UPSC CSE Syllabus 2026
Get the complete subject-wise syllabus for Prelims (GS & CSAT) and Mains. Know the exact topics to study.
UPSC CSE Prelims Mock Test 2026 – Free GS & CSAT Practice Sets
Attempt the most exam-like UPSC Civil Services Prelims Mock Test series designed by experts. Practice full-length sets aligned with the latest 2026 exam pattern (GS: 100 Questions, CSAT: 80 Questions, 1/3 negative marking). Get detailed solutions, performance analysis, and an AI-driven improvement plan to crack the IAS, IPS, and IFS exams.
📝 6 Mock Tests
🔄 Updated on 04 February 2026
🎯 ~933 Vacancies (CSE 2026)
Official Notification:
UPSC CSE 2026 Official Notification (PDF)
Free & Paid UPSC CSE Prelims Practice Sets
Civil Services Pre Exam Set 2
Civil Services Pre Exam Set 3
Civil Services Pre Exam Set 4
Civil Services Pre Exam Set 5
Civil Services Pre Exam Set 6
Table of Contents
UPSC CSE Exam Overview 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and B central services. The official notification for UPSC CSE 2026 was released on 4th February 2026.
Note on Content Freshness: The exam details, syllabus, and dates below are updated as per the official UPSC CSE 2026 notification. We update this section immediately if UPSC revises vacancies, application fees, or eligibility criteria.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Number of Vacancies | Approximately 933 (includes 33 PwBD) |
| Mode of Application | Online (upsconline.nic.in) |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary Exam (Objective) → Mains Exam (Descriptive) → Interview/Personality Test |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark per wrong answer (Prelims only) |
| Helpline Number | 011-24041001 |
UPSC CSE 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of the following dates to avoid missing deadlines:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 04th February 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 04th February 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Applications | 24th February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 24th May 2026 |
Important: The application window closes strictly at 6:00 PM on 24th February 2026. No requests for extension or modifications will be entertained after the final submission.
Vacancies & Services Offered
The number of vacancies to be filled through UPSC CSE 2026 is expected to be approximately 933, which includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) Category.
| Disability Category | Vacancies Reserved |
|---|---|
| Blindness and low vision | 7 |
| Deaf and hard of hearing | 11 |
| Locomotor disability | 8 |
| Multiple disabilities (excluding blind & deaf combination) | 7 |
The examination recruits for 23 different services, prominently including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS) - Customs & Income Tax
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
- Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- For IAS, IFS, and IPS: A candidate must be a citizen of India.
- For other services: A candidate must be a citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962, or a person of Indian origin migrating from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit (as on 1st August 2026)
A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years. Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.
| Category | Upper Age Limit Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 32 years |
| OBC | 35 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 37 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Defence Services Personnel (disabled in operations) | 35 years (3 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 37 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | 42 years (10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 47 years (15 years relaxation) |
3. Educational Qualification
A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree from any recognized University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India. Final year graduation students are also eligible to appear in the Prelims, provided they produce proof of passing for the Mains exam.
4. Number of Attempts Allowed
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 6 |
| OBC / PwBD (General/OBC) | 9 |
| SC / ST / PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited (Until age limit) |
Application Fee
| Category | Prelims Fee | Mains Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- | Rs. 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted (Nil) | Exempted (Nil) |
Payment can be made using Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. Candidates admitted to the Mains exam will be required to pay the Mains fee during a 10-day window after the Prelims result declaration.
Exam Pattern 2026
The Civil Services Examination consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Merit Ranking |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours | Qualifying (33% required) |
⚠️ Negative Marking: There is a penalty for wrong answers. For each wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.
Stage 2: Mains Examination (Descriptive Type)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject I | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject II | 250 |
| Sub Total (Written) | 1750 | |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 275 | |
| Grand Total | 2025 |
UPSC Prelims Syllabus Breakdown
Paper 1: General Studies (GS)
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic Geography).
- Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy).
- Economic and Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics).
- General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change.
- General Science.
Paper 2: CSAT (Aptitude Test)
- Comprehension & Interpersonal skills (communication skills).
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision-making and problem-solving.
- General mental ability (Class X level).
- Basic numeracy, Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables).
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Candidates are required to apply online only at upsconline.nic.in. The application portal consists of modules:
- Universal Registration Number (URN): Register once in a lifetime to generate URN.
- Common Application Form (CAF): Fill personal, educational, and preference details. Requires Live Photo Capture (candidates must capture a live photograph via webcam) and uploading a scanned signature (sign three times on white paper with black ink).
- Examination Specific Module: Select exam center, pay fee, and upload documents.
Note: Aadhaar Card is strongly advised as an ID document for seamless verification. No changes are allowed after final submission.
Exam Day Instructions & Banned Items
Strict rules are enforced at the examination venue to ensure fair conduct:
- Face Authentication: Mandatory face authentication will be done at the exam venue. Arrive early.
- Banned Items: Mobile phones (even switched off), smart/digital watches, pagers, Bluetooth devices, cameras, or any electronic storage media are strictly banned.
- Valuables: No arrangement for safe-keeping of valuable items is made at the venue.
- Reporting Time: Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam. Late entry is not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the date of UPSC CSE Prelims 2026?
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24th May 2026.
How many vacancies are there in UPSC CSE 2026?
The number of vacancies to be filled through UPSC CSE 2026 is expected to be approximately 933, which includes 33 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
The last date for submission of online applications for UPSC CSE 2026 is 24th February 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CSE Prelims?
Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. For each wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years as on 1st August 2026. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
Where can I attempt free UPSC CSE Prelims mock tests?
You can attempt free high-quality UPSC CSE Prelims mock tests directly on this page above at MockSeries.in. Each set follows the latest 2026 exam pattern with detailed solutions and performance analysis.