UPSC CSE 2026: Application Deadline Extended to February 27 After Portal Glitches NEW DELHI – In a major relief for thousands of civil se...
UPSC CSE 2026: Application Deadline Extended to February 27 After Portal Glitches
NEW DELHI – In a major relief for thousands of civil services aspirants, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially extended the application deadline for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026.
Initially set to close on February 24, the new deadline for online submissions is now February 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM IST.
Why was the deadline extended?
The decision comes after widespread reports of technical disruptions on the official UPSC portal (upsconline.nic.in). Throughout the final day of the original deadline, candidates across India faced:
Slow server response times.
Frequent 404 errors and login failures.
Difficulties in uploading documents or completing the One-Time Registration (OTR).
In an official notice, the Commission acknowledged the "heavy traffic" and technical issues, granting a three-day extension to ensure that no candidate is left out due to system failures.
Key Dates & Vacancies
| Event | Updated Date / Detail |
| New Registration Deadline | February 27, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | Expected to open immediately after the new deadline |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (across IAS, IPS, IFS, and Group A services) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Mains Exam Commencement | August 21, 2026 |
Revised Rules for Serving Officers
Candidates should note a significant policy change introduced in this 2026 cycle. Officers already appointed and currently serving in the IAS, IPS, or IFS from previous examinations are prohibited from reappearing in the 2026 exam unless they formally resign from their respective services.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Don't Wait: While the deadline has been extended, aspirants are strongly advised not to wait until the final hour of February 27 to avoid another potential server crash.
OTR Completion: Candidates must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) before they can access the application form.
Application Fee: A fee of ₹100 applies to General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. Female candidates and those from SC/ST/PwBD categories are exempt from the fee.
Candidate Support: For any further technical assistance, applicants can reach out to the UPSC helpline at 011-23385271 or 23098543 during working hours.
