UPSC extends CSE 2026 deadline to February 27 after portal disruption and heavy traffic

The Union Public Service Commission has extended the last date for submission of online applications for the Civil Services Examination 2026 following technical disruptions and heavy traffic on its portal. Candidates can now apply until February 27, 2026, up to 6 pm.The extension also applies to the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026. The decision comes after the official website, upsconline.nic.in, experienced slow response and access issues as a large number of applicants attempted to complete their forms close to the original deadline.Heavy rush led to technical slowdownOn the earlier closing day, candidates across the country reported login failures, delayed page loading and difficulty in submitting their applications. The surge in last-minute registrations resulted in temporary system disruptions.The Commission’s online platform is mandatory for completing One-Time Registration (OTR), filling personal and academic details, uploading photograph and signature, paying the application fee where applicable and downloading the confirmation page. Candidates who have not completed OTR must register first before accessing the application form.Applicants have been advised to complete the process well before the revised deadline to avoid technical issues.933 vacancies to be filled through three-stage selectionThe Civil Services Examination 2026 will be conducted to fill 933 vacancies across various Central Government departments. The selection process includes the Preliminary Examination, followed by the Main Examination for candidates who qualify in the first stage and the Personality Test or interview.After the interview, shortlisted candidates will undergo document verification and a medical examination before final appointment. Candidates are required to qualify at each stage to move forward in the recruitment process.To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. The prescribed age limit is 21 to 32 years, with upper age relaxation applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government norms.New rule for serving IAS, IPS and IFS officersA key change has been introduced for this cycle. Candidates already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service or Indian Foreign Service through an earlier examination and currently serving in those cadres will not be permitted to reappear.Such officers will be allowed to take any UPSC examination only if they resign from their allotted service. The Commission has not announced any further changes apart from the extension of the application deadline for the current recruitment cycle.