UPSC IES / ISS 2026

Job Description

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites applications for the prestigious Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. This is a highly coveted Central Government recruitment for Grade ‘A’ gazetted officer positions in the Government of India. Selected officers play a crucial role in shaping national economic policies, statistical analysis, and formulation of key government programs.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong academic background in Economics or Statistics who aspire to serve at the highest levels of policy-making and governance. A career in IES or ISS offers immense professional growth, job security, and the chance to contribute directly to the nation's development.

Key highlights of this UPSC recruitment include:

  • Two Distinct Services: Apply for either the Indian Economic Service (IES) or the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), depending on your educational qualification.
  • Total Vacancies: A collective total of 44 prestigious posts (16 for IES, 28 for ISS) are up for grabs.
  • Attractive Pay Scale: Selected candidates will be appointed under the 7th Pay Commission with a starting pay at the Level 10 matrix, providing a excellent salary structure.
  • Nationwide Opportunity: This is a central government job open to eligible candidates from all over India.
  • Prestigious Career: IES/ISS officers are recruited directly by the UPSC and are posted in various ministries and departments of the Government of India, offering a dynamic and influential career path.
Important Dates
EventDate
Application Begin11/02/2026
Last Date for Apply Online03/03/2026 (upto 06:00 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment03/03/2026
Correction DateAs per Schedule
Exam Date19/06/2026
Admit Card AvailableBefore Exam
Exam Fee
  • General / OBC / EWS Category: ₹200/- (Two Hundred Indian Rupees only)
  • SC / ST / PH Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted)
  • All Category Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Nil)
Age Limit
  • Minimum Age: 21 Years
  • Maximum Age: 30 Years
  • Note: Age relaxation for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PH/Ex-Servicemen) will be applicable as per the norms specified in the official UPSC notification. Candidates must read the detailed advertisement for exact relaxation rules.
Vacancy Details
Post NameTotal VacanciesEligibility
Indian Economic Service (IES)16Passed / Appearing in Post Graduate / Master's Degree in Economics / Applied Economics / Business Economics / Econometrics from a recognized university in India.
Indian Statistical Service (ISS)28Passed / Appearing in 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 recognized university.
Important Links
DescriptionLink
Official Websitehttps://upsc.gov.in/whats-new
Apply Online (Through OTR)https://upsconline.nic.in/
Download Official NotificationClick Here to Download
Download Admit CardInformation will be updated soon
Download ResultInformation will be updated soon
Download Interview ScheduleInformation will be updated soon
Download Exam NoticeInformation will be updated soon
Download CutoffInformation will be updated soon
How to Apply?

Candidates are advised to follow these steps carefully for the UPSC IES/ISS 2026 online application:

  1. OTR Registration: If you are a new user, you must first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process on the UPSC online portal upsconline.nic.in. This is a mandatory step. Keep your scanned photograph, signature, and identity proof ready as per specifications.
  2. Read the Notification: Thoroughly read the official recruitment notification PDF for complete details on eligibility, exam pattern, and instructions. Download it from the link provided above.
  3. Fill Application Form: Log in with your registered credentials on the UPSC portal. Select the "Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2026" and fill in all required details in the online application form accurately.
  4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required supporting documents (like educational certificates) as per the prescribed format and size mentioned in the notification.
  5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the requisite application fee online using the available payment gateways (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, etc.). The fee payment must be completed by the last date.
  6. Submit Application: Review all entered details carefully before final submission. After submission, take a printout of the successfully submitted online application form for your future reference.
  7. Correction Window: Use the provided correction window (if any) to rectify any errors in the application form within the stipulated time.
Selection Process

The selection for UPSC IES and ISS is purely based on merit and consists of the following stages:

  1. Written Examination: This is the first and most crucial stage. The examination will be held on 19/06/2026.

    • The question paper will be of CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) type, containing objective-type multiple-choice questions.
    • The exam will be conducted in English medium only.
    • Subjects and topics will cover the prescribed syllabus for the IES/ISS exam, focusing extensively on Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, and General Studies as per the official notification.
  2. Personality Test / Interview: Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for a Personality Test (Interview). The interview carries significant weightage in the final selection.

  3. Final Merit List: The final selection and recommendation for appointment will be made based on the total marks obtained by the candidate in the Written Examination and the Personality Test.

  4. Document Verification: After the final selection, candidates will undergo rigorous document verification to confirm their eligibility, age, educational qualifications, and category credentials.

Note: The entire process, from application to final appointment, is governed by the rules and regulations outlined in the official UPSC notification. All candidates must comply with the instructions at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the important dates for the UPSC IES/ISS 2026 application?

The application window is from 11 February 2026 to 03 March 2026. The written examination is scheduled for 19 June 2026.

What is the eligibility for the Indian Economic Service (IES) post?

Candidates must have passed or be appearing in a Post Graduate/Master's Degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognized Indian university.

What is the eligibility for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) post?

Candidates must have passed or be appearing in a Bachelor's degree with Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, or Applied Statistics as a subject, OR a Master's degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics.

What is the application fee?

The fee is ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. There is no fee for SC/ST/Persons with Disability (PH) candidates and all female applicants.

What is the age limit for applying?

The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum is 30 years as of the specified date. Age relaxation for reserved categories is applicable as per UPSC rules.

How many vacancies are available for IES and ISS in 2026?

There are 16 vacancies for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and 28 vacancies for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), totaling 44 posts.

What is the selection process for UPSC IES/ISS 2026?

Selection is based on a written examination followed by a Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of both stages.

Where can I apply online for the UPSC IES/ISS 2026 exam?

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/. New users need to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) first.

Is final year/ appearing students eligible to apply?

Yes, candidates in their final year of the qualifying degree (as specified for IES or ISS) are eligible to apply, provided they meet the educational criteria by the specified date.

All the Best
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