UPSC IES ISS Notification 2026: Apply Online for 44 Vacancies, Check Eligibility and Exam Dates

UPSC has released the IES ISS 2026 notification. Apply online for Indian Economic and Statistical Service by March 3, 2026. Check eligibility and vacancies here.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination, 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for postgraduate and graduate students specializing in Economics and Statistics to join the Junior Time Scale of these services. Eligible candidates can now submit their applications through the Commission’s official portal.

Quick Highlight: The online application window is open until March 03, 2026, and the written examination is scheduled to begin on June 19, 2026.

Overview Table

Main Notice Details

The UPSC has announced a combined competitive examination for recruitment to the Junior Time Scale of the Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service. The notification provides comprehensive guidelines regarding the registration process, including the mandatory Universal Registration Number (URN) and the specific examination modules required for a successful application.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: February 11, 2026

• Last Date for Online Application: March 03, 2026 (until 6:00 PM)

• Written Examination Commencement: June 19, 2026

• e-Admit Card Release: Expected in the preceding week of the exam.

Application Fee

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 200/-

• Female/SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: Exempted (No Fee)

• Payment Mode: Net Banking (any bank) or via Visa/Master/RuPay/Credit/Debit Card/UPI.

Vacancy Details

A total of 44 vacancies are tentatively announced:

1. Indian Economic Service (IES): 16 Posts

2. Indian Statistical Service (ISS): 28 Posts

Note: Specific vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per government rules.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee (pre-1962), or a person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Age Limit (As of August 01, 2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years

• Maximum Age: 30 Years

• Birth Date Range: Candidate must be born not earlier than August 2, 1996, and not later than August 1, 2005.

• Age Relaxation: Standard relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), Defence Services Personnel, Ex-servicemen, and PwBD candidates.

Educational Qualification

• For IES: A Post-Graduate Degree in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/Econometrics from a recognized university.

• For ISS: A 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.

• Appearing Candidates: Those appearing for their qualifying exams are also eligible to apply, subject to providing proof of passing within the prescribed time limit.

Selection Process

The examination consists of two successive stages:

1. Part I (Written Examination): Maximum 1000 marks. It includes General English, General Studies, and subject-specific papers (Economics or Statistics).

2. Part II (Viva Voce/Interview): Maximum 200 marks for candidates who qualify for the written part.

Penalty for Wrong Answers: There will be negative marking for wrong answers in Objective Type question papers.

Instructions to Candidates

• Face Authentication: Candidates must undergo mandatory face authentication at the exam venue.

• Reporting Time: Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the session starts. No late entry is allowed.

• ID Proof: Candidates are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card for seamless verification.

• Banned Items: Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and other communication electronics are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall, even in switched-off mode.

• Stationery: Use only a black ballpoint pen for marking the OMR sheets.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official UPSC application website: https://upsconline.nic.in.

2. Registration: Register on the Online Application Portal to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN). This is a one-time process.

3. Fill Application: Complete the three common modules: Account Creation, Universal Registration, and Common Application Form (CAF).

4. Exam Specific Module: Fill the fourth module specific to the IES/ISS 2026 exam.

5. Upload Documents: Upload a scanned photograph and signature (between 20 KB to 200 KB for photos; 20 KB to 100 KB for signatures).

6. Live Photo: Capture a live photograph as required during the CAF filling.

7. Submit: Verify all details and submit. Note that applications cannot be withdrawn after submission.

Contact / Helpdesk

For any clarifications or assistance regarding the application process, candidates can contact the UPSC helpline:

• Phone: 011-24041001

• Email: upscsoap@nic.in

• Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (on all working days).

Important Links Table

Source Line: Information summarized from the official UPSC Examination Notice No. 07/2026-IES/ISS dated 11.02.2026.

Final Advice: Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Please visit the official UPSC website to read the full rules and instructions carefully before starting your application.