UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026 Notification OUT - Online Form
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) 2026 for Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) and Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’). This recruitment is restricted to serving government employees. Eligible candidates can apply online from 16 September 2026 to 06 October 2026 and must forward the printed copy of the application through the proper channel by 23 October 2026.
Important Dates
| Online Application Start Date | 16 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Online Application | 06 October 2026 (till 06:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Printed Copy at UPSC (through proper channel): 23 October 2026 | |
| Date of Examination | 12 & 13 December 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | Before Exam |
Application Fee
- See Notification
Eligibility Criteria
- Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE): Eligibility is strictly restricted to serving government employees who meet the conditions prescribed for their respective service/cadre.
- Specific qualifications, minimum service requirements, and grade-pay conditions are detailed in the Rules published in the Gazette of India dated 16.09.2026.
Examination Centres
- The Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 will be held at the following five centres:
- 1. Chennai, 2. Delhi, 3. Kolkata, 4. Mumbai, 5. Nagpur.
UPSC Section Officers & Stenographers LDCE 2026: Categories and Services
| Category | Service Details |
|---|---|
| Category I | Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) |
| Category II | Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’ |
| Category III | Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service |
| Category VIII | Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
| Category X | Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ) |
| Category XI | Assistant Director / Section Officers / Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) |
How to Apply for UPSC LDCE 2026
- Visit the UPSC online application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete Account Creation, Universal Registration (OTR), and the Common Application Form (CAF) to generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- During the application window (16.09.2026 to 06.10.2026), fill the Examination Specific Form for the LDCE to generate the specific Application Number.
- Live Photo & Signature: Upload your photograph and capture a live photograph while filling the CAF. Also, sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper using black ink, and upload the scanned signature.
- Ensure all requisite information and supporting documents are submitted. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of candidature.
- Hard Copy Submission (For Section Officers’ LDCE): Take a printout of the completed online application by 06.10.2026 and submit it to your respective Ministry/Department for verification.
- Your Ministry/Department will forward it to the Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) and endorse a copy to UPSC so it reaches by 23 October 2026.
- Address for sending printed copy: Under Secretary (E-VI), Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069.
Important Links
Before Applying
Please verify the official notification for complete eligibility, age limits, education qualification, fee rules, and other terms before submitting the online application.
Always confirm dates and fees on the official website before you apply.