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UPSC IES/ISS Examination 2026

UPSC Service Commission

Domain: Civil Services
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Announcement - Official Advertisement

Posted: 7 months ago

Posts: 44

Location: CENTRAL

Closed: 3 Mar 2026

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Job Details

The UPSC Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026 is a prestigious examination for recruitment into the IES and ISS. The exam is conducted in two parts: a written examination and a viva voce. It tests candidates on various subjects, including General English, General Studies, and specialized papers in Economics and Statistics.

Level:
central
Cities:
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Dispur, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Shillong, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram
Other Information:
  • Service Allocation: Candidates may be posted in various departments across India as per the service requirements.
Exam Centers:
  • Examination Centres: AHMEDABAD, BENGALURU, BHOPAL, CHANDIGARH, CHENNAI, CUTTACK, DELHI, DISPUR, FARIDABAD, GHAZIABAD, HYDERABAD, JAIPUR, JAMMU, KOLKATA, LUCKNOW, MUMBAI, PATNA, PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD), SHILLONG, SHIMLA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

Job Summary

The UPSC IES/ISS Examination 2026 offers an opportunity for candidates with a background in Economics and Statistics to join the Indian Economic and Statistical Services. The examination process involves a written test followed by an interview, and candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

Important Dates

  1. Notification (Examination Notice No.07/2026-IES/ISS) dated

  2. Applications open · Application Start Date

  3. Last date to apply · Last date for submission of Online Application

  4. Examination · Examination Start Date

  5. Examination · Examination End Date

Fee Structure

Application Fee

1. General/OBC:
₹200
2. SC/ST/PwBD/Female:
Exempted

Payment Methods

1. Accepted Payment Methods:
Net Banking of any bank; Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Cards; UPI.

Other Information

1. No fee exemption for OBC/EWS:
OBC/EWS candidates are not exempted from payment of fee.
2. PwBD fee exemption condition:
PwBD candidates are exempt subject to eligibility for appointment as per medical standards; a certified copy of the disability certificate must be uploaded with the application.
3. Refund Policy:
Application fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
IES: Post‑Graduate Degree in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/Econometrics from a recognised University/Institution (including those declared as Universities under UGC Act or approved Foreign University).Required
ISS: Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics as one of the subjects OR a Master’s degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics from a recognised University/Institution (including approved Foreign University).Required

2. Other Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Appearing/appeared candidatesCandidates who have appeared at a qualifying examination, the passing of which would render them educationally qualified, or intend to appear, are eligible; proof of passing must be produced within the time limit prescribed after declaration of the written result.
Physical standardsCandidates must be physically fit as per Regulations in Appendix‑III of the Rules for IES/ISS Examination, 2026.

3. Experience Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Experience RangeN/A - N/A years

4. Age Limit

CriteriaDetails
Age Range21 - 30 years
General Category21 to 30 years as on 1st August, 2026.
SC/STUp to 5 years relaxation.
OBCUp to 3 years relaxation (eligible OBC-NCL).
PwBDUp to 10 years relaxation, subject to medical/functional suitability for the service/post.
Defence Services (disabled)Up to 3 years relaxation for personnel disabled in operations during hostilities or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence.
Ex‑servicemen/ECOs/SSCOsUp to 5 years relaxation subject to conditions specified in the notice.

5. Citizenship

CriteriaDetails
NationalityCitizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 01.01.1962 for permanent settlement, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with intent of permanent settlement, subject to eligibility certificate where required.

6. Physical Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Physical StandardsAs prescribed for IES/ISS Examination, 2026 (Appendix‑III of the Rules).

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Post Details

Total Posts: 44

1. Indian Economic Service (IES)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Post‑Graduate Degree in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/Econometrics.
  • Age Criteria: Minimum 21 years and maximum 30 years as on 1st August, 2026 (relaxations as per rules).

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 21 to 30 years
  • OBC Category: 21 to 33 years
  • SC/ST Category: 21 to 35 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General8N/A
OBC4N/A
SC2N/A
ST1N/A
PwBD1
  • Disability Category: Multiple disabilities from amongst category (a) to (c) excluding category (d).

2. Indian Statistical Service (ISS)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor's with Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics as a subject OR a Master’s degree in these subjects.
  • Age Criteria: Minimum 21 years and maximum 30 years as on 1st August, 2026 (relaxations as per rules).

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 21 to 30 years
  • OBC Category: 21 to 33 years
  • SC/ST Category: 21 to 35 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General14N/A
OBC7N/A
SC4N/A
ST2N/A
PwBD2
  • Disability Category: One vacancy for D/HH (carried forward and interchangeable as per DoPT OM 15.01.2018) and one for SLD/MD (not to be interchanged).

Additional Information

  • Service Allocation: Depends on rank in UPSC IES/ISS and preferences given by the candidate.
  • Exam Fees: ₹200 for General/OBC; Exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates.

Salary Details

> Salary Range: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 Monthly

> Allowances: House Rent Allowance, Dearness Allowance, Travel Allowance

Other Information

  • Annual Increment: Increment based on performance and years of service, in accordance with government pay scales.

Cut Off Marks

1. Written Examination:
Cut-off marks for the written examination will be released after the results are declared.
2. Interview:
Cut-off marks for the interview will be determined based on performance and announced accordingly.

How to Apply

1. Mode:
Apply online only at https://upsconline.nic.in using URN (Universal Registration Number), Common Application Form (CAF) and Examination Specific Module.
2. Live photo & signatures:
Upload photograph and capture live photograph; upload signatures (three times on white paper with black ink) as per portal instructions.
3. Photo ID:
Provide details of one valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/EPIC/PAN/Passport/Driving License/other Govt. ID) in URN Profile and carry the same ID to the exam.
4. Edits/withdrawal:
No withdrawal or correction/modification is allowed after submission of the application.

Exam Pattern

1. Scheme of Examination:
Part I: Written Examination carrying 1000 marks. Part II: Viva Voce (Personality Test) carrying 200 marks.
2. IES papers:
Six descriptive papers—General English (100, 3 hrs), General Studies (100, 3 hrs), General Economics I (200, 3 hrs), II (200, 3 hrs), III (200, 3 hrs), Indian Economics (200, 3 hrs).
3. ISS papers:
Six papers—General English (100, 3 hrs), General Studies (100, 3 hrs), Statistics‑I (Objective, 200, 2 hrs), Statistics‑II (Objective, 200, 2 hrs), Statistics‑III (Descriptive, 200, 3 hrs), Statistics‑IV (Descriptive, 200, 3 hrs).
4. Objective papers & negative marking:
Statistics‑I and II each have 80 objective questions (200 marks) to be attempted in 120 minutes; negative marking applies for wrong answers.
5. Descriptive structure:
Statistics‑III and IV have short/small problems (50%) and long answer/comprehension (50%); in Statistics‑IV, there are seven sections—attempt any two; all sections carry equal marks.
6. Medium:
All question papers are set in English only and must be answered in English.

Syllabus Details

1. General English (IES & ISS):
Essay writing, comprehension/precis and questions testing understanding and effective use of English.
2. General Studies (IES & ISS):
General knowledge and current events; Indian Polity and Constitution, History and Geography appropriate for a graduate level.
3. IES—General Economics I/II/III:
Microeconomics; production, value, distribution, welfare; quantitative methods; economic thought; national income; money, inflation and finance; growth & development; international economics; public finance; environmental economics; industrial economics; state, market and planning.
4. IES—Indian Economics:
Development and planning history; federal finance; budgeting and fiscal policy; poverty, unemployment and human development; agriculture & rural development; urbanisation & migration; industry; labour; foreign trade; money & banking; inflation.
5. ISS—Statistics I & II:
Probability; statistical methods; numerical analysis; computer applications & data processing; linear models; statistical inference & hypothesis testing; official statistics and national statistical system.
6. ISS—Statistics III:
Sampling techniques; econometrics; applied statistics including index numbers and time series (AR, MA, ARMA/ARIMA, spectral analysis).
7. ISS—Statistics IV:
Operations research & reliability; demography & vital statistics; survival analysis & clinical trials; quality control; multivariate analysis; design & analysis of experiments; computing with C and R.

Selection Process

1. Stages:
Written Examination (1000 marks) followed by Viva Voce/Personality Test (200 marks).
2. Qualifying standards:
UPSC may fix qualifying marks in any or all subjects; handwriting legibility and quality of expression are considered.

Admit Card Details

1. Release schedule:
e‑Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the preceding week of the exam date; for approved scribe change (requested up to 7 days prior), e‑Admit Card will be issued 3 days prior.
2. Mode:
Download only from https://upsconline.nic.in; no admit card will be sent by post or email.
3. Discrepancies:
Check e‑Admit Card carefully after download and report discrepancies to UPSC immediately via the Facilitation Counter/Helpdesk 011‑24041001.

Reservation Details

1. Policy:
Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per Government of India rules.
2. PwBD categories (IES):
Identified for categories (a) Blindness & Low Vision, (b) Deaf & Hard of Hearing, (c) Locomotor Disability etc., and (e) Multiple Disabilities with functional/physical requirements as notified.
3. PwBD categories (ISS):
Identified FC/PR and combinations as notified; mobility should not be affected where prescribed and assessment with appropriate aids/appliances.
4. OBC certificate window:
OBC (NCL) certificate must be based on income for FY 2024‑25, 2023‑24 and 2022‑23 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than the application closing date.
5. EWS certificate window:
EWS Income & Asset Certificate must be based on income for FY 2024‑25 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than the application closing date.

Document Requirements

1. Photo ID:
Details of one valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/EPIC/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence/other Govt. ID) must be provided in URN Profile; carry the same ID to the exam/Personality Test.
2. Photograph & live photo:
Upload photograph and capture live photograph in CAF as per portal specifications.
3. Signature upload:
Upload signature (three times on plain white paper in black ink) as per instructions.
4. PwBD certificate:
PwBD candidates claiming fee exemption/relaxation must upload a certified copy of the Disability Certificate from a Government Hospital/Medical Board.
5. OBC (NCL) certificate:
Must meet income-year criteria (FY 2024‑25, 2023‑24, 2022‑23) and be issued on/after 01.04.2025 and before application closing date.
6. EWS certificate:
Income & Asset Certificate based on FY 2024‑25 issued on/after 01.04.2025 and before application closing date.

Preparation Tips

1. Preparation Strategy:
Candidates should understand the detailed syllabus and practice previous years’ papers with timed mock tests.
2. Time Management:
Allocate time across six papers and balance between core subject papers and General English/General Studies.
3. Stay Updated:
Regularly follow current affairs for General Studies and developments in Economics/Statistics.
4. Mock Tests:
Practice objective-type tests for Statistics‑I/II and descriptive writing for other papers to build speed and accuracy.

Important Instructions

1. Reporting & entry:
Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before each session; no late entry is allowed.
2. Face authentication:
All candidates must undergo mandatory face authentication/identity verification at the venue.
3. Banned items:
Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, programmable calculators, storage media, cameras etc. are strictly prohibited.
4. OMR & pen:
Use black ball‑point pen only for OMR and for writing/marking answers; pencils are not allowed except for permitted drawings.
5. Negative marking:
Penalty for wrong answers applies in objective type papers (Statistics‑I and II).
6. No withdrawal/edit:
Application cannot be withdrawn; no correction/alteration is allowed after submission.
7. QPRep window:
Representations on question papers/answer keys can be submitted online from the 3rd day of the exam to 06:00 PM of the 7th day via upsconline.nic.in.

Interview Details

1. Interview (Viva Voce):
Carrying 200 marks; assesses suitability for the Services by evaluating intellectual curiosity, judgment, social cohesion, integrity and leadership.

Training Details

1. Training Period:
Selected candidates undergo a training program at designated academies, including the National Academy of Statistical Administration for ISS officers.
2. Training Content:
Foundational courses in statistics, economics, administration and leadership; includes field training.

Bond or Service Agreement

1. Service Bond:
Selected candidates may be required to execute service bonds as per respective service rules.

Disqualification Criteria

1. Unfair means & misconduct:
Acts such as impersonation, tampering documents, using prohibited devices, influencing examiners, or adopting unfair means attract disqualification/debarment and action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Probation Period

1. Probation Terms:
The probation period for selected candidates is two years, during which performance and conduct are monitored.

Other Information

1. Exam language:
All papers are to be answered in English; question papers are set in English only.
2. Calculators:
Scientific (non‑programmable) calculators are permitted in descriptive papers; calculators are not allowed in objective papers.
3. Centres ceiling:
Ceiling on number of candidates applies to centres (except Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur and Kolkata) on a first‑apply‑first‑allot basis.

Contact Details

Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069

Other Information

  • Helpdesk window: Operational 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days during 11.02.2026 to 03.03.2026 for application-related assistance.

FAQ

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