Prayagraj : A record 8.90 lakh candidates have applied for the Uttar Pradesh Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Examination 2026, making the competition stiffer than ever, with nearly 1,780 aspirants vying for each of the 500 advertised posts.
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) had invited applications from June 25 to July 27. the number is expected to increase before the PCS preliminary examination result is declared While 500 vacancies have been advertised so far. The preliminary examination is scheduled for Dec 6. In 2021, 6,91,173 candidates applied for PCS, while 6,35,844 applications were received in 2018. The figure was 6,26,387 in 2025; 5,76,154 in 2024; 5,65,459 in 2023; 6,02,974 in 2022; 5,95,696 in 2020 and 5,44,664 in 2019. PCS 2026 will also bring a new provision for youths associated with Chief Minister Fellowship Scheme. According to UPPSC’s (Relaxation of Age Limit and Preference for Researchers of Chief Minister Fellowship) Rules, 2026, eligible researchers can get up to three years’ relaxation in the upper age limit. They will also receive preference of up to 7.5 marks in PCS main examination. Interview schedule out The commission has released the interview schedule for 2,297 candidates who have cleared PCS-2025 main examination. The interviews will be held from Sept 28 to Oct 24 on various working days in two shifts at 9.30am and 2pm. Candidates can complete the online authentication process and download their interview letters from the commission’s website from Sept 22.
Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news. This will give this exam the largest applicant pool for the state’s premier civil services recruitment exam in nearly a decade. The scale of competition is evident from the application figures of previous years. For the first time, researchers under the programme will get relaxation in the upper age limit as well as additional weightage in the selection process. Download the TOI App.