The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts various competitive exams annually to recruit officers for India’s prestigious civil services, defence services, engineering services, and medical services. The UPSC Exams 2026 calendar includes key recruitments like the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Combined Defence Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA), Engineering Services (ESE), and Combined Medical Services (CMS). Candidates aspiring for government jobs through UPSC must understand the detailed eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process for each exam.
UPSC Exams 2026 Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Exams 2026 |
| Vacancy | Approx. 2,000+ combined across all exams |
| Post Name | IAS, IPS, IFS, CDS Officers, ESE Officers, CMS, NDA |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Education | Graduation in respective fields (varies per exam) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 32 years (varies by exam and category) |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000/month (based on post & level) |
Important Dates: UPSC Exams 2026
| Exam Name | Notification Date | Application Dates | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Services (Prelims) | Feb 2026 | Feb – March 2026 | May/June 2026 |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) | Dec 2024 & May 2026 | Dec 2024 – Jan 2026, May 2026 | Feb & Sept 2026 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Dec 2024 & May 2026 | Jan & June 2026 | April & Sept 2026 |
| Engineering Services (ESE) | Sept 2024 | Sept – Oct 2024 | Jan 2026 |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) | April 2026 | April – May 2026 | July 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | Feb 2026 | Feb – March 2026 | Prelims: May, Mains: Nov |
UPSC Posts, Vacancy, and Eligibility Details
| Post Name | Vacancy (Approx.) | Eligibility Criteria (Education + Age + Salary) |
|---|---|---|
| IAS, IPS, IFS (CSE) | 900+ | Graduate in any stream; 21–32 yrs; ₹56,100–₹2,50,000/month |
| CDS Officers | 340+ | Graduate/Engineering; 19–25 yrs; ₹56,100/month + military allowances |
| NDA Cadets | 400+ | 12th Pass (PCM for Navy/AF); 16.5–19.5 yrs; ₹56,100/month (training) |
| ESE (Engineering) | 200+ | BE/BTech in relevant discipline; 21–30 yrs; ₹56,100–₹1,77,500/month |
| CMS (Medical Services) | 300+ | MBBS Degree; Max 32 yrs; ₹56,100–₹1,77,500/month |
| IFS (Forest Services) | 150+ | Bachelor’s in science/engineering; 21–32 yrs; ₹56,100–₹2,00,000/month |
UPSC Exams 2026: Education, Age Limit & Salary
Education Qualification:
-
Civil Services & Forest Services: Graduate degree from a recognized university.
-
CDS & NDA: 12th pass for NDA; Graduation or equivalent for CDS.
-
Engineering Services (ESE): B.E./B.Tech in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics.
-
CMS: MBBS degree from an MCI-recognized institute.
Age Limit:
-
NDA: 16.5–19.5 years.
-
CDS: 19–25 years.
-
CSE, IFS, ESE, CMS: 21–32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories).
Salary Structure:
-
Basic pay starts from ₹56,100/month.
-
Senior positions (like Secretary/Director-level) offer up to ₹2.5 lakh/month.
-
Additional allowances include DA, HRA, TA, Military/Medical allowances (as applicable).
UPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Civil Services Exam:
-
Prelims: Objective – GS Paper I & CSAT.
-
Mains: 9 Descriptive Papers.
-
Interview: Personality Test.
CDS/NDA:
-
Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Exam
-
Subjects: Mathematics, English, General Knowledge.
ESE:
-
Prelims + Mains (technical papers) + Interview
-
Covers core engineering subjects + general studies.
CMS:
-
Computer-Based Test + Interview
-
Includes General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, etc.
IFS:
-
Prelims with CSE, then separate IFS Mains.
-
Focus on forestry, environment, and general science.
Online Application Process: How to Apply
-
Visit the UPSC Official Website.
-
Navigate to “Examinations” > Active Examinations.
-
Click on the respective exam notification.
-
Register on the One-Time Registration (OTR) portal.
-
Fill out the application form with accurate details.
-
Upload scanned documents and pay the application fee.
-
Submit and download the confirmation page.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| UPSC Online Application | https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/ |
| UPSC Career Page | https://upsc.gov.in/recruitment |
| upsc admit card |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many times can I attempt UPSC exams?
General category: 6 attempts for CSE (till 32 years). OBC: 9 attempts. SC/ST: Unlimited till age limit.
Q2. What is the best UPSC exam for engineers?
Engineering graduates can apply for both the Engineering Services Exam (ESE) and Civil Services Exam (CSE).
Q3. Can I apply for multiple UPSC exams in the same year?
Yes, if the exam dates do not clash, candidates can apply for multiple UPSC exams in one calendar year.
Q4. What is the application fee for UPSC exams?
Usually ₹100 for most exams; women, SC/ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt.
Q5. Is coaching necessary for UPSC exams?
Not mandatory. Many candidates clear exams through self-study using NCERTs, standard books, and mock test series.
Raju G. | Founder & Editor at SarkariResultz
Hi, I’m Raju! I have been deeply involved in Indian career guidance and recruitment since 2012. With 12+ years of experience, my mission is to simplify the job-seeking process for every aspirant. Alongside my team, I work around the clock to bring you the most authentic and latest government job updates via our website and active social communities. My passion is seeing you succeed in your dream career.