UPSC ISS 2026 Notification: Dates, Vacancies, and Important Rules

UPSC ISS 2026 Notification: UPSC has released the official notification for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. This is a major opportunity for Statistics students to secure a Group ‘A’ gazetted post in the Government of India.

In this blog, we will discuss the important dates, new changes, and steps to apply for the UPSC ISS 2026 Notification.

Important Summary of UPSC ISS 2026

The Union Public Service Commission released the notification on 11th February 2026. Candidates must note the following key details:

Major Changes in 2026 (Must Read)

There are several new rules and updates in the UPSC ISS 2026 Notification that you must follow to avoid rejection:

• No Correction Window: Unlike previous years, UPSC has stated that no corrections or modifications will be allowed once you submit the application form.
• Face Authentication: For the first time, mandatory face authentication will be conducted at the examination venue for all candidates.
• Live Photo Capture: While filling out the form, you must capture a live photograph through a webcam in addition to uploading a recent photo.
• New Exam Centres: Faridabad and Ghaziabad have been added as new exam centres for 2026.
• Reduced Representation Window: If you wish to challenge any question after the exam, the time limit is now only 5 days.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Age Limit: You must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of 1st August 2026. This means you should be born between 2nd August 1996 and 1st August 2005. Age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC and PwBD apply as per government rules.
• Educational Qualification: You must have a Bachelor’s degree with Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics as a subject, or a Master’s degree in these subjects.
• Nationality: You must be a citizen of India or meet specific criteria for subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees.

How to Apply for UPSC ISS 2026

The application process for the UPSC ISS 2026 Notification consists of a multi-stage online procedure. Candidates must follow these steps precisely, as the Commission has introduced strict technical requirements for this cycle:

• Step 1: Account Creation and Universal Registration
  Navigate to the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in. If you are a new applicant, you must create an account to complete the Universal Registration. This will generate your Universal Registration Number (URN), which is a permanent ID used for all future UPSC examinations. The URN is registered only once in a lifetime.
• Step 2: Filling the Common Application Form (CAF)
  After logging in with your URN, you must complete the Common Application Form (CAF). This module requires your basic personal details, educational qualifications, and supporting documentation claims.
• Step 3: Document Uploads (The Triple Signature Rule)
  • Signatures: You are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using black ink. This document must then be scanned and uploaded. Ensure the signatures are clear and legible to avoid rejection.
  • Photograph: You must upload a clear scanned photograph as per the technical specifications mentioned in the “Instructions and FAQs” section of the portal.
• Step 4: Mandatory Live Photo Capture
  A critical requirement in the UPSC ISS 2026 Notification is the Live Photo Capture. While filling out the CAF, you must capture a real-time photograph using a webcam. The Commission uses this to ensure a secure authentication process.
• Step 5: Examination Specific Module
  After completing the CAF, proceed to the fourth module, which is the Examination Specific Module for the Indian Statistical Service.
  • Centre Selection: You must choose your preferred Examination Centre from the available list.
  • First-Apply-First-Allot: Centres (except for Chennai, Delhi, Dispur, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad) are subject to a ceiling. Allotment is strictly on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Candidates are advised to apply early to secure their preferred location.
• Step 6: Payment of Examination Fee
  Except for Female, SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates who are exempted, all others must pay a fee of ₹200. Payment can be made through Net Banking, UPI, or Credit/Debit cards.
• Step 7: Final Submission
  Carefully review all fields before the final submission. Under the current rules, no correction, alteration, or modification is allowed once the application is submitted. Furthermore, candidates are not permitted to withdraw their applications after submission.

Essential Resources for Aspirants

Before you begin your form filling, make sure to visit these internal resources to streamline your study plan:

• UPSC ISS Hub Page: Everything you need to know about the ISS exam in one place.
• Recommended Booklist for ISS: The only list of books you need for Paper I, II, III, and IV.
• Download UPSC ISS PYQ PDFs: Practice with previous year question papers to understand the trend.

Conclusion

The UPSC ISS 2026 Notification is officially out, and the window to apply is short. Start your application today to get your preferred exam centre, as centres are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis.

For any queries regarding the notification or the application process, feel free to reach out to us at StatChakravyuh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)