UPSC Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026
Posted: 19 days ago
Location: CENTRAL
Closes: 6 Oct 2026
My Bharat Jobs - Govt Alert App
Get real-time alerts for Sarkari jobs across India — fast, free, and without ads.
Job Details
Union Public Service Commission will conduct the Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2026 for recruitment to Section Officers’/equivalent posts in the following categories: (i) Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service; (ii) Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’; (iii) Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service; (iv) Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau; (v) Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service; and (vi) Assistant Director/Section Officers/Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The number of vacancies will be finalized by the respective Cadre Controlling Authorities. The examination will be held on 12.12.2026 and 13.12.2026 at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Nagpur. Candidates must apply online, print the application, and route it through their Ministry/Department and Cadre Controlling Authority so it reaches UPSC by 23.10.2026. There will be negative marking in objective papers; e‑Admit Cards will be issued online in the week preceding the exam.
- Level:
- central
- Other Information:
- Centres subject to change: Centres and dates are liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission; candidates may be allotted a different centre if circumstances warrant.
- Exam Centers:
- Exam Centre: Chennai
- Exam Centre: Delhi
- Exam Centre: Kolkata
- Exam Centre: Mumbai
- Exam Centre: Nagpur
Job Summary
UPSC will hold the Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026 to fill Section Officers/equivalent posts across specified central services. Applications are online with mandatory forwarding of printed applications through CCAs by 23.10.2026; exams are on 12–13 December 2026 at five centres.
Important Dates
Date of Notification of Examination
Applications open · Online application opening date
Last date to apply · Online application closing dateNext
Last date to apply · Last date for filling up of Application
Last date for receipt of printed copy in Commission (through CCAs)
Examination · Date of Examination
Examination · Date of Examination
Dates not announced
- e‑Admit Card release
- Representation window on question papers/provisional answer keys
Eligibility Criteria
1. Experience Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Range | N/A - N/A years |
2. Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | N/A - N/A years |
3. Other Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Limited Departmental Competitive Examination | Only candidates whose printed application is verified and forwarded by the concerned Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) will be considered for admission to the examination. |
| Services covered by this LDCE | Recruitment on results of this examination is for: Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service; Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’; Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service; Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau; Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service; Assistant Director/Section Officers/Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. |
| Governing Rules | The examination will be held in accordance with the Rules published by the Department of Personnel and Training in the Gazette of India dated 16th September, 2026. |
🎯 One App for All Govt Jobs. Zero Ads.
Track jobs by state, department, or stage. Get real-time alerts and save your favorites — without any login or distractions.
- ✅ Real-time verified alerts
- 📍 Smart filters for state & department
- 🔔 Personalized notifications
Post Details
1. Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service
2. Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch 'B'
3. Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service
4. Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau
5. Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
6. Assistant Director/Section Officers/Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
Additional Information
- Vacancies: The number of vacancies in various categories has not yet been finalized by the concerned Cadre Controlling Authorities.
How to Apply
- 1. Online application:
- Apply via https://upsconline.nic.in by completing the four modules: Account creation, Universal Registration (URN), Common Application Form (CAF), and Examination Specific Module (including fees and centre).
- 2. URN and Application Number:
- Upon URN registration, a Universal Registration Number is generated (common to all exams). After submitting the Examination Specific Form, an examination‑specific Application Number is generated; retain both for future communication.
- 3. One‑time URN edit:
- A one‑time facility exists to update the URN Profile; changes will apply only to applications submitted after re‑locking the URN profile.
- 4. Photograph and live capture:
- Upload a photograph and capture a live photograph while filling the CAF as per instructions on the portal.
- 5. Signature upload:
- Sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper using black ink and upload the image while filling the CAF; signatures must be clear and legible.
- 6. Document uploads:
- Provide requisite supporting documents for claims such as date of birth, educational qualifications, etc., as sought by the Commission.
- 7. Forwarding of printed application:
- Submit the complete printed copy of the online application to the respective Ministry/Department for verification/certification; CCAs must forward verified applications to UPSC so as to reach by 23.10.2026.
- 8. Aadhaar usage:
- Applicants are strongly advised to use Aadhaar Card as ID document for seamless verification and authentication.
Exam Pattern
- 1. Negative marking:
- There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers in the Objective Type Question Papers.
- 2. Constituent papers referenced:
- Tie‑breaking refers to marks in Paper‑II (Procedure of Practice in the Govt. of India Secretariat and attached Offices and General Financial and Service Rules, duly considering category requirements) and Paper‑III (Noting & Drafting, Precis Writing).
Syllabus Details
- 1. Paper‑II subject:
- Procedure of Practice in the Govt. of India Secretariat and attached Offices and General Financial and Service Rules duly taking into account the requirement of relevant categories of services.
- 2. Paper‑III subject:
- Noting and Drafting, Precis Writing.
Selection Process
- 1. Mode of selection:
- Written Examination followed by evaluation of Service Records; final selection and result declaration will follow applicable DoPT guidelines.
- 2. Reservation guidelines reference:
- Final selection under different categories shall be decided and results declared inter‑alia based on DoPT O.M. No.36012/2016/2019‑Estt (Res.) dated 12.04.2022, subject to the outcome of Civil Appeal No.629 of 2022 arising out of SLP (C) No.30621/2011.
- 3. Rounding off and tie‑breaking:
- Marks will be rounded off to two decimal digits at all stage(s); tie‑breaking will consider (a) higher written total, (b) higher combined marks in Paper‑II and Paper‑III, (c) higher marks in Paper‑III, (d) senior in age, and (e) Commission’s discretion if tie persists.
Admit Card Details
- 1. Issue schedule:
- e‑Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the preceding week of the date of the examination.
- 2. Mode:
- Download from https://upsconline.nic.in; no Admit Card will be sent by post.
- 3. Eligibility for admit card:
- Only candidates whose printed applications are forwarded by the concerned CCAs will be considered for admission to the examination.
Reservation Details
- 1. Applicable instructions:
- Final selection and results to be governed inter‑alia by DoPT O.M. No.36012/2016/2019‑Estt (Res.) dated 12.04.2022, subject to the outcome of Civil Appeal No.629 of 2022.
Document Requirements
- 1. Supporting documents:
- Submit requisite documents in support of claims such as date of birth, educational qualifications etc., as sought by the Commission with the CAF.
- 2. Official Identity Card:
- Candidates admitted must produce their official Identity Card along with the e‑Admit Card at the examination.
- 3. Photograph and live capture:
- Upload a photograph and capture a live photograph as per portal instructions.
- 4. Signature image:
- Upload an image of three signatures in black ink on white paper, clear and legible.
- 5. Printed application:
- Printed copy of the online application must be verified/forwarded through the Ministry/Department and CCA to reach UPSC by 23.10.2026.
Important Instructions
- 1. Centre allocation final:
- No request for change of examination centre will be entertained; appearing at a venue other than that indicated in the e‑Admit Card will lead to non‑admission and cancellation.
- 2. Entry closure:
- Entry into the examination venue will close 30 minutes prior to commencement of each session; no candidate will be allowed entry thereafter.
- 3. Electronic devices banned:
- Mobile phones (even switched off), smart/digital watches, AI‑enabled glasses, Bluetooth/camera devices, storage media and other IT gadgets are strictly prohibited; infringement may invite disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
- 4. No valuables:
- Candidates are advised not to bring valuables to the venue; no safe‑keeping arrangement is available and the Commission is not responsible for any loss.
- 5. No TA/DA:
- Candidates are not entitled to Travelling Allowance for attending the examination.
- 6. Signature consistency:
- Signatures on the application form, attendance list and all correspondence must be identical; variation may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- 7. Communication details:
- All communications to UPSC must include: Exam name & year, URN, Application Number, Roll Number (if received), Candidate’s full name, Complete postal address, and registered email ID & mobile number.
Disqualification Criteria
- 1. Wrong centre:
- If a candidate appears at a centre/venue other than that indicated in the e‑Admit Card, they will not be allowed to take the examination and their papers will not be valued; candidature is liable to cancellation.
- 2. Late reporting:
- Arrival after closure of entry (30 minutes prior to exam start) will result in denial of entry.
- 3. Prohibited items:
- Possession/use of banned electronic devices may invite disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
- 4. Signature mismatch:
- Variation in signatures across documents may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Other Information
- 1. Centre allotment discretion:
- While every effort will be made to allot the centre of choice, the Commission may allot a different centre at its discretion.
- 2. Forwarding responsibility:
- The Commission will not be responsible for non‑receipt or delay of applications; no application received after the prescribed last date through the prescribed channel will be entertained.
Important Links
- 2. Apply online
Contact Details
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Phone: 011-24041001, 011-40303444
Address: Under Secretary (E‑VI), Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi‑110069
Other Information
Helpline timings: Operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during 16.09.2026 to 06.10.2026.
Latest Notifications
UPSC Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026 Notice
View PDF
Share This Page
Let your network know about this content
Click below to copy the link and share it!
UPSC Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026
Posted: 19 days ago
Location: CENTRAL
Closes: 6 Oct 2026
My Bharat Jobs - Govt Alert App
Get real-time alerts for Sarkari jobs across India — fast, free, and without ads.
Job Details
Union Public Service Commission will conduct the Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2026 for recruitment to Section Officers’/equivalent posts in the following categories: (i) Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service; (ii) Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’; (iii) Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service; (iv) Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau; (v) Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service; and (vi) Assistant Director/Section Officers/Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The number of vacancies will be finalized by the respective Cadre Controlling Authorities. The examination will be held on 12.12.2026 and 13.12.2026 at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Nagpur. Candidates must apply online, print the application, and route it through their Ministry/Department and Cadre Controlling Authority so it reaches UPSC by 23.10.2026. There will be negative marking in objective papers; e‑Admit Cards will be issued online in the week preceding the exam.
- Level:
- central
- Other Information:
- Centres subject to change: Centres and dates are liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission; candidates may be allotted a different centre if circumstances warrant.
- Exam Centers:
- Exam Centre: Chennai
- Exam Centre: Delhi
- Exam Centre: Kolkata
- Exam Centre: Mumbai
- Exam Centre: Nagpur
Job Summary
UPSC will hold the Combined Section Officers (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026 to fill Section Officers/equivalent posts across specified central services. Applications are online with mandatory forwarding of printed applications through CCAs by 23.10.2026; exams are on 12–13 December 2026 at five centres.
Important Dates
Date of Notification of Examination
Applications open · Online application opening date
Last date to apply · Online application closing dateNext
Last date to apply · Last date for filling up of Application
Last date for receipt of printed copy in Commission (through CCAs)
Examination · Date of Examination
Examination · Date of Examination
Dates not announced
- e‑Admit Card release
- Representation window on question papers/provisional answer keys
Eligibility Criteria
1. Experience Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Range | N/A - N/A years |
2. Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | N/A - N/A years |
3. Other Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Limited Departmental Competitive Examination | Only candidates whose printed application is verified and forwarded by the concerned Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) will be considered for admission to the examination. |
| Services covered by this LDCE | Recruitment on results of this examination is for: Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service; Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’; Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service; Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau; Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service; Assistant Director/Section Officers/Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. |
| Governing Rules | The examination will be held in accordance with the Rules published by the Department of Personnel and Training in the Gazette of India dated 16th September, 2026. |
🎯 One App for All Govt Jobs. Zero Ads.
Track jobs by state, department, or stage. Get real-time alerts and save your favorites — without any login or distractions.
- ✅ Real-time verified alerts
- 📍 Smart filters for state & department
- 🔔 Personalized notifications
Post Details
1. Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service
2. Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch 'B'
3. Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service
4. Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau
5. Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
6. Assistant Director/Section Officers/Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
Additional Information
- Vacancies: The number of vacancies in various categories has not yet been finalized by the concerned Cadre Controlling Authorities.
How to Apply
- 1. Online application:
- Apply via https://upsconline.nic.in by completing the four modules: Account creation, Universal Registration (URN), Common Application Form (CAF), and Examination Specific Module (including fees and centre).
- 2. URN and Application Number:
- Upon URN registration, a Universal Registration Number is generated (common to all exams). After submitting the Examination Specific Form, an examination‑specific Application Number is generated; retain both for future communication.
- 3. One‑time URN edit:
- A one‑time facility exists to update the URN Profile; changes will apply only to applications submitted after re‑locking the URN profile.
- 4. Photograph and live capture:
- Upload a photograph and capture a live photograph while filling the CAF as per instructions on the portal.
- 5. Signature upload:
- Sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper using black ink and upload the image while filling the CAF; signatures must be clear and legible.
- 6. Document uploads:
- Provide requisite supporting documents for claims such as date of birth, educational qualifications, etc., as sought by the Commission.
- 7. Forwarding of printed application:
- Submit the complete printed copy of the online application to the respective Ministry/Department for verification/certification; CCAs must forward verified applications to UPSC so as to reach by 23.10.2026.
- 8. Aadhaar usage:
- Applicants are strongly advised to use Aadhaar Card as ID document for seamless verification and authentication.
Exam Pattern
- 1. Negative marking:
- There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers in the Objective Type Question Papers.
- 2. Constituent papers referenced:
- Tie‑breaking refers to marks in Paper‑II (Procedure of Practice in the Govt. of India Secretariat and attached Offices and General Financial and Service Rules, duly considering category requirements) and Paper‑III (Noting & Drafting, Precis Writing).
Syllabus Details
- 1. Paper‑II subject:
- Procedure of Practice in the Govt. of India Secretariat and attached Offices and General Financial and Service Rules duly taking into account the requirement of relevant categories of services.
- 2. Paper‑III subject:
- Noting and Drafting, Precis Writing.
Selection Process
- 1. Mode of selection:
- Written Examination followed by evaluation of Service Records; final selection and result declaration will follow applicable DoPT guidelines.
- 2. Reservation guidelines reference:
- Final selection under different categories shall be decided and results declared inter‑alia based on DoPT O.M. No.36012/2016/2019‑Estt (Res.) dated 12.04.2022, subject to the outcome of Civil Appeal No.629 of 2022 arising out of SLP (C) No.30621/2011.
- 3. Rounding off and tie‑breaking:
- Marks will be rounded off to two decimal digits at all stage(s); tie‑breaking will consider (a) higher written total, (b) higher combined marks in Paper‑II and Paper‑III, (c) higher marks in Paper‑III, (d) senior in age, and (e) Commission’s discretion if tie persists.
Admit Card Details
- 1. Issue schedule:
- e‑Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the preceding week of the date of the examination.
- 2. Mode:
- Download from https://upsconline.nic.in; no Admit Card will be sent by post.
- 3. Eligibility for admit card:
- Only candidates whose printed applications are forwarded by the concerned CCAs will be considered for admission to the examination.
Reservation Details
- 1. Applicable instructions:
- Final selection and results to be governed inter‑alia by DoPT O.M. No.36012/2016/2019‑Estt (Res.) dated 12.04.2022, subject to the outcome of Civil Appeal No.629 of 2022.
Document Requirements
- 1. Supporting documents:
- Submit requisite documents in support of claims such as date of birth, educational qualifications etc., as sought by the Commission with the CAF.
- 2. Official Identity Card:
- Candidates admitted must produce their official Identity Card along with the e‑Admit Card at the examination.
- 3. Photograph and live capture:
- Upload a photograph and capture a live photograph as per portal instructions.
- 4. Signature image:
- Upload an image of three signatures in black ink on white paper, clear and legible.
- 5. Printed application:
- Printed copy of the online application must be verified/forwarded through the Ministry/Department and CCA to reach UPSC by 23.10.2026.
Important Instructions
- 1. Centre allocation final:
- No request for change of examination centre will be entertained; appearing at a venue other than that indicated in the e‑Admit Card will lead to non‑admission and cancellation.
- 2. Entry closure:
- Entry into the examination venue will close 30 minutes prior to commencement of each session; no candidate will be allowed entry thereafter.
- 3. Electronic devices banned:
- Mobile phones (even switched off), smart/digital watches, AI‑enabled glasses, Bluetooth/camera devices, storage media and other IT gadgets are strictly prohibited; infringement may invite disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
- 4. No valuables:
- Candidates are advised not to bring valuables to the venue; no safe‑keeping arrangement is available and the Commission is not responsible for any loss.
- 5. No TA/DA:
- Candidates are not entitled to Travelling Allowance for attending the examination.
- 6. Signature consistency:
- Signatures on the application form, attendance list and all correspondence must be identical; variation may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- 7. Communication details:
- All communications to UPSC must include: Exam name & year, URN, Application Number, Roll Number (if received), Candidate’s full name, Complete postal address, and registered email ID & mobile number.
Disqualification Criteria
- 1. Wrong centre:
- If a candidate appears at a centre/venue other than that indicated in the e‑Admit Card, they will not be allowed to take the examination and their papers will not be valued; candidature is liable to cancellation.
- 2. Late reporting:
- Arrival after closure of entry (30 minutes prior to exam start) will result in denial of entry.
- 3. Prohibited items:
- Possession/use of banned electronic devices may invite disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
- 4. Signature mismatch:
- Variation in signatures across documents may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Other Information
- 1. Centre allotment discretion:
- While every effort will be made to allot the centre of choice, the Commission may allot a different centre at its discretion.
- 2. Forwarding responsibility:
- The Commission will not be responsible for non‑receipt or delay of applications; no application received after the prescribed last date through the prescribed channel will be entertained.
Important Links
- 2. Apply online
Contact Details
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Phone: 011-24041001, 011-40303444
Address: Under Secretary (E‑VI), Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi‑110069
Other Information
Helpline timings: Operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during 16.09.2026 to 06.10.2026.
Share This Page
Let your network know about this content
Click below to copy the link and share it!
More jobs at UPSC Service Commission
IOCL NRPL Panipat LA Staff (Patwari) EOI 2026-27
2 posts · Haryana · Announcement
DRDO DMRL Hyderabad JRF Recruitment 2026 (DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01)
18 posts · Telangana · Announcement
CSBC Bihar Police Driver Constable Recruitment 2025 (Advt 02/2025)
Bihar · Selection Process
BSSC CBT tender 2026 (NIT 05/310)
Bihar · Selection Process
DRDO CAIR JRF Mathematics Recruitment 2026
1 posts · Karnataka · Announcement
Directorate General of Maritime Administration Shipping Master and Director (Deputation) Recruitment 2026
1 posts · Announcement
