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How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026

UPSC CSE - Apply for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS through India's most prestigious exam.

📁 Jobs ⏱️ 45-60 mins 💰 ₹100

About This Guide

UPSC Civil Services for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, 24+ Group A/B services. ~1000 vacancies, 11+ lakh applicants. Three stages: Prelims (June), Mains (Sept-Oct), Interview (Jan-March). Total 2025 marks. 12-15 months process. Age 21-32.

Eligibility Criteria

Indian citizen (IAS/IPS)
Bachelor's degree (any stream)
Final year can attempt prelims
Age 21-32 (relaxations: SC/ST 5, OBC 3, PwD 10)
Attempts: General 6, OBC 9, SC/ST unlimited till age limit
Medical fitness

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

Educational qualification certificate
10th certificate
Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
EWS certificate
PwD certificate
Recent photo
Signature image
Aadhaar

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Visit UPSC Online

upsconline.nic.in. Notification February.

OTR Registration

One-Time Registration. Used for all UPSC exams.

Click CSE Application

Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.

Part 1 Form

Personal, education, employment, exam centers (4 priority).

Pay Fee

₹100 Gen/OBC. Free SC/ST/Women/PwD.

Part 2 Centers

Specific centers, first-come basis.

Choose Optional

1 from 25+ subjects for Mains.

Choose Mains Language

Hindi, English, or 8th Schedule language.

Upload Photo + Signature

3.5×4.5 cm, 20-300 KB.

Submit

No modifications after.

Print Acknowledgment

2 copies.

Admit Card

2-3 weeks before exam.

Key Benefits

Most prestigious civil services
IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IRTS, etc.
Pay 7th CPC ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000
Lifetime job security
Significant social impact
Decision-making authority
Pension under NPS
LBSNAA training
Foreign training

What Happens After Application?

Prelims (June): GS Paper 1 + CSAT (qualifying 33%). Mains (Sept-Oct): 9 papers, 1750 marks. Interview (Jan-March): 275 marks. Final (May): cutoff ~960/2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Attempts?

Gen/EWS: 6 till 32 yrs. OBC: 9 till 35. SC/ST: unlimited till 37. PwD: 9-10+.

Best optional?

Public Admin, Geography, History, Sociology popular. PSIR/Anthropology high-scoring. Interest + scoring trends.