Guwahati: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification, opening applications for 933 vacancies across premier services, including IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS. The online application window began on February 4, 2026, and will close on February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM).
For Guwahati and Assam’s large community of civil services aspirants, many of whom prepare through city-based coaching centres and study circles, the notification sets the formal exam cycle in motion ahead of the Preliminary Examination on May 24, 2026.
UPSC has released the Civil Services Examination 2026 notification for 933 posts. Applications are open from February 4 to February 24, 2026, with the Preliminary Exam scheduled for May 24. Graduates and final-year students meeting the age criteria can apply online through the UPSC portal.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Application Start: February 4, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: February 24, 2026 (by 6:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam: May 24, 2026
Vacancies and Services
The 933 vacancies span multiple All India and Central Services, including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS), among others
The final service-wise break-up will be governed by UPSC’s allocation rules and reservation norms as notified.
Eligibility Criteria Explained
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in India or an equivalent qualification is mandatory.
- Final-year students may apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of passing before the Main Examination.
Age Limit (as on the cut-off date)
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum (General): 32 years
- OBC: Up to 35 years
- SC/ST: Up to 37 years
- PwBD: Up to 42 years
Additional relaxations apply to ex-servicemen and other eligible categories as per government rules.
Application Fee
UPSC has retained its standard fee structure:
- ₹100: General / OBC / EWS (Male)
- No fee: SC / ST / PwBD / All Female candidates
Why This Matters for Guwahati Aspirants
Guwahati has emerged as a major preparation hub for civil services in the Northeast, with a growing ecosystem of coaching institutes, libraries, and peer study groups. The 2026 notification gives aspirants a clear timeline to align prelims-focused preparation, test series, and revision schedules—especially critical for first-time candidates and final-year students.
Educators in the city advise early application to avoid last-minute technical issues and recommend cross-checking eligibility and category details directly from the official notice.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online via the official UPSC portal. Aspirants are advised to read the complete notification carefully before submitting the form and to keep scanned documents ready as per specifications.
Official Notification: https://upsconline.nic.in/cetSchedule
What’s Next
With the application window now open, aspirants should prioritise form submission, followed by a focused prelims strategy for May. UPSC will issue admit cards ahead of the exam as per the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
February 24, 2026, by 6:00 PM.
Can final-year graduation students apply?
Yes, they can apply provisionally, subject to submitting proof of passing before the Main Examination.
What is the application fee for women candidates?
All female candidates are exempt from paying the application fee.
When will the UPSC CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam be held?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
