBC, unlimited for SC and ST within the age limit.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen for IAS and IPS; certain other categories such as subjects of Nepal and Bhutan are eligible for other services.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
UPSC CSE — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
UPSC CSE selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims is only a screening stage. Final merit is decided on the Mains written papers (1750 marks) plus the Personality Test (275 marks); the two language papers are qualifying only. Service allotment follows rank, preferences and category, after document verification and medical examination.
Stage 1: Prelims
Offline (OMR sheet) • 2 Papers (Paper I: General Studies, Paper II: CSAT) • 180 Questions • 400 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • An objective screening test with two papers held on a single day.
An objective screening test with two papers held on a single day. Only General Studies Paper I marks count for shortlisting; CSAT is qualifying. Prelims marks are not added to the final score.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General StudiesDecides the cut-off for Mains 100 200 2 hours Paper II: CSATQualifying only, 33% needed 80 200 2 hours Stage 2: Mains
Descriptive, pen and paper • 9 Papers (Paper A: Indian language, Paper B: English, Essay + 6 more) • 2350 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • A descriptive examination of nine papers spread over several days.
A descriptive examination of nine papers spread over several days. Seven papers count for merit (1750 marks); the two language papers are qualifying.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper A: Indian languageQualifying only, 25% needed Varies 300 3 hours Paper B: EnglishQualifying only, 25% needed Varies 300 3 hours Essay Varies 250 3 hours General Studies IHeritage, history, geography and society Varies 250 3 hours General Studies IIPolity, governance, social justice and international relations Varies 250 3 hours General Studies IIIEconomy, environment, science, security and disaster management Varies 250 3 hours General Studies IVEthics, integrity and aptitude Varies 250 3 hours Optional Paper I Varies 250 3 hours Optional Paper II Varies 250 3 hours Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
In person • A board interview of 275 marks at the UPSC office in New Delhi.
A board interview of 275 marks at the UPSC office in New Delhi. The final merit list is based on Mains plus Interview, a total of 2025 marks.
Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
UPSC CSE subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
History and Culture — Part I (Ancient and medieval Indian history)
- Ancient and medieval Indian history
- Indian art, architecture and literature
- Modern Indian history and the freedom struggle
History and Culture — Part II (Post-independence consolidation)
- Post-independence consolidation
- World history: industrial revolution, world wars, decolonisation
- Indian society and social issues
Geography: Physical geography of the world and India & Climatology and monsoon
- Physical geography of the world and India
- Climatology and monsoon
- Indian rivers, soils and agriculture
- Distribution of natural resources and industries
- Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes and cyclones
- Map based questions
Polity and Governance: Constitution of India & Union and state executive, legislature
- Constitution of India: features, amendments and basic structure
- Union and state executive, legislature and judiciary
- Fundamental rights, duties and directive principles
- Panchayati Raj and local government
- Constitutional and statutory bodies
- Government schemes and welfare policies
- International relations and bilateral groupings
Economy: National income and growth & Inflation, monetary policy and the RBI
- National income and growth
- Inflation, monetary policy and the RBI
- Budget, fiscal policy and taxation
- Banking and financial markets
- Agriculture, food security and subsidies
- Infrastructure, industry and investment models
- External sector and trade
Environment and Ecology: Ecosystems and biodiversity & Climate change and international conventions
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
- Climate change and international conventions
- Environmental laws and protected areas
- Pollution and environmental impact assessment
- Conservation efforts and species in news
Science and Technology: Space technology and ISRO missions & Biotechnology and health
- Space technology and ISRO missions
- Biotechnology and health
- Information technology, AI and cyber security
- Defence technology
- Nuclear energy and renewable energy
- Everyday science and recent developments
CSAT (Paper II): Reading comprehension & Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Reading comprehension
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision making and problem solving
- Basic numeracy (Class X level)
- Data interpretation
UPSC CSE salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances at entry for IAS, IPS and the other Group A services. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances at entry for IAS, IPS and the other Group A services.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
UPSC CSE cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC CSE cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
UPSC CSE — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because UPSC CSE is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPSC CSE Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UPSC CSE cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
UPSC CSE admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC CSE Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC CSE Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on upsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the UPSC CSE e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
UPSC CSE Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
UPSC CSE Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the UPSC CSE result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official UPSC CSE Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
UPSC CSE mock tests
Practice in the official UPSC CSE pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
- Start freeFREE
UPSC CSE Full Mock Test 1
Prelims · 100 questions · 2 hours
- Start freeFREE
UPSC CSE Full Mock Test 2
Prelims · 100 questions · 2 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
UPSC CSE Full Mock Test 3
Prelims · 100 questions · 2 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
UPSC CSE Full Mock Test 4
Prelims · 100 questions · 2 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
UPSC CSE Full Mock Test 5
Prelims · 100 questions · 2 hours
UPSC CSE previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC CSE previous year papers by year
- Explore freeFREE
Recent UPSC CSE question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Complete 10-year UPSC CSE paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Predicted questions for UPSC CSE
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC CSE
- Read NCERT textbooks from Class VI to XII first, then move to one standard book per subject.
- Follow one newspaper daily and keep subject-wise notes on current affairs instead of relying on monthly compilations alone.
- Solve at least the last ten years of Prelims question papers to understand how UPSC frames options.
- Choose your optional subject early, based on interest and availability of material, since it carries 500 marks in Mains.
- Practice answer writing for Mains with a timer, aiming for structured answers with an introduction, body and conclusion.
- Do not neglect CSAT; attempt a few full length CSAT papers to make sure you clear the 33% threshold comfortably.
UPSC CSE FAQs
How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE?
General and EWS candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9, and SC and ST candidates have no attempt limit until they cross the upper age limit. Appearing in even one Prelims paper counts as an attempt.
What is the age limit for UPSC CSE?
A candidate must be at least 21 and under 32 years of age on 1 August of the exam year. OBC candidates get 3 years and SC and ST candidates 5 years of relaxation in the upper limit.
Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
Yes, one-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims papers. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Is CSAT qualifying or counted for merit?
CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying only; you need 33% (66 out of 200) to clear it. Only General Studies Paper I decides the Prelims cut-off.
Can a final year student apply for UPSC CSE?
Yes. Final-year students, and those waiting for their degree result, can take the written exam (Prelims and Mains). Proof of passing the degree is needed only if you qualify for the Personality Test, and it must reach UPSC within the time limit set in Rule 13 of the CSE 2026 Rules.
Which subjects are asked in UPSC Prelims?
General Studies Paper I covers history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science and technology and current affairs. Paper II (CSAT) covers comprehension, reasoning, decision making and basic numeracy.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC CSE?
UPSC CSE is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 3 stages: Prelims → Mains → Personality Test (Interview). Prelims is only a screening stage. Final merit is decided on the Mains written papers (1750 marks) plus the Personality Test (275 marks); the two language papers are qualifying only. Service allotment follows rank, preferences and category, after document verification and medical examination.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC CSE?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline; final year students may appear for Prelims. Age Limit: 21 to 32 years on 1 August of the exam year for the general category, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC and ST.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC CSE?
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances at entry for IAS, IPS and the other Group A services.
When is the UPSC CSE notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC CSE is held once a year (Notification in February; Prelims in late May or June; Mains in September; personality tests from January to April; final result around April). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal; a separate Detailed Application Form is filled before Mains.
How can I prepare for UPSC CSE on SmartRank?
Select UPSC CSE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering History and Culture, Geography, Polity and Governance, Economy, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC CSE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.