UPSC IES/ISS Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 44 Vacancies | Last Date 3 March
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. This recruitment offers a prestigious opportunity for graduates and postgraduates in economics and statistics to join high-level Group A central government services.
A total of 44 vacancies have been announced, and the online application process has already started. Interested candidates must submit their applications before 3 March 2026 through the official UPSC website.
About UPSC IES/ISS Examination 2026
The UPSC IES/ISS Examination is conducted annually to recruit officers into two elite services of the Government of India:
- Indian Economic Service (IES)
- Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
These services play a crucial role in economic planning, policy analysis, statistical research, and national data management across various ministries and government departments.
Officers selected through this examination contribute to economic policymaking, national statistical reports, and economic advisory roles at the highest levels of government.
UPSC IES/ISS Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
| Service | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Economic Service (IES) | 16 |
| Indian Statistical Service (ISS) | 28 |
| Total | 44 |
The ISS stream has the highest number of vacancies, making it an important opportunity for statistics graduates.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 11 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 March 2026 |
The application window is limited, so candidates should complete the registration process well before the deadline.
UPSC IES/ISS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions before applying.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years as on 1 August 2026.
- Born not earlier than 2 August 1996
- Born not later than 1 August 2005
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
Educational Qualification
The qualification requirements differ for both services.
Indian Economic Service (IES)
Candidates must have a Postgraduate degree in any of the following subjects:
- Economics
- Applied Economics
- Business Economics
- Econometrics
The degree must be obtained from a recognized university in India or an approved foreign institution.
Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
Candidates must have either:
- Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Applied Statistics,
OR - Master’s Degree in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Applied Statistics
from a recognized university.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to UPSC medical standards specified for the IES/ISS examination.
Detailed medical guidelines are available in Appendix III of the official notification published in the Gazette of India on 11 February 2026.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female / PwBD | Exempted |
Payment Methods
- SBI bank branch payment
- Credit / Debit Card
- UPI
- Internet Banking
How to Apply for UPSC IES/ISS Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Go to the Online Application section.
- Register as a new user.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Fill in personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload required documents and photograph.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Always keep a printout of the final application form for future reference.
Why UPSC IES/ISS Is a Prestigious Career
The Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service offer several advantages:
- Group A Central Government positions
- Policy advisory roles in ministries
- Opportunities to work on national economic and statistical programs
- Strong career growth within government departments
These services provide an excellent platform for economists and statisticians to contribute directly to India’s economic development and policy planning.
The UPSC IES/ISS Recruitment 2026 is one of the most respected opportunities for candidates with economics and statistics backgrounds. With 44 vacancies across two elite services, this examination offers a rewarding career path within the Government of India.
Since the application deadline is 3 March 2026, eligible candidates should complete their application process immediately to avoid missing this opportunity.
A career in the Indian Economic Service or Indian Statistical Service offers both prestige and responsibility, making it a dream job for many aspirants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did the UPSC IES/ISS application process start?
The application process started on 11 February 2026 along with the official notification release.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC IES/ISS 2026?
The last date to submit the application form is 3 March 2026.
How many vacancies are available in UPSC IES/ISS 2026?
A total of 44 vacancies have been announced:
- 16 posts for Indian Economic Service (IES)
- 28 posts for Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
Where can candidates apply for the exam?
Candidates can apply through the official UPSC website:
https://www.upsc.gov.in