Lakhs of IAS and IPS aspirants were expecting the official notification to drop on January 14, 2026, as per the annual calendar. However, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially postponed the release due to administrative reasons.
If you are preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, do not panic. While the notification is delayed, the exam schedule currently remains unchanged. Here is a detailed report on what happened, when the notification will come, and what you need to do right now.
Why Was the UPSC Notification 2026 Delayed?
On January 14, 2026, the commission released a short notice on its official website (upsc.gov.in). The notice stated that the notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 has been deferred.
- Official Reason: The commission cited “administrative reasons” for the delay.
- What does this mean? Usually, this happens when there is a delay in finalizing the exact number of vacancies from various ministries or technical updates to the application portal.
- New Date: UPSC has not given a specific date yet, but sources suggest it could be released by the end of January 2026.
Confirmed: UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Dates Unchanged
It is crucial to note that only the notification is delayed, not the exam. According to the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026, the exam dates remain fixed. Do not slack off in your preparation.
| Event | Scheduled Date | Status |
| Notification Release | Jan 14, 2026 | Postponed (New Date Soon) |
| Application Start | Jan 14, 2026 | Delayed |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) | On Schedule |
| UPSC Mains Exam 2026 | August 21, 2026 | On Schedule |
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 (Expected)
Unless there is a major policy shift, the eligibility criteria for 2026 will remain the same as previous years.
- Age Limit: A candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 1, 2026.
- Relaxation: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST.
- Educational Qualification: You must hold a degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply for Prelims.
- Attempts:
- General Category: 6 attempts.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (till age limit).
Vacancy Trends: What to Expect in 2026?
The number of vacancies is a hot topic every year. In 2024 and 2025, UPSC released over 1,000 vacancies, showing a positive trend.
- Expected Vacancies: Experts estimate the 2026 notification will announce approximately 1,000 to 1,100 seats across services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS.
- The exact breakdown will only be available in the official PDF once released.
How to Apply Online (Once Link is Live)
When the notification is released later this month, follow these steps to apply:
- OTR Registration: If you haven’t done it yet, complete your One Time Registration (OTR) on
upsconline.nic.in. This is mandatory. - Fill Part I: Enter basic details and select your exam center.
- Fill Part II: Pay the fee (₹100 for General/OBC males; Free for Females/SC/ST/PwBD), upload photo/signature, and confirm.
- Photo Instructions: Ensure your photo is not older than 10 days from the start of the application process and has your name and date printed on it.
What Should Aspirants Do Now?
A delay of 1-2 weeks in the notification should not change your strategy.
- Stick to May 24: Treat May 24, 2026, as your deadline. The commission is very strict about exam dates.
- Check Documents: Ensure your OBC/EWS certificates are updated for the financial year 2025-26.
- Keep Checking: Visit the official website once a day, but do not waste hours on YouTube rumors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the UPSC Prelims 2026 exam postponed?
No. As of now, the UPSC Prelims exam is NOT postponed. It is still scheduled for May 24, 2026. Only the release of the application form has been delayed.
Q: When will the new UPSC 2026 notification come?
UPSC has said it will be notified “in due course.” Based on past trends, you can expect it within the next 10–15 days (late January 2026).
Q: Can I apply if I am in my final year of graduation?
Yes. Final-year students are eligible for the Prelims exam. However, you must produce your passing proof before the Mains Detailed Application Form (DAF) is due later in the year.
Q: Has the age limit changed for 2026?
There is no official news regarding a change in the age limit. It remains 21–32 years for General category candidates.
Q: Where can I download the notification PDF?
Once released, the PDF will be available on upsc.gov.in under the “What’s New” or “Active Examinations” section.