The UPSC Civil Services Exam is considered one of the toughest in India. Lakhs of students prepare for it every year, but only a few make it to the final list. If you are planning for UPSC Mains 2026, you must know the important dates, vacancies, eligibility, and most importantly, the UPSC Mains syllabus. With the right information and planning, your preparation can become much easier.

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Important Dates for UPSC Mains 2026

The UPSC calendar for 2026 is already out. According to it, the notification will be released on 14 January 2026, and the last date to apply will be 3 February 2026. The Prelims exam is set for 24 May 2026, and the Mains will begin on 21 August 2026. These dates give you a clear timeline to plan your preparation. If you start early, you will have enough time for revision and practice before the exams.

Vacancies for 2026

The exact number of vacancies will be announced in the official notification. In the past few years, the vacancies have ranged between 900 and 1,100. This shows that the competition is very high because lakhs of candidates compete for just a few posts.

Looking at this trend, we can expect a similar number of vacancies in 2026 as well.

Eligibility for UPSC Mains 2026

To appear for UPSC Mains, you must first clear the Prelims. But before applying, you should also check the eligibility rules. The minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum for the general category is 32 years, with relaxations for OBC and SC/ST candidates. You must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university. The number of attempts allowed is 6 for general category students, while reserved categories get more chances.

UPSC Main Syllabus

The UPSC main syllabus is vast and descriptive, testing knowledge and writing skills. It includes an essay, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two qualifying language papers. Proper preparation needs clear understanding, regular revision, and consistent answer writing practice.

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FAQs

Q1. When will UPSC Mains 2026 be conducted?
Ans: The Mains exam will begin on 21 August 2026.

Q2. How many vacancies can we expect in UPSC 2026?
Ans: The number will be announced in the notification, but based on past years, it may be around 1,000.

Q3. What is the minimum qualification for UPSC Mains?
Ans: You must have a graduation degree from a recognized university.

Q4. What is included in the UPSC main syllabus?
Ans: It includes essays, general studies papers, optional subject papers, and two language papers.

Q5. Is answer writing practice important for Mains?
Ans: Yes, because Mains is descriptive, regular answer writing is necessary to score well.