UPPSC PCS Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 500 Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Posts

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has released the UPPSC PCS 2026 notification (Advt. No. A-1/E-1/2026, dated 25 June 2026) for the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (General/Special Recruitment) Examination 2026. Approximately 500 vacancies are available across a wide range of Group A and Group B gazetted posts. Graduates aged 21 to 40 years (as on 1 July 2026) can apply online from 25 June 2026. The last date to pay the exam fee and submit the online application is 27 July 2026, and the last date for correction/modification is 3 August 2026. Applications must be submitted through the OTR-based system at uppsc.up.nic.in.

UPPSC PCS 2026 Official Notification PDF Download

The complete UPPSC PCS 2026 official notification PDF (Advertisement No. A-1/E-1/2026, dated 25 June 2026) is available on the Commission's official website. The notification PDF contains the full advertisement, post-wise specific qualifications, physical measurement standards for certain posts, proforma for caste certificates (Appendix-1), examination plan (Appendix-2), Preliminary Exam syllabus (Appendix-3), Main Exam syllabus (Appendix-4), and relevant service rules (Appendix-5). Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete notification before applying.

Quick Summary – UPPSC PCS Bharti 2026

Important Dates – UPPSC PCS 2026 Notification

Candidates planning to apply for the UPPSC Combined State Services Recruitment 2026 must be aware of all key deadlines. The online application process opened on 25 June 2026 and closes on 27 July 2026 - this is also the last date to pay the examination fee in the bank. A correction/modification window remains open until 3 August 2026, giving candidates a final chance to fix errors in their submitted applications.

Also read: UPSSSC Platoon Commander Recruitment 2026 for 295 Posts - Apply Online

UPPSC PCS Vacancy 2026 – Total Posts and Included Services

The UPPSC PCS Vacancy 2026 covers approximately 500 posts across numerous gazetted Group A and Group B services in Uttar Pradesh. The notification clearly states that the vacancy count may increase or decrease depending on circumstances and requirements. Posts included carry pay scales as per the 6th Pay Commission ranging from Rs. 9300–34800 (Grade Pay Rs. 4600) to Rs. 15600–39100 (Grade Pay Rs. 5400), except Naib Tehsildar (Grade Pay Rs. 4200).

The following posts are included in the UPPSC Upper Subordinate Services Exam 2026:

Eligibility Criteria – Qualification & Age Limit for UPPSC PCS 2026

To be eligible for the UPPSC PCS 2026 exam, candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university as of the last date for receipt of applications. For some specific posts, additional qualifications are prescribed. Candidates wondering about age requirements should note that the general age limit is 21 to 40 years, calculated as on 1 July 2026.

General Educational Qualification

A Bachelor's Degree from any recognized university is the minimum qualification for most posts. Candidates must possess the required qualifications up to the last date for submitting the application.

Post-Specific Qualifications (Selected Posts)

Age Limit (as on 1 July 2026)

Note: Age relaxation benefits (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen/PH/Sports) are available only to permanent residents (domicile) of Uttar Pradesh. Candidates from other states are not eligible for age relaxation or reservation benefits.

Application Fee – UPPSC PCS Exam 2026 Category-wise

The UPPSC PCS 2026 application fee varies by category and must be paid online through the SBI MOPS payment gateway during the Third Stage of the online application process. Candidates should note that the fee is non-refundable. The fee for the Preliminary Examination is as follows:

For Main Examination: Unreserved/EWS/OBC and candidates of other states pay Rs. 200/- + Rs. 25/- processing = Rs. 225/-. SC/ST of UP pay Rs. 80/- + Rs. 25/- = Rs. 105/-. PWD of UP pay Rs. 25/- only (exam fee exempted). Ex-Servicemen of UP pay Rs. 80/- + Rs. 25/- = Rs. 105/-.

Selection Process – UPPSC PCS Exam Pattern 2026

The UPPSC PCS 2026 selection process consists of three successive stages: Preliminary Examination, Main (Written) Examination, and Viva-Voce (Interview). The final merit is based on the combined score of the Main Examination and Interview marks. For some posts specified in the service rules, selection is based only on the written examination without an interview.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

• Two compulsory papers, each of 200 marks and 2 hours duration.
• Both papers are objective type (MCQ) answered on OMR sheets.
• Paper-I (General Studies-I): 150 questions, 200 marks. Timing: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Merit is determined based on marks in Paper-I only.
• Paper-II (General Studies-II): 100 questions, 200 marks. Timing: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This is a qualifying paper with minimum 33% marks required. Paper-II marks are NOT counted in merit.
• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark (0.33) deducted for each wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted questions.
• Minimum Efficiency Standard: SC/ST candidates must score at least 35%; all other categories must score at least 40% in Preliminary/Main examination to be placed in the merit list.
• On the basis of Preliminary Exam results, 15 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.

Stage 2: Main (Written) Examination (Conventional Type)

• Consists of 8 compulsory conventional (descriptive) papers - 3 hours each.
• Total marks: 1500 marks (as listed below).

• Candidates must obtain the minimum marks in General Hindi as determined by the Government or Commission.
• 3 times the number of vacancies will be called for the interview.

Stage 3: Viva-Voce / Personality Test

• Total marks: 100.
• Tests general interest, general awareness, intelligence, character, expression, and general suitability for the service.
• Candidates must carry original certificates and four passport-size photographs (two attested, two unattested) for the interview.
• Government/Central employees must produce a No Objection Certificate from their employer at the time of interview.
• Post preferences are taken at the time of interview and are treated as final - no change is permitted after this.

Also Read: UPSC Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 450 Drug Inspector, Assistant Engineer and More Posts

UPPSC PCS Apply Online 2026 – How to Submit Application

The UPPSC PCS 2026 online application is submitted through the OTR (One Time Registration) based system available at uppsc.up.nic.in. Applications sent through any other medium will not be accepted. Before starting, candidates must obtain an OTR number, which requires registration at otr.pariksha.nic.in at least 72 hours before submitting the application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. OTR Registration (Mandatory First Step): Register at https://otr.pariksha.nic.in to obtain your One Time Registration (OTR) number. This must be done at least 72 hours before submitting the application. Save your OTR number, mobile number, and email ID registered during OTR.
2. Stage 1 – Authenticate with OTR: Visit https://uppsc.up.nic.in → Click "All Notifications/Advertisements" → Click "Apply" against PCS 2026 → Click "Authenticate with OTR" → Enter your OTR number → Authenticate via OTP or OTR password. Your personal details will auto-populate from OTR.
3. Stage 2 – Fill Application Part-2: Your Applicant Dashboard will appear. Click "Submit Details" under Application Part-2. Fill in permanent and correspondence address, and select Yes/No against each preferential qualification prescribed for the post.
4. Stage 3 – Pay Examination Fee: Proceed to the Fee Confirmation Window → Click "Yes" → You will be redirected to SBI MOPS for fee payment via Net Banking, Card Payments, or Other Payment Modes. After successful payment, take a printout of the Payment Transaction Slip. In case of payment failure, go to Candidate Dashboard Login and click "Pending Payment" to retry.
5. Stage 4 – Final Submission & Print: After fee payment, your application form will display on screen. Take a printout and keep it safely. For any qualification-related modifications, log in to Candidate Dashboard and make corrections before the last date of modification (3 August 2026) - this can be done only once.

Important: Do NOT send hard copies of the application or documents to the Commission at the Preliminary Examination stage. Hard copies will be required only when specifically asked for by the Commission after the Preliminary Examination.

Salary / Pay Scale – UPPSC PCS 2026 Posts

Posts included under the UPPSC Combined State Services Exam 2026 carry pay scales as per the 6th Pay Commission. Candidates selected for different posts will receive salaries commensurate with their designated pay band and grade pay. The pay scales range widely depending on the post, as listed below.

In addition, selected candidates are entitled to government allowances (DA, HRA, TA, etc.) as applicable under UP government rules. After selection, candidates will be required to undergo a Medical Examination as per the relevant service rules.

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Physical Measurement Standards – For Select Posts

Physical measurement standards apply to specific posts under the UPPSC PCS 2026 recruitment. Candidates applying for posts such as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Superintendent of Jail, District Commandant Home Guards, Excise Inspector, Deputy Jailor, and District Youth Welfare and Pradeshik Vikas Dal Officer must meet the height, chest, and vision requirements as prescribed in the notification. Candidates should verify their physical measurements before applying to avoid disqualification at later stages.

For the post of DSP, vision requirement is 6/6. Candidates of Scheduled Tribes and candidates from Kumayun and Gadhwal divisions are eligible for relaxed height norms as specified in the notification.

Reservation Policy – UPPSC PCS 2026

Reservation benefits for the UPPSC Upper Subordinate Services Exam 2026 are available exclusively to permanent residents (domicile) of Uttar Pradesh. SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates from other states are not entitled to reservation or age relaxation. Candidates can claim reservation under only one concession, whichever is more beneficial to them.

• Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS of UP is as per relevant UP government rules.
• Horizontal reservation applies to: Dependents of Freedom Fighters (UP), Female candidates (UP), Ex-Servicemen (UP), PH (UP), and Outstanding Sports Persons (UP).
• For women candidates, the caste certificate issued from the father's side only will be treated as valid.
• EWS candidates must submit an income and asset certificate for the financial year prior to the year of application.
• Candidates of SC/ST/OBC/EWS reserved categories can be adjusted against the unreserved category in final selection only if they have not availed any concession in qualifying standards at the Preliminary/Main Examination stage.

Documents Required – UPPSC PCS 2026 Application and Verification

At the Preliminary Examination stage, candidates do not need to submit hard copies of documents. However, candidates must keep all documents ready as they will be required during the Main Examination application, interview, and document verification stages. The following documents are essential:

• High School (10th) Certificate for date of birth verification (this is the only accepted document for DOB)
• All educational qualification mark sheets and degree certificates (self-attested copies)
• Category/Caste Certificate issued by competent authority in the prescribed format (Appendix-1 of the notification)
• Domicile/Residence Certificate of Uttar Pradesh
• EWS Certificate (for EWS candidates) - income and asset certificate for the financial year prior to the application year
• Disability Certificate in prescribed format (Form-II, III, or IV as applicable) countersigned by Chief Medical Officer - for PH candidates
• Discharge Certificate from Army (for Ex-Servicemen) - must be discharged before the last date for receipt of applications
• Skilled Player/Outstanding Sports Person Certificate in prescribed format (Forms 1–4 as applicable)
• No Objection Certificate from employer (for serving government employees - required at interview stage)
• Four passport-size photographs (two attested by Head of Department/Head of Institution/Gazetted Officer, two unattested) - for interview
• Chief Minister Fellowship Programme Experience Certificate (for research scholars claiming age relaxation/weightage)
• Experience Certificate for the post of Principal, Government Intermediate College

Also Read:

UPPSC PCS 2026 Exam Syllabus Overview

The UPPSC PCS Prelims 2026 covers two papers: General Studies-I (200 marks, 150 questions) and General Studies-II (200 marks, 100 questions, qualifying). The Main Examination has 8 conventional papers totalling 1500 marks, covering General Hindi, Essay, and six General Studies papers. The complete detailed syllabus is given in Appendix-3 (Prelims) and Appendix-4 (Mains) of the official notification.

Preliminary Exam Syllabus (Paper-I – General Studies-I)

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• India and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic
• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues
• Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives
• General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
• General Science

Special Note: Candidates are expected to have general awareness about all above subjects with special reference to Uttar Pradesh.

Also read: UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 1829 Auditor and Assistant Accountant Posts

Preliminary Exam Syllabus (Paper-II – General Studies-II, Qualifying)

• Comprehension, Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision making and problem solving
• General mental ability
• Elementary Mathematics up to Class X level (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics)
• General English up to Class X level
• General Hindi up to Class X level

Main Exam General Studies Papers (Overview)

• GS-I: History of Indian Culture, Modern Indian History (1757–1947), Freedom Struggle, Post-independence consolidation, World History (18th–mid-20th century), Indian Society, Women and Population issues, Geography
• GS-II: Indian Constitution, Centre-State relations, Parliament and State Legislatures, Governance, Public Policy, International Relations
• GS-III: Economic Planning in India, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Environment, Internal Security, Defence
• GS-IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence, Governance and Probity, Case Studies
• GS-V: History, Culture, Architecture, Freedom Struggle (UP focus), Rural/Urban/Tribal issues of UP, Current Affairs of UP
• GS-VI: Economy of UP, Agriculture in UP, Infrastructure, Trade, State Government Schemes, Environment and Geography of UP

Common Mistakes to Avoid – UPPSC PCS 2026 Application Troubleshooting

Many candidates lose out on the UPPSC PCS exam 2026 due to avoidable errors during application. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

1. Not registering on OTR 72 hours in advance: OTR registration must be completed at least 72 hours before submitting the application. Leaving it for the last day causes technical delays and missed deadlines.
2. Not synchronizing OTR changes: If you update personal details in your OTR, you must synchronize them on the Dashboard before applying. Changes not synchronized will not reflect in the application.
3. Entering wrong category/date of birth: These details as entered before the last date of application are final. No representation for change will be entertained after the last date. A wrong entry leads to cancellation of candidature.
4. Appearing in only one paper of Prelims: Candidates MUST appear in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the Preliminary Examination. Absence from either paper leads to disqualification - even if Paper-II is qualifying only.
5. Using Pen/Pencil other than Black Ball Point Pen: OMR sheets must be filled using Black Ball Point Pen only. Use of any other pen or pencil is strictly prohibited and can lead to non-evaluation.
6. Using Whitener/Blade/Pin on OMR: Do not use whitener, blade, pin, or rubber on OMR answer sheets. Tampering will result in the answer sheet not being evaluated.
7. Not printing and preserving the application/fee receipt: Candidates must take a printout of the application form and payment transaction slip and keep them safely for future reference. In case of any discrepancy, only the printed copy will be accepted.
8. Submitting hard copy of documents before being asked: At the Preliminary stage, do NOT send any hard copies to the Commission. Send only when specifically requested via a separate press communiqué.
9. Not fulfilling physical standards before applying for specific posts: Posts like DSP, Excise Inspector, Jail Superintendent, etc. have mandatory physical measurement requirements. Candidates who do not meet these standards will be disqualified at the physical verification stage despite passing the written test.
10. Applying in the final year of essential qualification: Candidates who are still appearing in the examination of the essential qualification are NOT eligible and should not apply.

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