Table of Contents “UPSC 2026”
UPSC 2026 “Important dates”
We know UPSC already mention about the future events date. The Union Public Service Commission has already finalized the dates for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. Use this table to provide clear, scannable information.
| Chronology | Official Date |
| UPSC 2026 Notification Release | January 14, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 3, 2026 |
| UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| UPSC Mains 2026 Exam Date | August 21, 2026 (Friday) |
UPSC 2026 Notification
| UPSC 2026 Notification Release | January 14, 2026 |
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially confirmed the dates for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 through its annual calendar. The formal notification serves as the official “go-ahead” for lakhs of aspirants across India.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date
| UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
UPSC 2026 – Exam Dates
UPSC Mains 2026 Exam Date : August 21, 2026 (Friday)
UPSC 2026 Vacancy Trends (Expected)
While the exact number of vacancies will be announced in the January 14 notification, but as per a range based on previous years.
- Expected Vacancies: Between 950 and 1,150.
- Historical Context: * 2025: 979 vacancies
- 2024: 1,056 vacancies
- 2023: 1,105 vacancies
- 2022: 1,022 vacancies
Services Included: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and 20+ other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ central services.
Eligibility Criteria : UPSC 2026
To apply for UPSC 2026, candidates must meet these three primary pillars:
- Age Limit (as of Aug 1, 2026):
- General/EWS: 21 – 32 years
- OBC: 21 – 35 years
- SC/ST: 21 – 37 years
- Educational Qualification: A degree from any recognized university. Final-year students are eligible to apply for the Prelims.
Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
How to Apply One-Time Registration (OTR)
Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on upsconline.nic.in.
Fill out the Application Form (Part-I and Part-II).
Pay the fee (₹100 for Gen/OBC males; Exempted for Females/SC/ST/PwBD).
UPSC One-Time Registration (OTR)
The One-Time Registration (OTR) system is a revolutionary platform by UPSC designed to save time and reduce errors.
the OTR is basically consist of general and basic information about the candidates..
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete UPSC OTR 2026
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to upsconline.nic.in and click on “New Registration.”
- Basic Details: Enter your name, gender, date of birth, and parents’ names exactly as they appear on your Class 10th certificate.
- Contact Verification: Provide an active email ID and mobile number. You will receive an OTP on both to verify your identity.
- Set Password: Create a secure password. This will be your permanent login for the UPSC portal.
- Profile Dashboard: Once logged in, upload your photograph and signature.
- Photo: 20 KB – 300 KB (JPG format).
- Signature: 20 KB – 300 KB (JPG format).
- Review & Submit: Double-check every field. While minor corrections are allowed later, core details like your name and DOB are difficult to change once submitted.
Documents Required for OTR
| Document | Purpose |
| Class 10th Certificate | Proof of Name, Date of Birth, and Roll Number. |
| Valid Photo ID | Aadhaar, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. |
| Caste/Category Certificate | For OBC/SC/ST/EWS reservation (if applicable). |
| Scanned Photo & Sign | For permanent profile storage. |
Preparation Strategy : UPSC 2026
Preparation strategy include our Upscuniverse360 blog.
NCERT (UPSC)
| Subject | NCERT Book (Class) | Chapters / Units |
| Polity | Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work | All Chapters. Focus on: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, and Judiciary. |
| Geography | Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography | Unit II-IV: Earth’s Interior, Distribution of Oceans, Geomorphic Processes, and Climate. |
| Geography | Class 11: India: Physical Environment | Unit II-III: Structure & Physiography, Drainage System (Rivers), and Climate. |
| Economy | Class 11: Indian Economic Development | All Chapters. Focus on: Post-1991 Reforms, Poverty, and Rural Development. |
| Economy | Class 12: Introductory Macroeconomics | National Income, Money & Banking, Government Budget, and Balance of Payments. |
| Environment | Class 12: Biology | Unit X (Chapters 13-16): Organisms & Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity, and Environmental Issues. |
| Art & Culture | Class 11: An Intro to Indian Art | Chapters 1-8: Mauryan Art, Temple Architecture, Bronze Casting, and Indo-Islamic Architecture. |
| Ancient History | Class 11: RS Sharma (Old NCERT) | Indus Valley, Vedic Age, Mauryas, Guptas, and Buddhism/Jainism. |
| Medieval History | Class 11: Satish Chandra (Old NCERT) | Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas, and the Bhakti/Sufi Movements. |
| Science & Tech | Class 6-10: General Science | Biology sections: Human Health & Diseases, Nutrition, and Plant Physiology. |
Books(UPSC)
| Subject | Primary Source | Refernce Sources |
| Polity | M. Laxmikanth (Indian Polity) | Bare Act (Articles of Constitution) |
| Modern History | Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) | India’s Struggle for Independence (Bipan Chandra) |
| Ancient/Med. | Universal Foundation Ram Sir lectures (You tube)https://www.youtube.com/live/z8IGR0Gccg0?si=olJK97Tec8_PC67K | Tamil Nadu Board Books (Class 11) |
| Art & Culture | Hope Tushant Sir You tube lecture | Fine Arts NCERT (Class 11) |
| Economy | Mrunal Patel’s Notes or Ramesh Singh | Union Budget & Economic Survey (2026) |
| Environment | Shankar IAS or PMF IAS | Biology NCERT (Class 12 – last 4 chapters) |
| Geography | GC Leong (Physical Geo) PMF IAS | Oxford Student Atlas (Mapping) |
| Science & Tech | Current Affairs (Major focus) or PMF IAS | Science NCERTs (Class 6–10) |