How to Apply for UPSC IES ISS 2026
Follow these steps:
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Visit the official UPSC online portal.
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Complete Universal Registration Number (URN) process.
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Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
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Upload photograph (including live capture) and signature.
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Pay the required application fee.
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Submit the examination-specific module.
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Download and save the confirmation page.
No correction or withdrawal is allowed after submission.
UPSC IES ISS 2026: Apply Online Direct Link
PSC IES ISS Vacancy 2026
UPSC has announced a total of 44 tentative vacancies, distributed as follows:
| Service |
Number of Posts |
| Indian Economic Service (IES) |
16 |
| Indian Statistical Service (ISS) |
28 |
| Total Vacancies (Tentative) |
44 |
Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD categories will be applicable as per Government norms. The number of vacancies may vary depending on final requirements.
UPSC IES ISS 2026 Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Notification Release Date |
11 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online |
03 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Start Date |
19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release |
One week before the examination |
Candidates are advised to apply early as exam centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
UPSC IES ISS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions.
Nationality
A candidate must be:
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A citizen of India, OR
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Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, OR
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Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, OR
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Person of Indian origin from specified countries intending permanent settlement.
Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)
Age Relaxation:
Age proof must match Matriculation/Higher Secondary certificate records.
Educational Qualification
For Indian Economic Service (IES):
Candidate must have a Postgraduate Degree in:
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Economics
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Applied Economics
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Business Economics
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Econometrics
For Indian Statistical Service (ISS):
Candidate must have:
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Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Applied Statistics as a subject in all years, OR
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Master’s Degree in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Applied Statistics
Candidates appearing in final exams may also apply provisionally.
UPSC IES ISS 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
Part I – Written Examination (1000 Marks)
Part II – Viva Voce / Interview (200 Marks)
Final merit is prepared based on aggregate marks (Written + Interview).
UPSC IES 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper |
Marks |
Duration |
| General English |
100 |
3 Hours |
| General Studies |
100 |
3 Hours |
| General Economics I |
200 |
3 Hours |
| General Economics II |
200 |
3 Hours |
| General Economics III |
200 |
3 Hours |
| Indian Economics |
200 |
3 Hours |
All papers are descriptive in nature.
UPSC ISS 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper |
Marks |
Duration |
| General English |
100 |
3 Hours |
| General Studies |
100 |
3 Hours |
| Statistics I (Objective) |
200 |
2 Hours |
| Statistics II (Objective) |
200 |
2 Hours |
| Statistics III (Descriptive) |
200 |
3 Hours |
| Statistics IV (Descriptive) |
200 |
3 Hours |
Statistics Paper I & II are objective type (MCQs), while Paper III & IV are descriptive.
Negative marking applies in objective papers.
UPSC IES ISS 2026 Application Fee
Payment Modes:
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Net Banking
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Credit/Debit Card
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UPI
Fee once paid is non-refundable.
UPSC IES ISS 2026 Exam Centres
The examination will be conducted in major cities such as:
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj, Shillong, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram, and others.
Centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis (except certain cities).
Important Instructions for Candidates
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Application must be submitted online only.
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Candidates must carry valid photo ID to exam centre.
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Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.
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Face authentication may be conducted at exam venues.
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OMR sheets (for objective papers) must be filled using black ball pen only.
Why Choose UPSC IES / ISS?
The Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service are among the most prestigious technical services in India.
Career Benefits:
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Direct involvement in economic policy formulation
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Data-driven governance roles
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Posting in Ministries, NITI Aayog, Finance Ministry, and central departments
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Excellent pay scale and career progression
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Strong policy impact at national level
UPSC IES ISS 2026 Preparation Strategy
To crack IES/ISS:
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Focus on core subject fundamentals
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Practice previous year papers
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Strengthen descriptive answer writing
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Master statistics/econometrics concepts
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Stay updated with Indian Economy developments
Consistent preparation and conceptual clarity are key to success.