UPSC Civil Services Examination
Key facts from the official CSE 2026 notice, with calculators for age and attempts and for prelims marks.
Calculators
Every tool follows the official rule and links its source.
Key facts (CSE 2026 notice)
Notice No. 05/2026-CSP dated 4 February 2026. The CSE 2027 notice is not out yet.
| Prelims date | 24 May 2026 (held) |
|---|---|
| Age limit | 21–32 years on 1 August 2026 (born 2 August 1994 to 1 August 2005), with relaxation |
| Attempts | 6 (General/EWS), 9 (OBC, PwBD), no limit (SC/ST) |
| Qualification | A graduate degree; final-year students may apply but must show proof of passing if they reach the interview |
| Prelims | Two objective papers of 200 marks each; CSAT is qualifying (33%); one-third penalty for wrong answers |
| Mains | 9 written papers (2 qualifying) and a 275-mark interview |
Three things to work out before you apply
Whether you are eligible. Age is counted on 1 August 2026, not on the day you apply, so a birthday after that date does not count. The limit is 21–32 years, and the notice sets out 11 categories that can raise the upper limit. The age limit calculator checks your date of birth against that range and applies one relaxation at a time.
What your answer sheet is worth. UPSC Prelims GS Paper I has 100 questions for 200 marks, with 2/3 off for a wrong answer. UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) has 80 questions for 200 marks, with 5/6 off for a wrong answer. The marks calculator works the score out section by section from the official answer key.