UPSC Civil Services Exam Answer Key 2026 Released

Other Important Information

Age Limits & Relaxation:

Note: Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC who are also covered under other clauses (Ex-servicemen or PwBD) will be eligible for cumulative age-relaxation under both categories.

Application Withdrawal:
The candidates will not be allowed to withdraw their applications after the submission of the same. Further, no correction/alteration/modification in any field(s) of the Application Form is allowed after submission.

Photo and Signature Upload Guidelines:
Applicants are required to upload their photograph and also capture their live photograph while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). Applicants must ensure that the uploaded photograph and the live photograph captured are clear as per instructions given on “Instructions and FAQs > Instruction for filling the form > Photos and Signature” available on the Commission’s website https://upsconline.nic.in. Applicants are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using a black ink and upload the same while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). The uploaded signatures should be clear and legible.

Contact Information (Helpline):
The Commission has established a dedicated helpline to assist the candidates during the application process. Candidates seeking clarification, guidance, or assistance related to the application process or examination details can contact the helpline no. 011-24041001 or email ID – [email protected]. The helpline will be operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during the application window i.e from 04.02.2026 to 24.02.2026.

Examination Centres (Preliminary Examination):

Examination Centres (Main Examination):

Mobile Phones Banned:
The use of any mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager or any electronic equipment or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches etc. or camera or blue tooth devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable of being used as a communication device during the examination is strictly prohibited. Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as no arrangement for safe-keeping will be made at the venue of the examination.

Face Authentication:
In order to ensure a secure and smooth examination process, all candidates will be required to undergo face authentication at the examination venue mandatorily. Candidates are advised to enter the examination venue well in time for face authentication/identity verification and frisking.

Scribe Facility:
The Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the categories of blindness, locomotor disability (both arm affected – BA) and cerebral palsy will be provided the facility of scribe, if desired. For other categories of PwBD, the facility will be allowed on production of a certificate from a Government Health Care institution stating physical limitation to write and essentiality of scribe. Candidates have discretion to opt for their own scribe or request the Commission for one. The qualification of the Commission’s scribe as well as own scribe will not be more than the minimum qualification criteria of the examination, but should always be matriculate or above. Compensatory Time of twenty minutes per hour of the examination will be allowed to eligible PwBD candidates.

Eligibility for Reservation (OBC/EWS Certificates):
OBC candidates applying for CSE-2026 must produce OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate based on the income for the Financial Year (FY) 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than the closing date of the submission of Application Form for Civil Services Examination- 2026 i.e. 24th February, 2026. EWS candidates must be in possession of requisite Income & Asset Certificate based on income for Financial Year (FY) 2024-2025 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than the closing date of the submission of Application Form for Civil Services Examination- 2026 i.e. 24th February, 2026.

Important Communication Particulars:
All communications to the Commission should invariably contain the following particulars: 1. Name and year of the examination. 2. URN (Universal Registration Number). 3. Application Number. 4. Roll Number (if received). 5. Name of candidate (in full and in block letters). 6. Complete postal address as given in the application. 7. Valid and Active registered E-mail ID and registered Mobile Number. Communication not containing the above particulars may not be attended to.

PwBD Suitability for Services:
A list of Services Identified suitable for Persons with Benchmark Disability is provided in the notification, detailing categories for which identified suitable and functional requirements. Candidates with Benchmark Disability will be considered eligible for appointment only if they satisfy the physical and medical standards for the concerned Services.