UPSC extends CSE 2026 deadline after portal issues; applications now open till February 27, 2026
Times of India
by SANJAY SHARMAFebruary 24, 2026
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has extended the deadline for submitting online applications for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 following technical disruptions and heavy traffic on its portal. Originally set to close earlier, the new deadline is now February 27, 2026, at 6 pm. This extension also applies to the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS) 2026. The delay was caused by a surge in last-minute registrations that led to temporary system slowdowns and login issues for many candidates.
The UPSC portal is essential for completing One-Time Registration (OTR), submitting personal details, uploading photographs and signatures, paying application fees, and downloading confirmation pages. Candidates who have not yet completed OTR must do so before accessing the application form. The Commission has advised applicants to submit their applications well in advance of the revised deadline to avoid technical difficulties.
The CSE 2026 aims to fill 933 vacancies across various Central Government departments. The selection process includes three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination for qualified candidates, and a Personality Test or interview for those who progress further. Candidates must qualify in each stage to move forward. Eligibility requirements include holding a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, with age limits ranging from 21 to 32 years, allowing for upper age relaxations for reserved categories.
A notable change this year is that serving Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers are no longer permitted to reappear in the examination unless they resign from their current service. This rule aims to streamline recruitment and focus on fresh candidates.
This decision by UPSC is significant for India’s civil services recruitment process, which remains a highly competitive and sought-after career path globally. The extension of the deadline ensures fairness for those affected by
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026