The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released a detailed recruitment notification for the year 2026. This notification announces a total of 194 vacancies for various Group A and Group B posts. These positions are spread across multiple central ministries and departments of the Government of India. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can submit their applications online through the official UPSC website. The application process begins on 23 May 2026 and closes on 12 June 2026 at 6:00 PM. The application fee is kept very low at only Rs 25 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. Female candidates from all categories, as well as SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, do not have to pay any fee. This recruitment offers a stable and prestigious career in various government departments including civil aviation, explosives safety, postal services, meteorology, archaeology, defence, and mines safety.
Important Dates for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates must keep the following dates in mind. No application will be accepted after the last date under any circumstances. The commission does not entertain late submissions.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 23 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 23 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 12 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 12 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be announced on UPSC website |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced later |
Candidates are strongly advised to complete their application at least one week before the last date. The UPSC website may experience heavy traffic on the final days, which can cause technical difficulties.
Application Fee Details for UPSC Recruitment 2026
The application fee structure is clearly defined by the commission. Below is the category-wise breakdown.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | Rs 25 |
| OBC (Male) | Rs 25 |
| EWS (Male) | Rs 25 |
| SC (Male/Female) | Free (No Fee) |
| ST (Male/Female) | Free (No Fee) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Free (No Fee) |
| All Female Candidates (any category including General/OBC/EWS) | Free (No Fee) |
Payment mode is online only. Candidates can pay using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable. General, OBC, and EWS male candidates must ensure successful fee payment before submitting the form. Without fee payment, the application is considered incomplete and will be rejected.
Vacancy Distribution and Participating Departments
The 194 vacancies are distributed among several central government departments and ministries. Each department has specific requirements and job roles. Below is the list of departments involved in this recruitment drive.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
Department of Posts (India Post)
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Ministry of Mines
Ministry of Textiles
Ministry of Labour and Employment
The exact number of vacancies per department is mentioned in the official notification available on the UPSC website. Candidates are advised to download and read the full notification before applying.
Post Wise Educational Qualifications for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Each post in this recruitment has specific educational qualifications. Candidates must carefully check the eligibility for the post they wish to apply for. Below is the complete list of posts and their required qualifications.
Airworthiness Officer
The candidate must have a graduation degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Aircraft Maintenance. Alternatively, an engineering degree with an AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) license is also accepted. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in aircraft maintenance or airworthiness regulation.
Deputy Controller of Explosives
A degree in Chemical Engineering is required. Candidates with an MSc in Chemistry are also eligible. Knowledge of explosives, petroleum, or hazardous substances is desirable.
Manager (Mail Motor Service)
A B.Tech or BE degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering is mandatory. Experience in transport management or fleet management is preferred.
Junior Technical Officer (Oil Technology)
Candidates must have a B.Tech or BE degree in Oil Technology. Alternatively, a postgraduate diploma in Sugar Technology is also accepted. This post is suitable for candidates from chemical or food technology backgrounds.
Junior Technical Officer (Chemical Engineering)
A master degree in Chemical Engineering is required. Both B.Tech and M.Tech degree holders in chemical engineering may apply as per the notification.
Scientific Officer
A postgraduate degree in Physics is required. Alternatively, a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering is also accepted. The role involves research and development work in government laboratories.
Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer
A bachelor degree in Civil Engineering is mandatory. The job involves conservation and structural maintenance of archaeological sites across India.
Associate Professor (Mechanical Engineering)
Candidates must have a BE or B.Tech degree followed by an M.Tech and a PhD as per UGC norms. Teaching or research experience is required for this post.
Lecturer (Persian Language)
A postgraduate degree in Persian is required. Candidates with a B.Ed degree or prior teaching experience will be given preference.
Lecturer (Tibetan Language)
A postgraduate degree in Tibetan is mandatory. Proficiency in English or Hindi for communication purposes is desirable.
Scientist B (Atmospheric Science)
A postgraduate degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, or Physics with Atmospheric specialization is required.
Scientist B (General Meteorology)
A postgraduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or Meteorology is mandatory.
Scientist B (Instrumentation)
A degree in Electronics, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering is required.
Deputy Director (Civil Engineering)
A bachelor degree in Civil Engineering along with a postgraduate degree in a relevant field is mandatory. A minimum of three to five years of experience in public works or infrastructure is required.
Joint Assistant Director
A B.Tech, BE, or BSc degree in a relevant discipline is required. This post is related to industrial or economic development services.
Assistant Executive Engineer
A bachelor degree in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering is required. Practical engineering experience is preferred.
Deputy Director of Mines Safety
A degree in Mining Engineering is mandatory. Working knowledge of mining safety regulations is required.
Assistant Director Grade 1 (IEDS) Chemical
A master degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry is required. The role involves industrial development and monitoring.
Candidates are strongly advised to read the official UPSC notification for detailed subject wise eligibility and any special conditions attached to specific posts.
Age Limit and Age Relaxation for UPSC Recruitment 2026
The maximum age limit for each post varies depending on the level of responsibility and experience required. Below is the general age limit range for different post categories.
Junior level posts such as Junior Technical Officer and Scientist B have a maximum age limit of 30 years.
Middle level posts such as Manager and Deputy Controller have a maximum age limit of 35 to 40 years.
Senior level posts such as Associate Professor and Deputy Director have a maximum age limit of 40 to 48 years.
Age relaxation is provided by UPSC as per government rules. The relaxation details are as follows.
SC and ST candidates receive a relaxation of 5 years.
OBC (Non Creamy Layer) candidates receive a relaxation of 3 years.
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates receive a relaxation of 10 years.
Central Government employees receive a relaxation of up to 5 years.
Candidates claiming age relaxation must upload a valid caste certificate or PwBD certificate in the prescribed format. False claims will lead to immediate disqualification.
Salary Structure for UPSC Recruitment 2026
The salary for these posts is paid according to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) matrix. The pay level varies from Level 7 to Level 13 depending on the post. Below is the approximate salary structure.
Level 7 has a basic pay range of Rs 44,900 to Rs 1,42,400. The total monthly salary including dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and transport allowance is approximately Rs 55,000 to Rs 70,000.
Level 8 has a basic pay range of Rs 47,600 to Rs 1,51,100. The total monthly salary is approximately Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000.
Level 10 has a basic pay range of Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500. The total monthly salary is approximately Rs 70,000 to Rs 95,000.
Level 11 has a basic pay range of Rs 67,700 to Rs 2,08,700. The total monthly salary is approximately Rs 85,000 to Rs 1,10,000.
Level 12 has a basic pay range of Rs 78,800 to Rs 2,09,200. The total monthly salary is approximately Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,30,000.
Level 13 has a basic pay range of Rs 1,23,100 to Rs 2,15,900. The total monthly salary is approximately Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 1,80,000.
In addition to the basic pay and allowances, selected candidates receive medical benefits, leave travel concession, and government accommodation or house rent allowance. Dearness allowance is revised twice a year based on inflation.
Selection Process for UPSC Recruitment 2026
The selection process for UPSC direct recruitment generally consists of three stages. However, the weightage of each stage may vary slightly depending on the post.
Stage one is the written examination. The written exam may be objective type (multiple choice questions) or descriptive depending on the post. The subjects generally include general knowledge, technical knowledge, and aptitude.
Stage two is the interview or personality test. This is conducted by the UPSC board. The interview tests communication skills, domain knowledge, and decision making ability.
Stage three is the medical examination. This is required only for technical and safety related posts such as those in DGCA and Mines Safety. The medical exam is conducted by designated government hospitals.
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the written examination and the interview. There is no negative marking in most posts unless explicitly mentioned in the official notification for that specific post.
Step by Step Guide to Apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates must follow the steps below carefully to avoid any mistakes.
Step one is to visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Step two is to click on the One Time Registration tab on the homepage. New users must complete the OTR process by providing a mobile number, email ID, and basic personal details. Already registered users can directly log in using their OTR ID and password.
Step three is to find the recruitment link. Under the recruitment or active vacancies section, click on the link titled 194 Group A and Group B Vacancies 2026.
Step four is to fill the application form. Enter personal details such as name, date of birth, and fathers name. Enter educational qualification details accurately. Enter post preference if multiple posts are allowed.
Step five is to upload documents. Upload scanned copies of a recent passport size photograph of 20 KB to 50 KB, a signature of 10 KB to 30 KB, category certificate if applicable, and educational certificates as requested.
Step six is to pay the application fee. General, OBC, and EWS male candidates must pay Rs 25 online using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. SC, ST, PwBD, and all female candidates skip this step after confirming their exemption.
Step seven is to submit the form. After successful submission, a confirmation page will appear. Download this page and take a printout for future reference. No application will be considered complete without successful submission and fee payment where applicable.
Documents Required for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before starting the application process.
Aadhaar card or voter ID card for identity proof.
Educational certificates including 10th, 12th, graduation, postgraduate, and diploma certificates.
Engineering degree certificate if applicable.
AME license for Airworthiness Officer post.
Caste certificate for SC, ST, OBC, or EWS candidates if claiming relaxation.
PwBD certificate if applicable.
Recent passport size photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
Signature in JPEG or PNG format.
Active mobile number and email ID.
All uploaded documents must be clear and legible. Blurry or unreadable documents may lead to rejection of the application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for UPSC Recruitment
Candidates often make mistakes that lead to rejection of their application. Below are the most common mistakes and their consequences.
Applying after the last date of 12 June 2026 at 6:00 PM leads to automatic rejection as the portal closes completely.
Entering the wrong date of birth leads to disqualification at the time of document verification.
Uploading a blurry photograph or signature leads to cancellation of the application.
Not checking post specific eligibility leads to rejection at the interview stage.
Leaving mandatory fields empty prevents the form from being submitted successfully.
Paying the fee when exempted leads to a loss of money as refunds are not provided.
Forgetting to take a printout of the final application makes it difficult to prove submission in case of a technical dispute.
Candidates are strongly advised to download the final application PDF and verify all details before submitting. Once submitted, certain fields such as name, date of birth, and email ID cannot be edited.
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSC Recruitment 2026
Question 1: When does the application process start?
Answer: The application process starts on 23 May 2026.
Question 2: What is the last date and time to apply?
Answer: The last date is 12 June 2026 at 6:00 PM. No applications are accepted after this time.
Question 3: How much is the application fee for a General male candidate?
Answer: The application fee for a General male candidate is only Rs 25.
Question 4: Is the application fee free for women?
Answer: Yes, all female candidates from any category are exempted from paying any fee.
Question 5: Is the fee free for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates?
Answer: Yes, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates do not have to pay any application fee.
Question 6: Can a candidate apply for more than one post?
Answer: Yes, a candidate can apply for multiple posts if they meet the eligibility criteria for each post separately.
Question 7: Is this recruitment for the IAS or IPS exam?
Answer: No, this is a separate recruitment for technical and non IAS Group A and Group B posts under different ministries.
Question 8: What is the salary range for these posts?
Answer: The salary ranges from Level 7 to Level 13 of the 7th Pay Commission, which translates to approximately Rs 55,000 to Rs 1,80,000 per month including allowances.
Question 9: Is there negative marking in the written examination?
Answer: It depends on the specific post. Candidates must check the official notification for the exam pattern of their chosen post.
Question 10: Can I edit my application after submission?
Answer: Partial editing is allowed before the last date. However, some fields such as name, date of birth, and email may not be editable after registration.
Final Conclusion and Important Reminders
The UPSC recruitment 2026 for 194 Group A and Group B posts is a valuable opportunity for candidates seeking a central government job. The application fee is only Rs 25 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates, while SC, ST, PwBD, and all female candidates can apply for free.
The application window is open from 23 May 2026 to 12 June 2026 at 6:00 PM. Candidates must not wait until the last day to apply, as the UPSC website may experience heavy traffic and technical issues.
Before applying, candidates must read the official notification carefully. The notification contains detailed information about post specific eligibility, exam patterns, syllabus, and service conditions. The official notification is available for free download on the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Do not rely on any third party websites or agents for application assistance. The entire process from registration to fee payment is online and self service. No offline applications are accepted.
Prepare your documents in advance, fill the form carefully, and submit well before the deadline. A career through UPSC offers job security, career growth, and the pride of serving the nation.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Candidates are strongly advised to read the official UPSC recruitment notification available at upsc.gov.in before applying. The author and this platform are not responsible for any changes made by UPSC after the publication of this article. This content does not guarantee selection or any employment outcome.