Sample Papers
Previous Year Papers
Syllabus
EXAM SYLLABUS
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three stages: Civil Services Preliminary Examination, Civil Services Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview. The Preliminary Examination is a screening test, while the marks obtained in the Main Examination and Personality Test are considered for the final merit list.
UPSC Mains exam syllabus
The UPSC Mains syllabus encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects aimed at evaluating a candidate’s analytical skills, depth of knowledge, and ability to express ideas clearly through descriptive answers. It includes nine papers: an Essay paper, four General Studies papers, two papers on an Optional Subject, and two qualifying language papers. For merit ranking, the Mains carries a total of 1750 marks (out of the overall 2025 marks, including the interview), making it the most significant phase of the examination.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for Qualifying Papers (Indian Languages and English)
(i) comprehension of given passages.
(ii) Precis Writing.
(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.
(iv) Short Essays.
(v) Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice versa.
Note 1: The papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.
Note 2: The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).
UPSC Mains Essay Syllabus
The UPSC Mains Essay Paper, carrying 250 marks, requires candidates to write two essays on topics related to society, governance, economy, philosophy, environment, and contemporary issues. It tests clarity of thought, coherence, originality, and balanced analysis.
Paper-I: Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS 1
Paper-II: General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS 2
Paper-III: General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Role of civil services in a democracy.
India and its neighborhood- relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora - their structure, mandate.
UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS 3
Paper-IV: General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major crop
...Format
EXAM PATTERN
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three stages: Civil Services Preliminary Examination, Civil Services Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview. The Preliminary Examination is a screening test, while the marks obtained in the Main Examination and Personality Test are considered for the final merit list.
Mains Exam
The syllabus of UPSC Mains examination is more specialized and consists of nine papers, including one essay paper, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two language papers (both qualifying in nature).The UPSC CSE exam follows a three-stage pattern: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.
Qualifying Papers | Subjects | Marks |
Paper-A | One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution | 300 |
Paper-B | English | 300 |
Papers to be Counted for Merit | ||
Paper | Subject | Marks |
Paper I | Essay | 250 |
Paper II | General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
Paper III | General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) | 250 |
Paper IV | General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
Paper V | General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | |
Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | |
Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | |
Sub Total (Written Test) | 1750 | |
Personality Test (Interview) | 275 | |
Grand Total | 2025 | |
Final Merit
The final merit is prepared on the basis of:
Main Examination Written Marks: 1,750 + Personality Test: 275 = 2,025 Marks
The Preliminary Examination marks are not included in the final merit. The final selection is made on the basis of the candidate's rank, category, service preferences and the number of vacancies available for the examination.
Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates willing to apply, are required to fulfill certain conditions to be eligible for it. The candidate who does not satisfy the Eligibility criteria like Age, Minimum educational qualification, their candidature shall be rejected by the authorities.
Nationality
To appear for the UPSC CSE Exams you need to be a citizen of India, for all other services, you must be either:
A citizen of India,
Or a subject of Nepal,
Or a subject of Bhutan,
Or a refugee from Tibet that came to India before the 1st of January 1962 with the intention of settling in India permanently.
Or an individual with Indian origin who has migrated from Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, East African countries of Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, Kenya, the united republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, & Vietnam, with the purpose of settling permanently in India.
Note
(1) If you belong to categories b), c), d), and e), then you’d need a certificate issued by the govt. of India to be eligible.
(2) Also belonging to the b), c), d), and e). Categories will bar you from being eligible to be appointed to the Indian Foreign Services.
Age Limit
Based on the latest UPSC CSE eligibility provisions, a candidate must have attained 21 years of age and must not have attained 32 years of age on August 1 of the examination year.
Relaxation Of Upper Age Limit
Categories | Age Relaxation |
SC/ST | 5 Years |
OBC | 3 Years |
Defence Services Personnel, disabled in operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof | 3 Years |
Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and | 5 Years |
Visually challenged/hearing | 10 Years |
Number of Attempts
The number of times candidates are permitted to take the Exam is given in the below table:
Category | Number of Attempts |
General | 6 |
OBC | 9 |
SC/ST | No Restriction |
Physically Handicapped (General) | 9 |
Schedule
IMPORTANT DATES
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification was released on February 4, 2026, and the online application process closed on February 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination was conducted on May 24, 2026, while the Prelims result was declared on June 15, 2026. The Main Examination was conducted from August 21 to August 23 and August 29 to August 30, 2026. The Main Examination result and Personality Test/Interview dates are yet to be announced by UPSC.
Event | Date |
Notification Released | February 4, 2026 |
Application Start Date | February 4, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | February 27, 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
Preliminary Examination | May 24, 2026 |
Prelims Result | June 15, 2026 |
Main Examination | From August 21, 2026 |
Main Examination e-Admit Card | August 14, 2026 |
Main Examination Result | To be announced |
Personality Test/Interview | To be announced |
Final Result | To be announced |
According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, the schedule for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is as follows:
Events | Dates |
Annual Calendar Released | May 20, 2026 |
CSE Notification Date | January 13, 2027 |
Application Start Date | January 13, 2027 |
Last Date to Apply | February 2, 2027 |
Civil Services Preliminary Examination | May 23, 2027 (Sunday) |
Civil Services Main Examination | From August 20, 2027 (Frida |
Analysis
EXAM ANALYSIS
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 was conducted in multiple stages, beginning with the Preliminary Examination on May 24, 2026, followed by the Main Examination from August 21, 2026. The Preliminary Examination consisted of General Studies Paper-I and CSAT, while the Main Examination included Essay, four General Studies papers and two Optional Subject papers, along with qualifying language papers. The 2026 Prelims GS Paper-I was widely assessed as moderate to difficult, lengthy, factual and analytical, while the Mains papers placed considerable emphasis on conceptual clarity, current-affairs integration, application and answer-writing ability. UPSC has officially released the 2026 question papers for both stages on its website.
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination consisted of two objective-type papers:
General Studies Paper-I: 100 questions, 200 marks
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT): 80 questions, 200 marks
Duration: 2 hours for each paper
CSAT: Qualifying in nature with a minimum requirement of 33% marks (66/200)
Negative Marking: One-third of the marks assigned to a question for an incorrect answer
Only GS Paper-I is considered for determining the Prelims cut-off; Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit list.
Prelims Time and Shift
The General Studies Paper-I was conducted in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) was conducted in the afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Both papers had a duration of two hours.
Prelims Section-Wise Exam Analysis
History and Art & Culture
History and Art & Culture formed an important part of GS Paper-I. Questions covered Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History and cultural themes. Several questions required precise factual knowledge as well as the ability to distinguish between closely related options. The section was generally considered moderate to difficult, with some questions requiring deeper preparation rather than simple recall.
Geography
The Geography section included physical geography, Indian geography and location-based concepts. Questions were largely conceptual and required candidates to apply geographical principles rather than depend entirely on factual memorisation. The section was assessed as moderate to difficult.
Indian Polity
Polity questions covered constitutional provisions, governance and related concepts. The paper included statement-based questions in which careful reading and elimination were important. The section was broadly considered moderate to difficult.
Economy
Economy had substantial representation in the paper and tested conceptual understanding of economic issues, policies and their practical implications. Candidates needed to connect basic economic concepts with contemporary developments. The section was considered moderate to difficult.
Environment & Ecology
Environment and Ecology questions required knowledge of ecological concepts as well as awareness of contemporary environmental developments. The section involved a combination of static and current-affairs-based preparation and was generally assessed as moderate to difficult.
Science & Technology
Science & Technology was one of the challenging areas of the 2026 GS Paper-I. Questions required conceptual understanding and awareness of recent technological developments rather than only factual recall. Several analyses considered this section difficult.
Current Affairs and International Developments
Current affairs were integrated with static subjects instead of appearing only as straightforward current-affairs questions. Candidates were required to connect recent developments with concepts from Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Polity and International Relations. This integration increased the analytical demand of the paper.
CSAT
The CSAT paper remained qualifying, but candidates needed to demonstrate adequate performance in comprehension, reasoning, quantitative aptitude and data interpretation. Different reviews assessed the paper around the moderate level, although time management remained important. Candidates needed at least 66 marks out of 200 to qualify.
Prelims Good Attempts with Marks
There is no official UPSC figure for “good attempts.” Based on post-examination analyses, a broad indicative range for GS Paper-I was around 75–85 attempts, provided accuracy was reasonably high. Some analyses placed the broader good-attempt range higher, but the 2026 paper's lengthy and difficult nature made accuracy more important than simply attempting a large number of questions.
An indicative score relationship can be understood as follows:
75–85 attempts with good accuracy: approximately 100–125 marks
85–95 attempts with very good accuracy: approximately 120–145 marks
CSAT: minimum qualifying requirement is 66 marks (33%); candidates generally aim considerably above this for a safety margin.
These are unofficial analytical ranges and should not be treated as the UPSC cut-off or a guaranteed qualifying score.
Prelims Difficulty Level
The overall difficulty of UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 GS Paper-I was moderate to difficult, with several experts describing it as lengthy, conceptually demanding and more dependent on factual precision and elimination than straightforward recall. The paper included long statements and closely framed options, which increased the time pressure. CSAT was generally assessed around the moderate level.
Prelims Overall Analysis
Overall, the 2026 Prelims tested breadth of knowledge, conceptual clarity, factual precision, current-affairs awareness and elimination skills. The paper moved further away from purely direct questions and required candidates to carefully interpret statements and options. The major lesson from the paper was that preparation based only on static books or isolated current affairs was insufficient; candidates needed to integrate standard sources, current developments, previous-year questions and regular mock-test practice.
UPSC CSE Mains 2026 Exam Analysis
The UPSC CSE Main Examination 2026 commenced on August 21, 2026. The examination included the qualifying Indian Language and English papers, Essay, four General Studies papers and two Optional Subject papers. UPSC has published the 2026 Main Examination question papers, including Essay, GS-I to GS-IV and the Optional Subject papers.
Mains Exam Pattern
The Main Examination consisted of nine written papers:
Paper-A: Indian Language – 300 marks, qualifying
Paper-B: English – 300 marks, qualifying
Essay: 250 marks
General Studies-I: 250 marks
General Studies-II: 250 marks
General Studies-III: 250 marks
...
Study Tips
STUDY TIPS
Here are practical, proven study tips for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, covering Prelims, Mains, and Interview (Personality Test). These draw from consistent topper strategies, official patterns, and effective approaches used in recent cycles.
Prelims Tips (Build accuracy & elimination skills)
Master the basics first: Start with NCERT textbooks (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Environment to build strong conceptual clarity—almost every topper emphasizes this foundation.
Daily current affairs routine: Read one reliable newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) + monthly compilations (Vision IAS/Insights) for 1–1.5 hours. Link news to static syllabus topics.
PYQs are gold: Solve previous 10–15 years' Prelims questions topic-wise alongside reading—helps spot patterns and recurring themes.
Mock tests & revision: Take full-length mocks weekly (from Vision IAS, Insights, or ForumIAS) under timed conditions. Revise weak areas immediately; aim for 3–5 full revisions of notes before exam. Focus on high-yield subjects: Polity, Economy, Modern History, Environment, and Science-Tech.
CSAT strategy: Don't ignore it—practice comprehension, maths (Class 10 level), and reasoning daily to safely cross 33%. Use RS Aggarwal or previous papers.
Time management: Study 8–10 hours daily with breaks; avoid new sources after March 2026—stick to revision + mocks to maximize score (target 100+ in GS Paper-I).
Mains Tips (Depth, structure & expression)
Integrated prep from day one: Prepare Mains-oriented notes while doing Prelims (e.g., make concise, analytical notes for GS papers). Cover syllabus holistically—don't separate Prelims/Mains completely.
Answer writing is king: Practice daily (1–2 answers) from Day 1 of Mains phase. Focus on structure: Intro - Body (multi-dimensional points) - Balanced conclusion. Use headings, sub-headings, diagrams/maps where relevant.
GS papers strategy:
GS1 & GS2: Use standard books (Laxmikanth, Spectrum, etc.) + current examples.
GS3: Economy (Ramesh Singh + budget/economic survey), Environment (Shankar IAS), Security/Disaster (link to news).
GS4 (Ethics): Case studies practice + thinkers' quotes; build real-life examples.
Optional subject: Choose early (overlap with GS if possible). Dedicate 8–10 months; revise 3–4 times + solve past papers.
Essay: Write 1 essay weekly; practice philosophical & current themes. Aim for balanced, original views.
Revision & mocks: Join a good test series (Vision/Forum/Insights) for full Mains mocks. Revise notes multiple times—toppers do 4–5 revisions. Target 850+ aggregate with strong answer quality.
Interview (Personality Test) Tips (275 marks – Be authentic & balanced)
DAF is the core: Know every detail of your Detailed Application Form (hobbies, education, work, home state, etc.)—panels ask 60–70% from it. Prepare honest, logical answers.
Current affairs depth: Stay updated till interview (national/international issues, government schemes, your state/District news). Form balanced opinions on controversial topics.
Mock interviews: Join 4–6 quality mocks (reputed institutes like Samkalp, Vajiram, or online) to simulate pressure, improve body language, communication, and handling unknowns.
Personality traits: Be confident yet humble; speak clearly, maintain eye contact, sit straight. If you don't know an answer, politely say so and reason logically—don't bluff.
Common prep: Prepare "Why Civil Services", strengths/weaknesses, hobbies in detail, ethical dilemmas. Read editorials for diverse views; practice with friends/mentors.
Mindset: Stay calm, positive, and authentic—panels assess suitability, not knowledge perfection. Top scorers (180–200+) emphasize honesty and composure.
Overall Golden Rules for 2026 Success:
Consistency > intensity: Study daily without long breaks.
Limited sources: Stick to 1–2 books per subject + notes; avoid too many materials.
Health & mindset: Sleep 6–7 hours, exercise, meditate—burnout kills preparation.
Track progress: Weekly self-review; adjust plan but avoid frequent changes.
STUDY PLANS
Here are two practical, generic study plans for UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains preparation—one intensive 6-month plan (ideal for focused, last-push attempts) and one comprehensive 1-year plan (better for building depth with multiple revisions). These are based on proven topper strategies and coaching frameworks (e.g., Vision IAS, Insights, Vajiram), emphasizing self-study, limited sources, and integrated Prelims-Mains prep.
Assume daily study of 10–12 hours (with breaks), stick to NCERTs (6–12) + 1 standard book per subject + daily current affairs (newspaper + monthly compilations), and join a reliable test series for mocks.
6-Month Intensive Plan (Prelims-Focused with Mains Bridge)
Goal: Clear Prelims + build strong Mains foundation in a short window.
Phase 1: Foundation & Core Coverage (Months 1–3)
Build basics: Complete NCERTs (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Environment) + first reading of standards (Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, GC Leong for Geography, Ramesh Singh for Economy, Shankar IAS for Environment).
Start Optional subject (choose one with GS overlap if possible; cover 50–60%).
Daily routine: 2 hrs current affairs, 6–7 hrs static GS/Optional, 1–2 hrs CSAT practice, 1 hr PYQs/notes making.
Weekly: 1 full Prelims mock + analysis; make concise notes.
Phase 2: Consolidation & Prelims Sprint (Months 4–5)
Second reading of all GS + integrate current affairs deeply.
Focus on high-yield areas: Polity, Economy, Modern History, Environment, Science-Tech.
Intensive mocks: 4–5 full-length Prelims tests/week (timed); revise weak topics immediately.
CSAT: Daily practice to ensure qualifying score.
Start light Mains prep: 1–2 GS answer writings/week.
Phase 3: Revision & Mains Transition (Month 6)
3–4 full revisions of notes + rapid static recall.
Post-Prelims shift: Daily answer writing (3–4 GS answers + 1 Essay), full Optional coverage, Ethics case studies.
Join Mains test series; attempt 8–10 full mocks.
Weekly targets: Full syllabus revision + current affairs linkage.
Common Tips: Limit sources; revise notes 4–5 times; track progress weekly; include exercise/meditation.
1-Year Comprehensive Plan (Balanced with Multiple Revisions)
Goal: Strong foundation, integrated Prelims-Mains, and buffer for depth/sustainability.
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1–3)
Understand syllabus + analyze PYQs.
Complete all NCERTs + first reading of standards for GS.
Choose & start Optional (aim 50% coverage).
Daily: Current affairs + note-making habit.
Weekly: Topic-wise tests + revision.
General info
OVERVIEW
The UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination) is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various All India Services and Central Civil Services under the Government of India. The examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Around 24 services are filled through the Civil Services Examination, including prominent services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and several other Group A and Group B services.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
Exam Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission |
Exam Purpose | To recruit officers for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services |
Exam Frequency | Annually |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Date | Prelims: 23 May 2027 |
Exam Result Date | June |
Exam Official Website |
SOME MAJOR SERVICES
1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
The most prestigious service.
Involved in state and central administration, policy-making, and governance.
2. Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Handles diplomacy and international relations.
Works in Indian embassies, high commissions, and represents India abroad.
3. Indian Police Service (IPS)
Responsible for law enforcement and internal security.
Posts in state and central police organizations, crime prevention, and public safety.
4. Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Works in tax and revenue departments.
Two main streams:
IRS (Income Tax)
IRS (Customs & Central Excise)
5. Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
Works under the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG).
Responsible for government accounts and audits.
6. Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
Handles accounts and financial management in government departments.
7. Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
Manages accounts and budgeting for the Ministry of Defence and armed forces.
8. Indian Information Service (IIS)
Handles government communications and media.
Works in press and public information campaigns.
9. Indian P&T Accounts & Finance Service
Works in the Department of Posts and Telecommunications for financial management.
10. Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
Manages defence manufacturing and ordnance factories.
11. Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
Administrative and operational roles in postal services.
Involves post office management and logistics.
12. Indian Railway Services (IRS/IRAS/IRPS, etc.)
Group A services of Indian Railways.
Handles administration and technical management in railways.
13. Indian Trade Service (ITS)
Works in the Department of Commerce for trade policy and promotion.
Deals with international trade and export-import regulation.
14. Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
Manages defence lands and estates.
Supervises army and central government properties.
15. Indian Postal Accounts & Finance Service
Works in the accounts and finance wing of the postal department.
Notes:
Allocation of services depends on rank, preference, and category.
Top rankers usually get IAS and IFS.
Some services are all India cadre, while others are central/state cadre mix.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Process for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is a rigorous, multi-stage process conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B central services. It consists of three successive stages, as detailed in the official notification (No. 05/2026-CSE, released February 4, 2026) and consistent across cycles.
Stage I: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
Nature: Objective-type (screening/qualifying stage).
Papers:
General Studies Paper-I (200 marks): Covers current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, science & technology, etc. (merit-based for shortlisting).
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) (200 marks): Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, basic numeracy, etc. (qualifying only; minimum 33% required).
Total: 400 marks (only Paper-I counts for merit).
Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for wrong answers.
Purpose
...2026 exam
LATEST UPDATE
As per the latest update the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission. As per the official calendar, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2027 notification will be released on January 13, 2027, and the last date to submit applications will be February 2, 2027. The CSE Preliminary Examination is scheduled for May 23, 2027 (Sunday), while the Civil Services Main Examination will commence from August 20, 2027 (Friday) and is scheduled for 5 days.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on February 4, 2026, after the notification schedule was revised from the earlier planned date of January 14, 2026. The examination notification announced approximately 933 vacancies for various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and other Central Government services. The online application process started on February 4, 2026, and the last date to submit the application was February 27, 2026, up to 6:00 PM.
The UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination 2026 was conducted on May 24, 2026. The e-Admit Card was released on May 15, 2026, and UPSC declared the Preliminary Examination written result on June 15, 2026. The result with candidates’ names was subsequently uploaded on June 18, 2026.
The UPSC CSE Main Examination 2026 was scheduled from August 21 to August 30, 2026. The Main Examination e-Admit Card was released on August 14, 2026. The examination consisted of the scheduled written papers, including Essay, General Studies, Indian Language, English and Optional Subject papers. UPSC has also published the question papers for the 2026 Main Examination on its official website.
As of 2026, the CSE 2026 Main Examination has been completed. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website and examination portal for further updates regarding the Main Examination result, Personality Test/Interview schedule and final result.
IMPORTANT DATES
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification was released on February 4, 2026, and the online application process closed on February 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination was conducted on May 24, 2026, while the Prelims result was declared on June 15, 2026. The Main Examination was conducted from August 21 to August 23 and August 29 to August 30, 2026. The Main Examination result and Personality Test/Interview dates are yet to be announced by UPSC.
Event | Date |
Notification Released | February 4, 2026 |
Application Start Date | February 4, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | February 27, 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
Preliminary Examination | May 24, 2026 |
Prelims Result | June 15, 2026 |
Main Examination | From August 21, 2026 |
Main Examination e-Admit Card | August 14, 2026 |
Main Examination Result | To be announced |
Personality Test/Interview | To be announced |
Final Result | To be announced |
According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, the schedule for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is as follows:
Events |
Exams News
UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Registration Begins
UPSC has started the Civil Services Exam 2026 registration process. Check eligibility, application fee, exam date, and steps to apply at upsc.gov.in...
| Posted On: 05 Feb, 2026 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 Timetable Released
UPSC has released the Civil Services Mains Exam 2025 timetable at upsc.gov.in. The exam will be held from August 22 to 31 in two sessions daily. Check schedule, pattern, and vacancy details...
| Posted On: 15 Jul, 2025 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC CSE Prelims Result 2025 Released In Online Mode
UPSC has announced the CSE Prelims Result 2025 on June 11. Candidates can check their qualifying status at upsc.gov.in. Mains Exam to begin from August 22, 2025...
| Posted On: 12 Jun, 2025 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025: CSE Registration Deadline Extended
Previously, the application deadline for the Civil Services (Prelims) exam was set for February 11, 2025, but this has now been extended...
| Posted On: 10 Feb, 2025 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam Result Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam Result...
| Posted On: 10 Dec, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2023 Not Qualified Candidates Marks Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2023 Not Qualified Candidates Marks...
| Posted On: 09 Nov, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2023 Reserve List Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2023 Reserve List...
| Posted On: 26 Oct, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam Admit Card Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam Admit Card...
| Posted On: 14 Sep, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam Schedule Announced
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam Schedule...
| Posted On: 09 Aug, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Prelims Exam Name Wise Result Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2024 Prelims Exam Name Wise Result...
| Posted On: 24 Jul, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Mains Exam (DAF-I) Online Form
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the DAF-I for the Civil Service (Mains) Examinations 2024 on its official website...
| Posted On: 04 Jul, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Prelims Exam Result Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2024 Prelims Exam Result...
| Posted On: 02 Jul, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 Prelims Exam Admit Card Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services Exam 2024 Prelims Exam Admit Card...
| Posted On: 07 Jun, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has given a tentative calendar of various exams Reserved for UPSC RTs/ Exam, Engg Service (Prelims) Exam...
| Posted On: 26 Apr, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
UPSC Civil Services 2023 Final Result Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services 2023 Final Result...
| Posted On: 17 Apr, 2024 | |
| Read More |
|
Click
