Overview

Every year, the candidates for the government and all-India public services are chosen through the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) administration of the public Services Examination (CSE). The Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Audit and Accounts Service, and other positions are among the ones for which this recruiting exam is held. For 1056 positions, the Union Public Service Commission published the UPSC CSE Notification 2026.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The candidates are selected through three phases of exams:

• Preliminary Examination (Objective type)
• Main Written Examination
• Personality Test

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

The candidates must possess a Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognised university. Candidates in final year of their graduation can also apply and submit the proof of passing the degree examination before the specified date.

Age Limit

The candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age of the examination year. Certain age relaxations are also provided to reserve and other specified categories.

Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Negative marking - There is negative marking in the UPSC 2026 Prelims Examination. For every wrong answer 1/3^rd or 0.33 marks will be deducted.

Time Duration- There would be two papers for the preliminary exam, each lasting two hours. And for the Mains Examination each paper is of 3hours duration.

No. of questions- The number of questions for the Prelims Examination is 100 questions with a total of 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours.

Types of question- The questions will be of objective type/multiple choice type for the Prelims Examination and for the Mains Examination it would be Subjective type And the paper would be conducted in both Hindi and English.

Mode of Exam- The UPSC 2026 Examination, both Prelims and Mains would be conducted in Offline Mode.

Qualifying Marks- The qualifying marks for the General Studies Paper would be fixed to minimum of 33%. For the Mains Examination only Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English) are Qualifying in Nature.

For Preliminary Examination

For Main Written Examination

Qualifying Papers

Paper A One of the Indian Languages from the Languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Paper B English

Both papers will be of 300 marks each and of 3 hours duration.

Optional Subjects   Agriculture; Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science; Anthropology; Botany; Chemistry; Civil Engineering; Commerce and Accountancy; Economics; Electrical Engineering; Geology; Geography; Indian History; Law; Mathematics; Management; Mechanical Engineering; Medical Science; Physics; Philosophy; Political Science and International Relations; Psychology; Public Administration; Statistics; Sociology; Zoology; literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

Syllabus

Part A—Preliminary Examination

Paper-I  (General Studies) 200 Marks/2 hr

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.
• General Science.

Paper-II (CSAT) 200 Marks/2 hr

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, order of magnitude, etc.-Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level).

Note 1: Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

Note 2: The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.

Note 3: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.

Part B—​​​​​​​Main Examination

The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory.

The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a 

career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.

The scope of the syllabus for optional subject papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) for the examination is broadly of the honours degree level i.e. a level higher than the bachelors’ degree and lower than the masters’ degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical Science and law, the level corresponds to the bachelors’ degree.

Syllabi of the papers included in the scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination are given as follows:—

Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English

The aim of the paper is to test the candidates' ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian language concerned.

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

(i) Comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing.

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essays.

Indian Languages:—

(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).

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.

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.

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.

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 crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
• Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
• Land reforms in India.
• Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• Investment models.
• Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
• Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
• Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
• Disaster and disaster management.
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
• Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
• Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Paper- V

General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

• This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:
• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
• Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
• Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
• Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
• Case Studies on above issues.

PAPER-VI & PAPER VII

Optional Subject Papers I & II

Candidate may choose any optional subject from amongst the List of Optional Subjects given in Para 2.

Exam Analysis

For Preliminary Examination General Studies Paper 1:-

For Preliminary Examination CSAT paper:-

Admit Card

E-admit cards will be issued to the eligible candidates three weeks before the commencement of the examination. No Admit Card will be sent by post.

Following are the steps to download the admit card: 

• Access the official Portal at https://upsc.gov.in/
• On the homepage, click on the “UPSC IAS Admit Card 20XX” download Link.
• Then a login window will display and you have to login by entering your login credential like your Registration Number and Date of Birth then submit it.
• The UPSC IAS admit card will appear and you will be able to check all information.
• Download it and take a print copy to appear in the examination.

Result

Follow the below steps to check the UPSC IAS result

• Candidates should go to the official website of the UPSC at https://upsc.gov.in/
• On the homepage, Click on “Result - CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY)/(MAIN) EXAMINATION, 202X”

• After clicking the link, a new page will open up containing a PDF Roll No of candidates who qualify the examination.
• Download the result and save it for future reference.

Cut Off

The Cut Off for the UPSC 2026 Examination for Prelims and Mains would be released with result declaration and the Answer Key.

Answer Key

The candidates can check the Answer Key by following the steps given below: 

• Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in.
• Search for and click on  ”Examination” and then on “Answer Keys” on the homepage.
• Click on the link for the "Civil Service Preliminary Examination Answer Key 202X”.
• THE UPSC answer key will open in a new page. It may be available in PDF format or displayed directly on the webpage. 
• If it’s a PDF file, you can click on the download button to save it to your computer or mobile device.
• If the answer key is displayed directly on the webpage, you can view and analyse the answers online.

Preparation Tips

Check below a few general tips and tricks to crack the exam:  

• Understand the UPSC IAS Syllabus  Most of the aspirants feel that the volume of Civil Services Syllabus is a barrier to crack the UPSC IAS exam in the first attempt. But understanding the syllabus and breaking them down into small parts is the first step to ace the examination. Brush up your existing knowledge of the subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, etc. and clear your subject fundamentals first.
• Prepare Daily Study Timetable  Preparing a study plan is very essential for preparing for Civil Service Examinations that has such a comprehensive syllabus with a variety of subjects. Draw out a realistic study plan for yourself and try to devote at least 3-4 hours daily and not more than 8-9 hours every day to avoid burden. Start with easy topics first and solve questions in it for good revision before moving on to complex concepts. For instance, theory papers require more time while CSAT papers require more intelligence to prepare.
• Discuss with your Mentors & Ex-Aspirants  Discussion with mentors and ex-aspirants is essential to understand the nuances of this exam. Discussing general as well as current affairs with your mentors and past toppers will give you an edge over others in not just Prelims & Mains but also in the Interview stage.  
• Practice Answer Writing Skills In the UPSC Mains stage, you will have to write descriptive/essay type answers which require rigorous practice and habit. Thus, studying the syllabus simply won’t suffice. Approach each topic with advanced attention and try to note down points in your notebook to create answers of your own. You can take help from UPSC exam preparation apps as well as online portals but don’t simply copy answers from them. The commission will test your analytical skills in an answer which needs to have determined practice.   
• Use Two-Times Revision Rule  In your daily study plan; keep enough time to revise both theory and CSAT papers twice. With such a lengthy syllabus in hand, you might forget topics studied in your initial days. So, ensure revising after approaching each topic and then revise in entirety one or two weeks before the exam date.
• Prioritise Study of NCERTs  Studying from NCERT books will create a strong subject foundation. As you know, NCERT books cover basic General Studies subjects in an easy and concise manner. Thus, it will help you approach complex topics and clear your fundamentals to solve all types of questions. 
• Attempt Mock Tests  You must solve both full-length and subject-wise mock papers for both Prelims and Mains stages. Solving the UPSC IAS Mock Tests with updated questions and expert suggestions for both GS and CSAT papers will help you track your daily progress and assess your strengths and weaknesses for further preparation. 
• Solve Previous Exam Papers   To prepare for such a comprehensive exam, you will require ample practice of exam-level questions. Thus, solving UPSC IAS Previous Year Papers should be on your priority list as several questions for GS also get repeated on a two-year cycle.  
• Read Newspapers Daily  Several questions from the GK & Current Affairs portion come from state and international news affairs found easily in newspapers. Stick to reading not more than two newspapers daily and know what to read and what not to. Follow business and economy columns, science affairs on a daily basis.

Apply Online

To apply online, follow the below mentioned steps:   

• The candidates are required to apply online on the website upsconline.nic.in
• Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above-mentioned website.
• No other means / mode of submission of application will be accepted.

FAQs

How tough is the UPSC 2026 Examination?

There are three stages to the UPSC Exam 2026. The first exam to be administered is the syllabus-based, objective-type Prelims Exam. The Mains Exam, which is of a subjective nature and requires study for each topic, is the next step. Qualified candidates move on to the Interview round, also called the Personality round, after passing the first two steps.

Is there negative marking in the UPSC 2026 Examination?

Yes there is negative marking in the Prelims paper of the UPSC 2026 Examination. 1/3^rd or 0.33 marks are deducted for every wrong answer attempted.

How many numbers of times a candidate can appear for the UPSC Examination?

The age limit provided by the Union Public Service Commission for the year 2026 is from 21 to 32 years. The number of attempts category wise is General – 6 attempts, SC/ST- Unlimited, OBC’s- 9 and PwBD-9 attempts.

When will admit card of the UPSC 2026 Examination be released?

The admit card for the UPSC 2026 Examination will be released three weeks before the examination is conducted on the official website.

What are the passing marks for the UPSC 2026 Examination?

The Prelims Paper 1, i.e., General Studies has minimum qualifying marks of 33%. And the Mains Paper 1 and Paper 2 are qualifying in nature.