The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will close the online registration process for the Civil Services Examination 2026 (CSE 2026) today, February 27, 2026, at 6 pm. Eligible candidates can submit their application forms on the official website upsconline. nic. in.
The deadline was extended by UPSC after candidates faced technical issues and heavy traffic on the website near the earlier closing date. The extension also applies to the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026.
Candidates who have not yet applied are advised to complete the process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.
Reason for extension
According to the UPSC, the official portal witnessed heavy traffic and technical slowdown due to a large number of candidates trying to submit applications at the same time. Many applicants reported login issues, slow page loading, and difficulty in completing the form. To ensure that no candidate misses the opportunity, the Commission decided to extend the deadline, according to the website.
How many vacancies are available?
Through CSE 2026, UPSC aims to fill 933 vacancies in various Central Government services. Selection will be done through a three-stage process which include a preliminary examination, main examination, a personality test or interview, according to the official website.
Candidates must qualify at each stage to move forward in the recruitment process.
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Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
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Age limit is 21 to 32 years
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Upper age relaxation is applicable for reserved category candidates as per government rules
UPSC has clarified that candidates already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service or Indian Foreign Service through an earlier examination and currently serving will not be allowed to reappear for CSE 2026. Such officers can take the exam only after resigning from their allotted service.
How to apply for UPSC CSE 2026
Candidates can follow these simple steps to apply online:
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Visit the official website upsconline. nic. in
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Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done
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Log in using your registered details
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Fill in personal, academic and other required information
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Upload photograph and signature
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Pay the application fee, if applicable
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Submit the form and download the confirmation page
Direct link here.
Candidates are advised to apply before 6 pm today and keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference. For official updates, they should regularly visit the UPSC website.
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