The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the Indian Economic Service (IES) / Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2026. This prestigious national-level examination is conducted to recruit qualified candidates for Group ‘A’ services under the Government of India. The examination is held annually and attracts candidates with strong academic backgrounds in Economics and Statistics.
Applications are invited through online mode only. Candidates who wish to appear for the examination must carefully read the examination rules and ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions. Admission to every stage of the examination is provisional and subject to verification of eligibility as prescribed by the Government of India.
Organization / Company Introduction
The examination is conducted by the commonly known as UPSC. It is India’s premier constitutional body responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to various civil services and posts under the Government of India.
UPSC is known for its transparent, merit-based, and rigorous selection processes. The Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service are among the most reputed technical services in the central government framework.
Job Role & Responsibilities
Candidates selected through the IES/ISS Examination are appointed to Group ‘A’ posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. The nature of work depends on the service allotted.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Formulation and analysis of economic or statistical policies
- Data collection, interpretation, and reporting for government programs
- Advising ministries on economic and statistical matters
- Supporting planning, forecasting, and evaluation activities
- Contributing to national-level research and policy development
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet the following educational requirements depending on the service applied for:
- Indian Economic Service (IES): A Post-Graduate Degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognized Indian university or a foreign university approved by the Central Government.
- Indian Statistical Service (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 from a recognized university or approved foreign institution.
Candidates are advised to verify degree recognition and detailed eligibility conditions from the official notification.
Age Limit
Applicants must have attained a minimum age of 21 years and must not have exceeded 30 years as on 30 August 2026.
Eligible candidates must have been born not earlier than 02 August 1996 and not later than 01 August 2005.
Upper age limit relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.
Salary / Pay Scale
Candidates appointed to Indian Economic Service or Indian Statistical Service will be placed in Group ‘A’ posts under the Central Government. The pay scale is governed by the applicable pay matrix rules.
As per prevailing norms, the entry-level pay generally corresponds to Pay Level 10, along with applicable allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and other benefits as per government rules.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC IES/ISS Examination 2026 consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- Viva Voce (Interview)
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the interview stage. Final selection is based on combined performance in both stages.
Important Dates
- Commencement of Online Application: 11 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 03 March 2026
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: Rs. 200
- Female / SC / ST / Persons with Benchmark Disability: Exempted
The examination fee should be paid through online mode as recommended by UPSC.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply for the UPSC IES/ISS Examination 2026 by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal
- Read the examination notification carefully
- Register using valid personal and contact details
- Fill in the online application form accurately
- Upload required documents as per instructions
- Pay the application fee, if applicable
- Submit the application before the closing date
- Download and save a copy of the application for reference
Apply Online
Important Instructions
- Applications are accepted through online mode only
- Ensure eligibility before submitting the application
- Incorrect or incomplete applications may be rejected
- Keep copies of certificates ready for verification
- Regularly check the UPSC website for updates
Official Links
- UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational purposes only. Candidates must verify all details from the official UPSC notification and website before applying.
Hi, I’m Rimi Thaker, the founder and author of Wewit. I created this platform with the aim of helping job seekers in India find genuine job opportunities and career-related information in one place. I am passionate about career growth, employment trends, and sharing useful resources that can guide people toward better professional opportunities. Through Wewit, I strive to provide simple, honest, and helpful content that supports users in their job search journey.