UPSC CSE, IFS 2026 application deadline extended to February 27; apply at upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has extended the deadline for submitting online applications for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026. The application window, which was earlier scheduled to close today, will now remain open until February 27, 2026, up to 6 pm at UPSC’s official website, upsc.gov.in.

The application process for the UPSC CSE 2026 exam commenced on February 4, to fill 933 vacancies across various central government services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).

As per the schedule, the UPSC CSE preliminary exam will be conducted on May 24, while the CSE Mains exam is set to begin on August 21.

The revised deadline for submitting applications is February 27 (till 6 pm). The application fee is Rs 100 for candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories.

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Women candidates, as well as those from SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories, are exempted from paying the fee. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university to be eligible.

UPSC 2026: How to apply

Candidates can follow the below steps to apply for UPSC 2026;

• Visit the official UPSC online portal: upsconline.nic.in

• Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done, or log in using existing credentials

• Fill in the detailed application form with personal, educational, and contact information

• Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents

• Pay the application fee online (if applicable)

• Review all entered details carefully

• Submit the application form

• Download and save/print the confirmation page for future reference.