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:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 11/02/2026 |
| Last Date for Apply Online | 03/03/2026 (upto 06:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 03/03/2026 |
| Correction Date | As per Schedule |
| Exam Date | 19/06/2026 |
| Admit Card Available | Before Exam |
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Economic Service (IES) | 16 | Passed / Appearing in Post Graduate / Master's Degree in Economics / Applied Economics / Business Economics / Econometrics from a recognized university in India. |
| Indian Statistical Service (ISS) | 28 | Passed / 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. |
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/whats-new |
| Apply Online (Through OTR) | https://upsconline.nic.in/ |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here to Download |
| Download Admit Card | Information will be updated soon |
| Download Result | Information will be updated soon |
| Download Interview Schedule | Information will be updated soon |
| Download Exam Notice | Information will be updated soon |
| Download Cutoff | Information will be updated soon |
Candidates are advised to follow these steps carefully for the UPSC IES/ISS 2026 online application:
upsconline.nic.in. This is a mandatory step. Keep your scanned photograph, signature, and identity proof ready as per specifications.The selection for UPSC IES and ISS is purely based on merit and consists of the following stages:
Written Examination: This is the first and most crucial stage. The examination will be held on 19/06/2026.
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.
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.
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.
The application window is from 11 February 2026 to 03 March 2026. The written examination is scheduled for 19 June 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are 16 vacancies for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and 28 vacancies for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), totaling 44 posts.
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.
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.
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.