UPPSC PCS Exam 2026 Notification – Apply Online, Eligibility, Vacancies & Exam Dates

Introduction

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has released Advertisement No. A-1/E-1/2026 dated 25 June 2026 for the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Examination 2026 (General and Special Recruitment). This notification marks the commencement of one of the most prestigious state-level competitive examinations for administrative posts in Uttar Pradesh.

The online application process for the UPPSC PCS 2026 examination begins on 25 June 2026. The last date for payment of the examination fee and submission of the online application is 27 July 2026, while the last date for correction or modification in the submitted application and fee reconciliation is 3 August 2026.

Key Highlights

• Exam Name: Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Examination 2026
• Organizing Body: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)
• Advertisement Number: A-1/E-1/2026
• Application Start Date: 25 June 2026
• Last Date for Fee Payment & Submission: 27 July 2026
• Last Date for Correction/Modification: 3 August 2026

The UPPSC PCS examination serves as a gateway to various administrative and executive posts under the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Candidates are required to complete the One Time Registration (O.T.R.) process before applying online. Applications submitted through any other medium will not be accepted.

Through this notification, UPPSC has also provided detailed instructions regarding the application procedure, eligibility criteria, fee structure, and reservation policies. Candidates are advised to read the advertisement carefully and follow all guidelines to ensure successful submission of their applications.

Application Process & O.T.R. Registration

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has introduced a mandatory One Time Registration (O.T.R.) system for all candidates applying online for the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Examination 2026. Candidates must complete this registration before submitting their online application.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

1. One Time Registration (O.T.R.):
   • Visit the official O.T.R. portal at https://otr.pariksha.nic.in.
   • Complete the registration process and obtain your unique O.T.R. number.
   • Ensure that the O.T.R. registration is completed at least 72 hours before submitting the online application.
2. Online Application Submission:
   • After obtaining the O.T.R. number, visit the UPPSC website https://uppsc.up.nic.in.
   • Click on “All Notifications/Advertisements” and select “Apply” under the PCS 2026 advertisement.
   • Authenticate your O.T.R. using OTP or password sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
   • Once authenticated, your personal details will automatically appear from the O.T.R. database.
   • Fill in the required educational qualifications and other relevant details.
3. Fee Payment:
   • After completing the application details, proceed to pay the examination fee through SBI MOPS using one of the following modes:
     • Net Banking
     • Card Payment
     • Other Payment Modes
   • After successful payment, take a printout of the Payment Transaction Slip for future reference.
4. Final Submission & Printout:
   • After fee payment, the completed application form will be displayed on the screen.
   • Take a printout of the final submitted application and keep it safe for future reference.
   • Do not send hard copies of the application or documents to the Commission at the preliminary stage.

Important Notes

• Applications submitted through any medium other than online will not be accepted.
• Candidates must preserve all information related to O.T.R., fee payment, and final submission in both soft and hard copies.
• All future communication will be sent to the registered mobile number and email ID linked with the O.T.R.
• Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected without correspondence.

Fee Structure & Payment Details

Candidates applying for the UPPSC PCS 2026 Preliminary Examination must pay the examination fee according to their category. The fee payment is an essential step in the online application process and must be completed before the last date (27 July 2026).

Category-wise Fee Details

Payment Process

• Fee payment must be made online through SBI MOPS (Net Banking, Card Payment, or Other Payment Modes).
• After successful payment, candidates must take a printout of the Payment Transaction Slip for future reference.
• In case of payment failure, candidates should log in again using their O.T.R. number and complete the payment under the Pending Payment option.
• Applications without fee payment will not be accepted.

Note: Candidates must ensure that the fee is deposited before the deadline. Late payments will not be entertained, and incomplete applications will be rejected.

Examination Details & Vacancies

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) will conduct the Preliminary Examination at various district centers across Uttar Pradesh to shortlist candidates for the Main (Written) Examination and subsequent Interview. The selection process will be based on the total marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview. For certain posts, recruitment will be made solely on the basis of written examination marks, as per the service rules of those posts.

Vacancy Information

As per the notification, the total number of vacancies for the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Examination 2026 is approximately 500 posts. The number of vacancies may increase or decrease depending on departmental requirements.

Posts Included

The PCS 2026 examination covers a wide range of administrative and executive posts under the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Some of the key posts include:

• Deputy Collector
• Deputy Superintendent of Police
• Block Development Officer
• Assistant Regional Transport Officer
• Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax)
• District Commandant Homeguards
• Treasury Officer / Accounts Officer
• Cane Inspector & Assistant Sugar Commissioner
• District Cane Officer
• Superintendent Jail
• Manager (Small Industries – Credit, Marketing, Economic Survey)
• Executive Officer Grade-I / Assistant Nagar Ayukta
• District Basic Education Officer / Associate DIOS
• Assistant Labour Commissioner
• Statistical Officer
• Commercial Tax Officer
• District Minority Welfare Officer
• District Food Marketing Officer
• Deputy Secretary (Housing & Urban Planning)
• Naib Tehsildar
• District Social Welfare Officer
• District Panchayat Raj Officer
• District Supply Officer Grade-2
• District Programme Officer
• District Youth Welfare Officer
• Excise Inspector
• Child Development Project Officer
• Food Safety Officer
• Deputy Jailor
• Information Officer / District Information Officer
• Principal, Government Intermediate College
• Law Officer

These posts carry pay scales ranging from ₹9300–34800 (Grade Pay ₹4200/4600) to ₹15600–39100 (Grade Pay ₹5400) as per the 6th Pay Commission. Additional requisitions received before the declaration of the preliminary examination result may also be included.

Reservation

Reservation benefits will be provided to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Dependents of Freedom Fighters, Women, Ex-Servicemen, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Outstanding Sportspersons of Uttar Pradesh, as per government rules.

Eligibility Criteria & Age Relaxation

Candidates applying for the UPPSC PCS 2026 examination must fulfill the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Commission. These include nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, and other special conditions.

Nationality

The candidate must be a citizen of India.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 40 years (as per rules on the last date of application)
• Relaxations in upper age limit are applicable for reserved categories of Uttar Pradesh as per government rules.

Special Age Relaxation

Emergency Commissioned / Short Service Commissioned Officers are eligible for age relaxation under specific conditions:

• They must obtain a certificate from the competent authority of Army/Navy/Air Force confirming extension of service for rehabilitation and no pending disciplinary action.
• They must submit a written undertaking to release themselves from Army service immediately if selected.
• Not admissible if the officer has obtained permanent commission, resigned, or been released due to misconduct/physical disability.

Marital Status

• Male candidates with more than one wife living are not eligible unless exempted by the Hon’ble Governor.
• Female candidates married to a man already having a wife are also not eligible unless exempted.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university up to the last date of application. For certain posts, specific qualifications are required:

• Principal, Government Intermediate College: Postgraduate degree + B.Ed. + 3 years teaching experience.
• Senior Lecturer, DIET: Postgraduate degree + B.Ed. (Preferential: M.Ed./Ph.D./M.Phil. in Education).
• Labour Enforcement Officer: Graduate degree in Economics/Sociology/Commerce + Postgraduate diploma/degree in Labour Law, Social Work, or Personnel Management.
• Assistant Labour Commissioner: Postgraduate degree in Economics, Sociology, Commerce, Law, Labour Relations, Social Work, or Personnel Management.
• Food Safety Officer: Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Oil Technology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Postgraduate degree in Chemistry/Medicine.

Preferential Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who:

• Have served in the Territorial Army for a minimum of two years.
• Hold a “B” Certificate in N.C.C.

Note: Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before applying. Ineligible candidates found during verification will have their candidature cancelled.

Reservation Policies

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has laid down clear rules regarding reservation and age relaxation for candidates applying to the PCS 2026 examination. These policies ensure fair representation of various categories as per government norms.

Vertical Reservation

• Scheduled Castes (SC) of U.P.
• Scheduled Tribes (ST) of U.P.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC) of U.P.
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of U.P.

Horizontal Reservation

• Dependents of Freedom Fighters (DFF) of U.P.
• Female candidates of U.P.
• Ex-Servicemen of U.P.
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of U.P.
• Outstanding Sportspersons of U.P.

Important Notes

• Reservation benefits are admissible only to permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
• Candidates from reserved categories outside U.P. will be treated as unreserved.
• Women candidates must present caste certificates issued from their father’s side only.
• EWS certificates must be issued as per the latest government orders and valid for the year preceding the application.
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are eligible for notified/identified posts and cannot be denied appointment against unreserved vacancies if the post is suitable for their disability category.
• Candidates claiming reservation/age relaxation must produce valid certificates issued by competent authorities in the prescribed format (Appendix‑1 of the advertisement).
• Candidates claiming multiple reservations will be entitled to only one concession, whichever is more beneficial.

Note: All reservation claims must be supported by self‑attested copies of certificates during the Main Examination application stage. Failure to provide valid documents will result in cancellation of the claim.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The UPPSC PCS 2026 examination will be conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main (Written) Examination, and Interview. The selection process ensures that candidates are evaluated comprehensively on knowledge, aptitude, and personality.

Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination

• Objective-type exam conducted at various district centers across Uttar Pradesh.
• Serves as a screening test for admission to the Main Examination.
• Candidates must qualify to be eligible for the next stage.

Stage 2 – Main (Written) Examination

• Descriptive-type papers covering general studies, optional subjects, and essay writing.
• Total marks obtained in the Main Examination will play a crucial role in final selection.
• For certain posts, recruitment will be based solely on written examination marks as per service rules.

Stage 3 – Interview

• Conducted for candidates who qualify the Main Examination.
• Evaluates personality, communication skills, and suitability for administrative roles.
• Final merit list prepared based on marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview.

Weightage for Research Scholars

As per the Uttar Pradesh Public Services (Relaxation of Age Limit and Weightage for Research Scholars of Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme) Rules, 2026, candidates who have successfully completed their fellowship tenure will receive additional marks in the Main Examination:

Note: The cut-off date for calculating weightage will be the last date of application submission (27 July 2026).

Important Instructions & Disqualification Rules

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has issued strict guidelines to ensure transparency and discipline in the PCS 2026 examination process. Candidates must carefully follow these instructions to avoid cancellation of their candidature.

Key Instructions

• It is mandatory to complete One Time Registration (O.T.R.) before applying online.
• Applications must be submitted online only; offline submissions will not be accepted.
• Candidates must preserve all information related to O.T.R., fee payment, and final submission in soft/hard copy.
• Hard copies of applications and documents should not be sent at the preliminary stage. They will be required later during verification.
• All future communication will be sent to the registered mobile number and email ID linked with O.T.R.

Disqualification Rules

• Providing false or misleading information will result in cancellation of candidature and debarment from future examinations (up to 5 years).
• Incomplete applications, wrong date of birth, overage/underage candidates, or lack of minimum qualifications will lead to rejection.
• Candidates found ineligible at any stage will have their candidature cancelled, even if provisionally admitted.
• Failure to produce required documents during verification will result in cancellation of candidature.
• Malpractice, canvassing, concealment of information, or criminal involvement will lead to disqualification and debarment.
• Male candidates with more than one wife living and female candidates married to a man already having a wife are not eligible unless exempted by the Hon’ble Governor.

Document Verification

After the preliminary examination or when asked, candidates must submit:

• Hard copy of the online application
• Self-attested copies of all marksheets and certificates supporting eligibility and claims

Failure to submit documents within the prescribed period will result in cancellation of candidature.

Final Advisory

Candidates are strongly advised to read the advertisement thoroughly, ensure eligibility, and provide accurate information. Any violation of rules will lead to strict action, including cancellation of candidature and debarment from future UPPSC examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the UPPSC PCS 2026 examination?

It is the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) for recruitment to various administrative and executive posts in the state.

2. What are the important dates?

• Start of Online Application: 25 June 2026
• Last Date for Fee Payment & Submission: 27 July 2026
• Last Date for Correction/Modification: 3 August 2026

3. Is One Time Registration (O.T.R.) mandatory?

Yes. Candidates must complete O.T.R. at https://otr.pariksha.nic.in and obtain an O.T.R. number before applying online.

4. How do I apply online?

After obtaining the O.T.R. number, visit https://uppsc.up.nic.in, authenticate your O.T.R., fill in qualifications, pay the fee via SBI MOPS, and submit the application. Print and preserve the final application form.

5. What is the application fee?

• Unreserved / EWS / OBC: ₹125
• SC / ST: ₹65
• PWD: ₹25
• Ex-Servicemen: ₹65
• Dependents of Freedom Fighters / Women / Skilled Players: As per original category

6. How many vacancies are available?

Approximately 500 posts are available. The number may increase or decrease depending on requirements.

7. What is the selection process?

The exam consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main (Written) Examination, and Interview. Final selection is based on marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview.

8. What are the eligibility criteria?

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. Specific posts require additional qualifications such as B.Ed., Postgraduate degrees, or specialized diplomas.

9. Is there any age relaxation?

Yes. The age limit is 21–40 years, with relaxations for reserved categories of U.P. and special provisions for Emergency/Short Service Commissioned Officers.

10. What are the reservation rules?

Reservation is available for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Women, Ex-Servicemen, PWDs, Dependents of Freedom Fighters, and Outstanding Sportspersons of Uttar Pradesh. Candidates from outside U.P. will be treated as unreserved.

11. What documents are required?

At the document verification stage, candidates must submit the hard copy of the online application along with self-attested copies of all marksheets, certificates, and reservation proofs.

12. What happens if false information is provided?

Providing false or misleading information will result in cancellation of candidature and debarment from future examinations for up to five years.