UPPSC PCS 2026 –
Notification, Syllabus, Eligibility & Complete Guide
🆕 UPPSC PCS 2026 notification is OUT (25 June 2026) — approximately 500 vacancies for SDM, DSP, BDO and allied posts. Applications closed on 3 August 2026 and the form correction window closed on 10 August. Prelims on 6 December 2026; the exact SDM (Deputy Collector) vacancy count is still TBN. PCS 2025: Mains result out (17 Sep 2026), interviews till 24 Oct 2026. Remember: optional subjects are removed, replaced by two UP-specific Mains papers. Graduation eligible, age 21–40.
📅 Last updated: 5 October 2026
1. What is UPPSC PCS?
PCS 2026 Prelims on 6 Dec 2026 · PCS 2025 Interviews Under Way
PCS 2026: notification released 25 June 2026 (~500 posts incl. SDM, DSP, BDO). Applications closed on 3 August 2026 and form correction closed on 10 August. Prelims is on 6 December 2026; the admit card date and the exact SDM vacancy count are TBN. PCS 2025: Mains result declared on 17 September 2026 (2,297 qualified), and interviews run from 28 September to 24 October 2026 in Prayagraj. Check uppsc.up.nic.in regularly for updates.
UPPSC PCS (Provincial Civil Services) is the annual state civil services examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). It recruits officers for prestigious Group A and Group B posts in the Uttar Pradesh state government — including Deputy Collector (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Block Development Officer (BDO), District Programme Officer, and more than 20 allied services.
UPPSC PCS is considered one of the most competitive state PSC exams in India, given Uttar Pradesh's large population and aspirant base. The exam follows a three-stage structure: Prelims (screening), Mains (merit), and Interview. With a salary reaching ₹2,09,200/month at the highest levels, UPPSC PCS offers unmatched career security and social standing.
2. 📅 Important Dates – UPPSC PCS 2025–26
💡 Key update (5 October 2026): PCS 2026 Prelims is on 6 December 2026 (applications closed 3 August; corrections closed 10 August). Admit card date: TBN. The PCS 2025 Mains result came out on 17 September 2026 (2,297 qualified), and interviews are running from 28 September to 24 October 2026.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UPPSC PCS 2024 Final Result Declared | 30 March 2026 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Official Notification | 20 February 2025 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Prelims Exam Held | 12 October 2025 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Prelims Result Declared | December 2025 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Mains Admit Card | 21 March 2026 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Mains Exam Held | 29 March – 1 April 2026 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Mains Result Declared (2,297 qualified for interview) | 17 September 2026 | ✓ Done |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Interviews (Prayagraj) | 28 September – 24 October 2026 | ⏳ Ongoing |
| UPPSC PCS 2025 Final Result | TBN | TBN |
| 🆕 UPPSC PCS 2026 Notification Released (~500 posts) | 25 June 2026 | ✓ Done |
| 🆕 PCS 2026 Online Application Window | 25 June – 3 August 2026 (extended from 27 July — now closed) | ✓ Done |
| 🆕 PCS 2026 Application Modification Last Date | 10 August 2026 | ✓ Done |
| PCS 2026 Prelims Admit Card | TBN | TBN |
| UPPSC PCS 2026 Preliminary Examination | 6 December 2026 | 🔔 Upcoming |
| PCS 2026 Mains Examination | TBN (2027, post-Prelims result) | TBN |
3. Eligibility Criteria
Citizen of India. Tibetan refugees who settled in India before 1 January 1962 and persons of Indian origin who have permanently migrated from certain specified countries are also eligible per rules.
A Bachelor's degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university is the minimum requirement. Final year students are generally not eligible — degree must be complete by the application deadline. Some posts (e.g., Finance Officer) may require specific stream.
Age calculated as on 1 July of the year of notification.
Fee was paid online. Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 3 August 2026.
4. Vacancies & Posts
2026 Cycle: approximately 500 posts — notified on 25 June 2026 (provisional). The 2025 cycle was first advertised with ~200 posts and later revised upward.
UPPSC SDM Vacancy 2026
SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) is not a separate exam — SDMs join as Deputy Collectors through the UPPSC PCS exam. The PCS 2026 notice covers about 500 posts across SDM, DSP, BDO and allied services. The exact number of SDM/Deputy Collector posts is TBN ⚠️; we will add it here once it is confirmed from UPPSC. Applications are closed; the next step is the Prelims on 6 December 2026. Deputy Collectors are at Pay Level 10 (basic ₹56,100).
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale | Vac. 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector (SDM) | Pay Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | TBN ⚠️ |
| Deputy SP (DSP) | Pay Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | TBN ⚠️ |
| Block Development Officer (BDO) | Pay Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | TBN ⚠️ |
| District Programme Officer | Pay Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | TBN ⚠️ |
| Finance & Accounts Officer | Pay Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | TBN ⚠️ |
| Other Allied Services (Group A/B) | Pay Level 8–10 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,77,500 | TBN ⚠️ |
⚠️ The 2026 cycle total is approximately 500 posts (provisional). Post-wise numbers (including SDM) are TBN until confirmed from uppsc.up.nic.in.
5. Selection Process
Screening test with 2 papers: GS Paper I (200 marks, 150 questions, 2 hrs) and CSAT Paper II (qualifying, min. 33%). Marks of Paper II are NOT counted in merit. Only Paper I marks determine Prelims cut-off. Offline OMR-based exam.
Descriptive written exam with 8 compulsory papers — General Hindi (qualifying), Essay, General Studies I–IV, and two Uttar Pradesh-specific papers (GS V & GS VI). Optional subjects have been removed. Merit-counting total: 1,350 marks. This is the most critical stage. Rough ratio: 12–15 candidates called per vacancy.
Interview carries 100 marks conducted by UPPSC board. Tests personality, clarity of thought, communication in Hindi and English, awareness of UP and national current affairs, and DAF (application form) topics. Final merit = Mains + Interview (total 1,450 marks).
6. Exam Pattern – Prelims & Mains 2026
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Studies | 150 | 200 | 2 hours | −0.33/wrong |
| Paper II – CSAT (Qualifying) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Min. 33% required |
Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Marks | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Hindi | 150 | Descriptive | Qualifying (min. 33%) |
| Paper II – Essay | 150 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
| Paper III – General Studies I | 200 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
| Paper IV – General Studies II | 200 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
| Paper V – General Studies III | 200 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
| Paper VI – General Studies IV | 200 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
| Paper VII – General Studies V (Uttar Pradesh Special) | 200 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
| Paper VIII – General Studies VI (Uttar Pradesh Special) | 200 | Descriptive | Merit-based |
7. Detailed Syllabus – UPPSC PCS Mains 2026
The Prelims GS Paper I covers History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and UP-specific topics. The Mains syllabus below covers GS Papers I–VI, including the two new Uttar Pradesh-specific papers (GS V & GS VI), plus Essay.
General Studies I – History & Culture›
- •Indian Culture — Art, Architecture, Literature from Ancient to Modern
- •Modern Indian History (mid-18th century to present)
- •The Freedom Struggle — various stages and movements
- •Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation
- •Indian History of the World — important events (18th–20th century)
- •Indian Society — features, diversity, role of women
- •Urbanisation, their problems and remedies
- •Effects of globalisation on Indian society
- •Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
General Studies II – Governance & Polity›
- •Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features
- •Functions and responsibilities of Union and State governments
- •Parliament and State Legislatures — structure, functioning, conduct
- •Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and Judiciary
- •Panchayati Raj & Urban local bodies — 73rd and 74th Amendments
- •Government Policies and Interventions — up to SDG targets
- •Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections (SC/ST/Women/Minorities)
- •Health, Education, Human Resources — issues and policies
- •Important aspects of governance, transparency, accountability
- •e-Governance applications, models, successes & challenges
- •Role of Civil Services in a democracy
- •India and its neighbourhood — bilateral, regional and global groupings
- •Effect of foreign countries' policies on India's interests
- •Diaspora in India's interests
General Studies III – Economy & Environment›
- •Indian Economy and planning, resource mobilisation
- •Major crops, cropping patterns, irrigation
- •Food processing and related industries (in and out of UP)
- •Land reforms in India, effects of liberalisation on agriculture
- •Infrastructure — energy, ports, roads, airports, railways
- •Investment models — PPP, FDI, WTO-related issues
- •Science and Technology — recent developments, their implications
- •Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
- •Disaster and disaster management
- •Extremism — role and challenges of security forces in this context
- •Organised crime — terrorism, its connection with global events
- •Internal security challenges — money laundering, hawala
- •Cyber security — basics and border management
- •Various Security Forces and their mandates
General Studies IV – Ethics›
- •Ethics and Human Interface — essence, determinants, consequences
- •Attitude — content, structure, function, influence and thought
- •Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Services
- •Emotional Intelligence — concepts, utilities and application
- •Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers
- •Public / Civil Service values and Ethics in Public Administration
- •Probity in Governance — concept of public service, integrity
- •Information sharing and transparency in government
- •Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, Citizen's Charter
- •Work culture, quality of service delivery, public fund utilisation
- •Challenges of corruption — anti-corruption measures
- •Case Studies — at least 3 case studies in the paper
Essay Writing›
- •Three essays (choice from sets) covering national issues, social topics and abstract/philosophical topics
- •Total 150 marks — typically 50 marks per essay
- •Strong grounding in the UP-specific GS papers helps add depth and state context to essays
- •Clarity, structure, relevance, and factual accuracy are judged
- •Reading newspaper editorials and previous toppers' essays is recommended
General Studies V – Uttar Pradesh Special (History, Culture & Governance)›
- •History of Uttar Pradesh — ancient, medieval and modern; UP's role in the freedom struggle
- •Art, culture, literature, festivals, and architectural heritage of UP
- •Society of Uttar Pradesh — diversity, social issues, women & vulnerable sections
- •Governance in UP — administrative structure, panchayati raj, local bodies
- •Major state government schemes, welfare programmes and policy interventions
- •Internal security, law & order, and disaster management context in UP
- •Land reforms and contribution of UP to India's socio-political development
General Studies VI – Uttar Pradesh Special (Economy, Geography & Environment)›
- •Economy of Uttar Pradesh — agriculture, industry, MSME, services sector
- •Geography of UP — rivers (Ganga–Yamuna doab), regions, physical features
- •Demography, resources and infrastructure of the state
- •Agriculture & allied sectors, irrigation, and rural development in UP
- •Industrial growth, investment, and the ODOP (One District One Product) initiative
- •Environmental issues, natural resources, and climate change impact on UP
- •UP state budget highlights and recent economic data
8. 💰 Salary & Benefits (2026)
💡 How we calculated: 7th Pay Commission pay levels + Dearness Allowance at 60% (UP Government rate from 1 January 2026). Net = Basic + DA − 10% NPS. HRA and other allowances are extra and depend on the posting city under UP Government rules, so actual in-hand pay will be somewhat higher. DA is revised twice a year.
| Post | Basic Pay | DA (60%) | Basic + DA | NPS (10%) | Net (before HRA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector (SDM) / DSP / BDO (Level 10) | ₹56,100 | ₹33,660 | ₹89,760 | ₹8,976 | ₹80,784 |
| Pay Level 8 posts (e.g. Finance & Accounts Officer) | ₹47,600 | ₹28,560 | ₹76,160 | ₹7,616 | ₹68,544 |
| Pay Level 7 allied posts | ₹44,900 | ₹26,940 | ₹71,840 | ₹7,184 | ₹64,656 |
Officers posted to district/tehsil level are typically allotted government bungalows or quarters at heavily subsidised rent.
UP state government employees and their families receive medical benefits under the state health insurance scheme.
Monthly allowance for school-going children — revised under 7th Pay Commission rules.
Reimbursement for travel expenses to home state or anywhere in India — once in 4 years.
UP state employees appointed after 2005 are covered under New Pension Scheme (NPS) with employer contribution.
Senior officers (Deputy Collector / DSP level) are eligible for official vehicle use for duty purposes.
9. 12-Month Study Plan for UPPSC PCS 2026
Complete NCERTs for History (6th–12th), Geography (6th–12th), Polity (11th–12th), Economics (11th–12th). Begin building a dedicated Uttar Pradesh GK base for the GS V & GS VI papers. Read one national newspaper daily (The Hindu or Dainik Jagran). Set up a current affairs notebook.
Study standard references: Bipin Chandra for Modern History, Laxmikanth for Polity, Shankar IAS for Environment. Strengthen UP-specific study (history, geography, economy, schemes) for the two state papers. Begin solving UPPSC PCS previous year Prelims papers. Target: 80+ marks in Prelims mock tests.
Full-length Prelims mock tests every 3 days. Revise static GK: UP-specific topics (culture, rivers, economy, current schemes). Revise current affairs of the last 12 months. CSAT practice — focus on passages and maths. Target: 110+/200 in every mock.
Start Mains answer writing practice — 2 answers daily from GS I–IV. Begin systematic preparation for GS V & GS VI (UP-special papers), which together carry 400 marks. Join a test series or answer exchange group.
One full Mains mock every week. Revise all six GS papers with notes. Strengthen essay writing — practise 2 essays per week. Go deep on UP-specific issues for GS V & VI: Bundelkhand, eastern UP development, MSME/ODOP, agricultural distress.
Prepare detailed DAF (Detailed Application Form) answers. Read extensively about UP's development agenda, district of your domicile, current affairs of last 6 months. Practise mock interviews. Keep up Hindi and English communication polished.
10. Best Books for UPPSC PCS Preparation
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Modern History | India's Struggle for Independence | Bipin ChandraFind on Amazon |
| Indian Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth (McGraw-Hill)Find on Amazon |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong + NCERTsFind on Amazon |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh (McGraw-Hill)Find on Amazon |
| Environment & Ecology | Environment for Civil Services | Shankar IAS AcademyFind on Amazon |
| General Hindi | Samanya Hindi | Hardev Bahri / Arihant |
| Ethics | Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | G. Subba Rao & P.N. Roy Chowdhury |
| Static GK (UP-focused) | UPPSC PCS Previous Years Solved Papers | Arihant / Youth Competition Times |
📌 Note: NCERTs (6th–12th) for History, Geography, Polity, and Economics are non-negotiable first reads. All standard references listed above are available at district-level book shops and online. No coaching material is strictly required — self-study with these books and a good test series is sufficient.
11. Expert Tips to Crack UPPSC PCS
Around 25–35 questions in UPPSC PCS Prelims are UP-centric — UP history, culture, geography, schemes, economy, and current affairs. Most candidates neglect this. Dedicating 45 minutes daily to UP current affairs and static GK can add 20–30 extra marks over competitors.
UPPSC has removed optional subjects from the Mains. In their place are two compulsory Uttar Pradesh-specific papers — GS V and GS VI — carrying 400 marks combined. Since every candidate now writes the same papers, deep UP knowledge (history, culture, geography, economy, schemes) is what separates toppers from the rest. Start building a dedicated UP-GK base early.
UPPSC Mains is a descriptive exam. Reading alone does not build the skill to write sharp, structured answers in 7–8 minutes. Start answer writing practice from Month 4 onwards — daily, without fail. Quality and structure beat length every time.
Many candidates skip CSAT preparation assuming it's easy. The CSAT Paper II (100 questions, 200 marks) requires a minimum qualifying score of 33%. Non-qualifying in CSAT means disqualification regardless of GS Paper I score. Allocate 3–4 weeks to CSAT basics.
Paper I (General Hindi, 150 marks) is qualifying but critical — many candidates fail here despite strong GS performance. Practise Hindi essay writing, precis writing, grammar, and translation exercises from the first month itself.
UPPSC timelines are set by the Commission, not by third parties. Always bookmark uppsc.up.nic.in for official notifications, admit cards, and result declarations. Coaching centre social media posts frequently carry incorrect dates.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UPPSC PCS 2026 notification date?+
The UPPSC PCS 2026 notification was released on 25 June 2026 for approximately 500 Group A and Group B vacancies (Deputy Collector/SDM, DSP, BDO and allied posts). The online application window ran from 25 June 2026 and, after an official extension, closed on 3 August 2026 (the original deadline was 27 July). The application modification window closed on 10 August 2026. The PCS 2026 Prelims is scheduled for 6 December 2026. A valid OTR (One Time Registration) at otr.pariksha.nic.in is mandatory before applying. Always verify details on the official website uppsc.up.nic.in.
What is the age limit for UPPSC PCS 2026?+
The general age limit is 21 to 40 years, calculated as on 1 July 2026. SC, ST and OBC candidates who are domiciled in Uttar Pradesh get 5 years of relaxation (up to 45 years), and PwBD candidates of UP get 15 years. Reservation-based relaxation does not apply to candidates from other states. Ex-servicemen and UP state government employees get relaxation as per UP Government rules — check the official notification.
How many vacancies are there in UPPSC PCS 2026?+
The UPPSC PCS 2026 notification (released 25 June 2026) announced approximately 500 vacancies across Group A and Group B services, including Deputy Collector (SDM), DSP, BDO, ARTO, Naib Tehsildar and allied posts. The count is provisional and may change. The exact number of SDM (Deputy Collector) posts is not yet confirmed — check the post-wise details on uppsc.up.nic.in. For comparison, the 2025 cycle was first advertised with around 200 posts and was later revised upward.
How many SDM vacancies are there in UPPSC 2026?+
SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) officers are recruited as Deputy Collectors through the UPPSC PCS exam. The PCS 2026 notification has about 500 posts in total across SDM, DSP, BDO and allied services, but the exact number of SDM/Deputy Collector posts is TBN — we will add it once it is confirmed from UPPSC. Applications closed on 3 August 2026 and the Prelims is on 6 December 2026.
What is the status of the UPPSC PCS 2025 result?+
The UPPSC PCS 2025 Mains result was declared on 17 September 2026, and 2,297 candidates qualified for the interview. Interviews are being held in Prayagraj from 28 September to 24 October 2026. The final result is expected after the interviews; no official date has been announced yet (TBN).
What is the UPPSC PCS Mains exam pattern?+
Following a major change, optional subjects have been removed from the Mains. It now has 8 compulsory papers: General Hindi (qualifying, 150 marks), Essay (150 marks), General Studies I–IV (200 marks each), and two new Uttar Pradesh-specific papers — General Studies V and VI (200 marks each). The merit-counting total is 1,350 marks (excluding the qualifying General Hindi paper). The interview carries 100 marks, making the final merit total 1,450 marks.
Does UPPSC PCS Mains still have optional subjects?+
No. UPPSC has removed optional subjects from the Mains examination. They have been replaced by two compulsory Uttar Pradesh-specific General Studies papers — GS Paper V (UP history, culture, governance) and GS Paper VI (UP economy, geography, environment), each carrying 200 marks. Because all candidates now write the same papers, strong Uttar Pradesh general knowledge has become the key differentiator in the Mains.
What is the UPPSC PCS in-hand salary?+
For Deputy Collector (SDM) and DSP (Pay Level 10, basic ₹56,100), Basic + DA at 60% (UP Government rate from 1 January 2026) comes to ₹89,760 a month. After the 10% NPS deduction that is about ₹80,784, before adding HRA and other allowances, which depend on the posting city. For Pay Level 8 posts (basic ₹47,600) the same calculation gives about ₹68,544. Other benefits include government accommodation, medical cover, NPS pension and LTC.
Is UPPSC PCS valid for UP domicile only?+
For unreserved posts, candidates from all states can apply. However, reservation benefits (OBC, SC, ST) are applicable only for UP domicile candidates under UP reservation policy. Many horizontal reservations (women, freedom fighter dependents, etc.) also require UP domicile. Check the official notification for category-specific eligibility.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available official notifications and trusted educational resources for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, exam details (dates, vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus and salary figures) can change with each recruitment cycle. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information from the official UPPSC website (uppsc.up.nic.in) and the official notification PDF before making any decisions. Salary figures use the 7th Pay Commission pay levels and UP DA at 60% (from 1 January 2026). Dates or numbers not yet confirmed are shown as TBN. This website is not affiliated with UPPSC or any government body. Last updated: 5 October 2026.