The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Dholpur House, New Delhi has released Advertisement No. 02/2026 on 10 April 2026, inviting online applications from eligible candidates for direct recruitment to various specialist, technical, and administrative posts across central government ministries and departments. Applications are submitted through the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal at upsconline.nic.in. UPSC periodically issues these miscellaneous advertisements — typically 3–5 times a year — covering Group A and Group B posts in areas such as medicine, engineering, science, law, finance, social work, and management. Candidates must download the official PDF from upsc.gov.in to see the complete list of posts and their specific eligibility conditions.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | 02/2026 |
| Notification Date | 10 April 2026 |
| Recruiting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
| Application Fee (UR/OBC/EWS) | ₹25 |
| Fee Exemption | SC/ST/PwBD/Women |
| Post Groups | Group A & Group B (Central Govt) |
| Official PDF | upsc.gov.in |
Alert: UPSC Advertisement 02/2026 was released 10 April 2026. Apply via ORA at upsconline.nic.in. Covers various specialist, technical & administrative posts in central government departments. Read the official PDF at upsc.gov.in for post-wise details. OTR registration is required before applying. View at upsc.gov.in
1. Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069 |
| Advertisement Number | 02/2026 |
| Notification Published Date | 10 April 2026 |
| Advertisement Type | Online Recruitment Application (ORA) — periodic miscellaneous recruitment advertisement for various central government posts |
| Post Types | Various specialist, technical, scientific, administrative, and professional posts in Group A and Group B under the Government of India |
| Application Mode | Online only via upsconline.nic.in — no offline applications accepted |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in — UPSC’s Online Recruitment Application (ORA) system |
| OTR Requirement | One Time Registration (OTR) on upsconline.nic.in is mandatory before applying — generates a permanent Universal Registration Number (URN) |
| Application Fee (General/OBC/EWS Males) | ₹25 per application (standard ORA fee) |
| Fee Exemption | SC, ST, PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), and all female candidates are fully exempt from payment |
| Selection Process | Recruitment Test (RT)/Written Examination + Interview/Skill Test as applicable to specific posts |
| Official Notification PDF | upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Advt-02-2026-Engl-100426.pdf |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in (notifications) + upsconline.nic.in (applications) |
Note: Candidates must download the official Advertisement PDF from upsc.gov.in for post-wise vacancy, eligibility, experience, and age limit.
About UPSC ORA (Miscellaneous) advertisements: The Union Public Service Commission issues these periodic advertisements — typically designated as Advt. No. 01, 02, 03 etc. of each year — for direct recruitment to specialist and technical posts across central government ministries, departments, and organisations. Unlike examination-based recruitment (CSE, CAPF, CDS etc.), these posts are filled through a combination of a Recruitment Test and/or Interview. Posts typically covered include Specialist Officers in health and medicine, Engineers in central departments, Scientists, Legal Officers, Finance/Accounts Officers, Research Officers, Social Welfare Officers, Librarians, and other professional roles. Each post has its own qualification, experience, and age requirements, all specified in the official advertisement PDF.
2. New UPSC Application System — OTR + ORA (4-Stage Process)
| Stage | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Account Creation | Create your UPSC account at upsconline.nic.in with email, mobile, and basic details |
| 2 | OTR/URN Generation | One Time Registration generates your permanent Universal Registration Number, valid for all UPSC exams |
| 3 | Common Application Form (CAF) | Fill the CAF with personal, academic, identity, and category details — common across all UPSC applications |
| 4 | Post-Specific Module | Fill the recruitment-specific form for the particular post(s) under Advt. 02/2026, pay fee, and submit |
UPSC’s application architecture (introduced 2025): UPSC now uses a four-stage application system replacing the earlier two-part process. The first three stages (Account Creation, OTR/URN Generation, CAF) are common to all UPSC examinations — once completed, you never re-enter the same information again. The URN (Universal Registration Number) is permanent and valid for life. Only the 4th stage (Post-Specific Module) changes per advertisement. This system was introduced to reduce errors, improve verification efficiency, and make applications more streamlined. New applicants must complete all four stages; returning UPSC applicants who already have a URN can skip directly to Stage 4 after logging in.
3. How to Apply — Step by Step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Download & Read the Official Advertisement PDF | Visit upsc.gov.in → Recruitment → Recruitment Advertisements. Download the Advertisement No. 02/2026 PDF (English) dated 10 April 2026. Read every post’s eligibility criteria, qualification, experience requirement, and age limit carefully. Apply only if fully eligible — UPSC verifies eligibility at the interview/document verification stage, and ineligible candidates are disqualified even after clearing the written test |
| 2. Register on upsconline.nic.in | New users: click “Create Account” and enter a valid email address, active mobile number, and basic identity details. After verification, complete the One Time Registration (OTR) module to receive a unique Universal Registration Number (URN), permanent and valid for all future UPSC applications. Existing applicants with a URN can log in directly |
| 3. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) | Covers personal details, contact information, educational qualifications, identity proof (Aadhaar preferred for faster verification), and category/disability details. Upload a recent passport-size photograph (not more than 3 months old) and a clear signature image. CAF information feeds into all future UPSC applications automatically |
| 4. Fill the Post-Specific Application | Log in to the ORA portal, navigate to Advertisement No. 02/2026, and select the specific post(s). The post-specific form asks for educational qualification for the specific post, relevant experience (with proof details), and other post-related information. Any discrepancy leads to rejection |
| 5. Pay the Application Fee | ₹25 for UR/OBC/EWS male candidates, paid online via Visa/MasterCard/RuPay Credit or Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking. SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates are fully exempt and pay ₹0. The form is only submitted after successful payment |
| 6. Submit, Review & Download Confirmation | Carefully review all filled information on the preview page before final submission — information cannot be edited after submission, as UPSC does not provide a correction window for ORA (miscellaneous) advertisements. Download and print the Confirmation Page, which must be brought to the written test/interview along with original documents |
Important application rules: UPSC does not correspond with candidates about their eligibility — the onus is entirely on the candidate to verify eligibility before applying. Applications submitted online are accepted provisionally; final eligibility is verified at a later stage. If an incorrect application is submitted, there is no correction window in ORA — cancel and re-submit within the last date. Use Aadhaar as identity proof for the fastest verification process. UPSC’s application portal may experience heavy traffic near the deadline, so apply at least 3–5 days before the last date.
4. Age Limit & Relaxation — Standard UPSC ORA Norms
Note: Each post under Advertisement No. 02/2026 has its own minimum and maximum age limit as specified in the official notification PDF. The limits typically range from 30 to 50 years for technical/specialist posts depending on the required experience level. The relaxation structure below is the standard framework applied by UPSC to ORA posts — always verify from the official advertisement for each individual post.
| Category | Relaxation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST Candidates | +5 years | Upper age limit relaxed by 5 years above the prescribed maximum for each post |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years | Upper age limit relaxed by 3 years |
| PwBD — General/EWS Category | +10 years | Extra relaxation |
| PwBD — OBC Category | +13 years | Cumulative (3+10) |
| PwBD — SC/ST Category | +15 years | Maximum relaxation (5+10) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service + 3 years | Service period in armed forces plus 3 years, subject to maximum age as per rules |
Age calculation date: For UPSC ORA advertisements, age is typically calculated as on the last date of application. The prescribed age limit for each individual post is the maximum age by that date. Candidates must verify the specific age calculation date from the official Advertisement No. 02/2026 PDF, as it may be specified differently for individual posts. Date of birth must be as recorded in the Matriculation/SSC certificate — no other document is accepted for age proof.
5. Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General/Unreserved (Male) | ₹25 | Online only (Card/UPI/Net Banking) |
| OBC – Non-Creamy Layer (Male) | ₹25 | Online only |
| EWS (Male) | ₹25 | Online only |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | Nil (₹0) | Fully exempt |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | Nil (₹0) | Fully exempt |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Nil (₹0) | Fully exempt |
| All Female Candidates (any category) | Nil (₹0) | Fully exempt |
Note: Fee once paid is not refunded, except in cases where the application is rejected by UPSC for reasons beyond the candidate’s control. Verify the exact fee from the official PDF as it may differ per post.
Payment methods: Fee can be paid during the online application process at upsconline.nic.in using Visa/MasterCard/RuPay Debit or Credit Card, UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, etc.), or Internet Banking through any bank. Payment through SBI Challan (offline) is also available for select UPSC recruitment applications — verify from the official advertisement. The application is considered complete only after successful fee payment and online submission.
6. General Eligibility Conditions — All UPSC ORA Posts
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India. For certain posts, citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before 1962), or persons of Indian origin from specified countries may also be eligible, as specified per post |
| Educational Qualification | Varies by post — typically degree/postgraduate degree/professional qualification in the relevant field (Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Science, etc.) from a recognised university/institution, specified individually per post in the PDF |
| Experience | Many posts require post-qualification experience of 1–10 years in the relevant field, verifiable from official documents (appointment letters, experience certificates on letterhead) |
| Age as on Last Date | Minimum and maximum age limits vary per post; calculated as on the closing date of application. Standard relaxations apply as per category |
| Government Servants | May apply provided they meet eligibility; must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer and produce it at interview/document verification |
| Character | Must be of good character — verified through police clearance/service record check at the appointment stage |
| Medical Fitness | Must be physically and mentally fit for the post; medical examination is conducted before appointment as per Government of India rules |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | All qualifications and experience must be possessed as on the closing date of application — post-deadline degrees or experience certificates will not be counted |
Note: UPSC’s decision on eligibility and selection is final. Candidature is provisional until the Commission verifies all original documents at the appropriate stage.
7. Selection Process
| Stage | Nature | Qualifying Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruitment Test (RT)/Written Examination | Objective/Descriptive | Merit-based/Qualifying | Tests subject-matter expertise. UPSC shortlists candidates for interview based on RT marks. Some posts may skip RT if applicants are few |
| Interview/Personality Test | Face-to-face interview | Merit-based | Shortlisted candidates are called for interview at UPSC, New Delhi. Evaluates domain knowledge, professional competence, communication skills, and overall suitability. Marks contribute to final merit |
| Document Verification | Original documents check | Qualifying | Candidates must produce original qualification certificates, experience letters, caste/category certificates (in prescribed format), identity proof, and other specified documents. Any discrepancy results in immediate disqualification |
| Medical Examination | Physical/mental fitness | Qualifying | Conducted by a Government Medical Board as per central government rules. Candidates not meeting prescribed physical standards are not appointed |
Note: Final merit is based on RT + Interview marks (weightage varies per post). UPSC recommends candidates to the concerned ministry/department for appointment — the Commission itself does not appoint.
UPSC as a recommending body: UPSC selects and recommends candidates but does not issue appointment orders directly. After UPSC’s recommendation, the concerned central government ministry or department conducts document verification, medical examination, and issues the formal appointment letter. The selected candidate’s appointment is subject to verification of character and antecedents, police clearance, and final government approval. UPSC’s recommendation is conditional, not an absolute right to appointment.
8. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. 02/2026 Published — official notification released at upsc.gov.in | 10 April 2026 |
| Online Application Window Opens — ORA portal activated at upsconline.nic.in | 10 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application & Pay Fee | As per official PDF (check for exact date/time, typically 6:00 PM on closing date) |
| Admit Card/Call Letters for Recruitment Test | Notified separately, uploaded on UPSC website |
| Recruitment Test (if applicable) | Notified separately — date, time, centre communicated via admit card |
| Interview/Personality Test | After RT/shortlisting — notice uploaded on upsc.gov.in |
| Final Result & Recommendation | After all stages — UPSC publishes final result and recommends selected candidates |
Always check the official PDF for exact dates:
- The exact last date to apply, application correction window (if any), RT date, and other deadlines are specified in the official Advertisement No. 02/2026 PDF at upsc.gov.in — always verify from there
- UPSC does not send any individual communication — all updates, admit cards, results, notices, and interview schedules are uploaded only at upsc.gov.in
- Candidates should regularly check the UPSC website and update their email/mobile in the OTR profile to receive system-generated notifications
- Do not apply through any third-party website or agent — all applications must be submitted directly on upsconline.nic.in
9. Official Links
- UPSC Advertisement No. 02/2026 — Official Notification PDF (English), 10 April 2026
- upsconline.nic.in — Apply Online (ORA Portal: OTR Registration + Application Submission)
- upsc.gov.in — Official UPSC Website (All Advertisements, Results, Notices)
Note: All UPSC notifications, recruitment advertisements, admit cards, answer keys, individual marks, and final results are published exclusively at upsc.gov.in. For all UPSC exam-related queries, visit the official FAQ on upsc.gov.in or contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter at 011-23385271/23381125/23098543 on working days between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is UPSC Advertisement No. 02/2026 and when was it released?
UPSC Advertisement No. 02/2026 is a periodic Online Recruitment Application (ORA) advertisement issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi, released on 10 April 2026. This is UPSC’s standard miscellaneous recruitment notification for direct recruitment to various specialist, technical, administrative, and professional posts across central government ministries and departments. The official notification PDF is available at upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Advt-02-2026-Engl-100426.pdf, and contains the complete list of posts, vacancies, post-specific eligibility, experience requirements, and age limits — candidates must read it carefully before applying.
2. How do I apply for UPSC Advertisement 02/2026?
Applications are submitted online only through the UPSC ORA portal at upsconline.nic.in. The process: register on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform to get your permanent Universal Registration Number (URN); fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal, educational, and category details; navigate to Advertisement No. 02/2026 and fill the post-specific application module; pay the application fee (₹25 for General/OBC/EWS males; SC/ST/PwBD/Women: Nil); submit and download the Confirmation Page. No offline applications are accepted, and applications should only be made through upsconline.nic.in directly.
3. What is OTR (One Time Registration) and is it mandatory?
Yes, OTR is mandatory for all UPSC ORA applications. The One Time Registration system at upsconline.nic.in generates a permanent Universal Registration Number (URN) that is valid for all future UPSC examinations and recruitments. You register only once — subsequent applications reuse the same URN, and your Common Application Form (CAF) data is auto-populated. The OTR replaces UPSC’s earlier Part I/Part II registration system. The URN is permanent (never expires), stores your contact details, photo, signature, identity, and category information, and is linked to your Aadhaar for verification. New applicants must complete OTR first before applying for any UPSC post.
4. What is the application fee for UPSC Advt. 02/2026?
The standard UPSC ORA application fee is ₹25 for General/Unreserved, OBC (NCL), and EWS male candidates. SC, ST, PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates, and all female candidates (regardless of category) are fully exempt from fee payment. Payment is made online during the application process via Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking. Fee once paid is not refunded except where UPSC rejects the application for reasons attributable to the Commission. Verify the fee from the official PDF, as it can differ per post.
5. What age relaxation is available for UPSC ORA posts?
Standard UPSC age relaxations: SC/ST get 5 years above the prescribed upper age limit; OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) get 3 years; PwBD (General/EWS) get 10 years extra; PwBD (OBC) get 13 years (cumulative 3+10); PwBD (SC/ST) get 15 years (cumulative 5+10); Ex-Servicemen get length of service rendered plus 3 years extra, subject to specific ceilings. Candidates qualifying under more than one relaxation category can claim only one — the most beneficial. Age limits for each specific post under Advt. 02/2026 must be verified from the official PDF.
6. What is UPSC’s role in this recruitment — does UPSC appoint candidates?
UPSC is the recruiting/recommending body, not the appointing authority. After completing the selection process (RT + Interview), UPSC recommends the meritorious and eligible candidates to the concerned central government ministry or department. The ministry/department then conducts document verification, medical examination, police verification, and issues the formal appointment letter. UPSC’s recommendation is conditional — it does not give an absolute right to appointment. The Government of India retains discretion to appoint based on UPSC’s recommendation, and appointment orders are issued by the respective ministry under which the post falls.
7. Where will the interview/personality test be held?
Interviews and Personality Tests for UPSC ORA (miscellaneous advertisement) posts are held at UPSC Headquarters, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069. No TA/DA is paid by UPSC for attending the interview for these miscellaneous posts (unlike the Civil Services examination, where TA may be reimbursed in certain cases). Candidates must make their own travel arrangements. The interview call letter (Notice of Interview) specifying the date, time, and reporting instructions is uploaded on upsc.gov.in well in advance — candidates must check the website regularly and download it from there.
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