UPSC 2026
UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2026
The gateway to becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS Officer. A complete roadmap to India’s toughest and most prestigious examination.
1. The Services: Beyond Just “IAS”
The Civil Services Exam recruits for 24 distinct services. While IAS is the most popular, your rank determines which service you get.
| Service | Full Form | Role & Power |
|---|---|---|
| IAS | Indian Administrative Service | District Magistrate (DM), Collector, Cabinet Secretary. The highest administrative power. |
| IPS | Indian Police Service | SP, Commissioner of Police, IB, CBI. Responsible for Law & Order. |
| IFS | Indian Foreign Service | Diplomat, Ambassador. Represents India in other countries. |
| IRS | Indian Revenue Service | Income Tax & Customs. Manages the country’s revenue. |
2. Salary & Power (The Glass Ceiling)
While the salary is high, the Perks & Power are what make UPSC unique. Salaries follow the 7th Pay Commission (Level 10 Entry).
3. Eligibility Criteria (Strict Limits)
UPSC is strict about age and the number of attempts. The cutoff date is usually August 1st.
| Category | Age Limit | Max Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21 – 32 Years | 6 Attempts |
| OBC | 21 – 35 Years | 9 Attempts |
| SC / ST | 21 – 37 Years | Unlimited |
4. The 3-Stage Exam Pattern
The exam cycle takes one full year to complete.
Stage 1: Preliminary (June)
Two Objective Papers (GS + CSAT). Total 400 Marks.
Note: CSAT is qualifying (33% required). Only GS marks count for cutoff.
Stage 2: Mains (September)
9 Descriptive Papers. Total 1750 Marks.
Includes: Essay, GS I-IV, and Two Optional Papers.
Stage 3: Interview (Feb – April)
Personality Test at Dholpur House, Delhi. Total 275 Marks.
5. How to Start Preparation?
- NCERTs (Class 6-12): The foundation for History, Geography, and Polity.
- Newspaper: The Hindu or Indian Express is mandatory for Current Affairs.
- Standard Books: Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (Modern History), Nitin Singhania (Art & Culture).
- Answer Writing: Start practicing after 3 months of reading.
Latest UPSC Notifications, Prelims Results & Answer Keys listed below.