The UPSC CSE 2026 Notification offers 993vacancies for the Civil Services Examination at the Union Public Service Commission. Interested candidates can apply online fromFebruary 04, 2026, to February 24, 2026, at the UPSCwebsite (upsc.gov.in).
The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is the first stage of the UPSC selection process. It is a screening test used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Marks scored in Prelims are not counted in the final merit ranking.
Paper
Subject
Type
Marks
Duration
Paper I
General Studies (GS)
Objective (MCQs)
200 Marks
2 Hours
Paper II
CSAT (Aptitude Test)
Objective (MCQs)
200 Marks
2 Hours
Prelims Key Rules:
Both papers are objective type (Multiple Choice Questions).
Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature – minimum 33% marks required.
Marks of Paper I are considered for cutoff and shortlisting for Mains.
Negative marking applies: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Leaving a question blank carries no penalty.
UPSC CSE 2026 – Main Examination Pattern:
The Civil Services (Main) Examination is the second stage and consists of a written examination followed by an Interview/Personality Test. Marks obtained in the written papers and interview are counted for the final merit list.
