UPSC CSE 2026: Application Deadline and Major Reforms

New Delhi, February 24, 2026 — The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to close the registration window for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 at 6:00 PM today. With 933 vacancies up for grabs across prestigious services like the IAS, IPS, and IFS, the 2026 cycle stands out not just for the competition, but for a suite of “high-tech” reforms and stricter service rules designed to modernize the recruitment process.

Aspirants who have not yet completed their forms are advised to log on to the official portals, upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in, immediately to avoid last-minute server congestion.

Key Highlights of UPSC CSE 2026

The 2026 notification has introduced several shifts in how candidates apply and how their eligibility is maintained throughout the exam cycle.

Feature	Details
Total Vacancies	933 (Includes 33 for PwBD)
Last Date to Apply	February 24, 2026 (by 18:00 hrs)
Correction Window	3 days (opening after Feb 24)
Prelims Exam Date	May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
Mains Exam Date	August 21, 2026 (Friday onwards)

Major Reforms Introduced in 2026

The UPSC has implemented significant technological and administrative changes this year to ensure transparency and prevent “seat blocking.”

1. Enhanced Security: Live Photo & Face Authentication

In a major tech-overhaul, the application process now requires a Mandatory Live Photo Capture. Gone are the days of uploading old studio photos; candidates must now use a webcam or mobile camera to capture their likeness in real-time. Furthermore, the Commission has introduced Face Authentication at exam venues to curb impersonation.

2. The Four-Stage Application System

The online portal has been restructured into four distinct modules:

• Universal Registration Number (URN): A permanent ID for all future UPSC exams.
• Common Application Form (CAF): General details.
• Triple Signature Upload: Candidates must now upload three signatures for cross-verification.
• Exam-Specific Module: Where candidates select their center and pay the fee.

3. Stricter Rules for Serving Officers

To prevent candidates from repeatedly holding multiple top-tier seats, the 2026 rules are more rigid:

• IAS & IFS Restriction: Candidates already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) are not eligible to appear for CSE 2026.
• The “One-Time Improvement” Rule: IPS or Group ‘A’ officers are allowed one improvement attempt (CSE 2027) only if they take a formal training exemption. Beyond this, they must resign to appear again in 2028 or later.

Eligibility and Application Fee

The basic eligibility remains a graduate degree from a recognized university. The age limit is calculated as of August 1, 2026, with the general bracket being 21 to 32 years (relaxable for OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD categories).

Note on Fees: A nominal fee of ₹100 is applicable for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Female candidates and those from SC/ST/PwBD categories are exempted from the fee.

What Happens After Today?

Once the application window closes at 6:00 PM, the Commission will provide a 3-day correction window for candidates to rectify errors in their forms. However, certain fields like the URN profile may have limited editing options.

The Preliminary Examination, consisting of GS Paper I and the qualifying CSAT Paper II, will take place on May 24, 2026. Candidates qualifying this stage will be eligible for the Main Examination starting August 21, 2026.