UPSC CSE 2026: Candidates from 14 Countries Including Pakistan Can Apply for Government Services in India – Here’s the Condition

The online application process for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is now open. Eligible candidates can submit their forms until 6 PM on February 24, 2026. This year, the exam will introduce AI-based face authentication at exam centers, and officers already in service can no longer reattempt the exam multiple times.

Exam and Eligibility Details
The CSE 2026 prelims are expected to be held on May 24, 2026. For secure and smooth conduct, all candidates must complete AI face authentication at the exam center and are advised to arrive early for identity verification and security checks.

Who Can Apply?

• Educational Qualification: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university are eligible. For the Indian Forest Service (IFS), degrees in fields such as Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, and Agriculture are acceptable.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be 21 to 32 years old as of August 1, 2026 (born between August 2, 1994, and August 1, 2005). Age relaxations as per UPSC norms will apply.

Candidates from 14 Countries Can Also Apply
Surprisingly, candidates from countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam can also appear for certain UPSC services. However, to apply for IAS, IFS, and IPS, candidates must be Indian citizens. For other services, candidates can be Indian citizens, citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, or individuals of Indian origin who have permanently settled in the above-mentioned countries with the intention of residing in India permanently.

The Condition
Such candidates must obtain an eligibility certificate from the Government of India. Only after the certificate is issued can a candidate appear for the exam and, subsequently, receive an appointment.

Major Rule Change
UPSC has now restricted serving officers to only one attempt while in service. To reattempt for improving ranks, candidates must resign from their current post. Additionally, IPS officers cannot choose IPS again.

Eligible candidates can apply online at upsconline.nic.in before February 24, 2026.