UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Section Officers & Stenographers
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) for 2026. This recruitment drive covers Section Officers (Grade-B) and Stenographers (Grade-B/Grade-I) across various central services. Eligible in-service government employees can submit their applications online until October 6, 2026.
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Section Officers (Grade-B) and Stenographers (Grade-B/Grade-I) |
| Last Date | |
| Qualification | Serving government employees eligible under respective LDCE rules as per Gazette of India dated 16.09.2026. |
| Category | Central Government Jobs |
| District | All Districts |
UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers Vacancy Details
The UPSC has notified the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026, and the Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE for 2022, 2023, and 2024. While the notification identifies the participating services, the exact number of vacancies is currently being finalized by the respective Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCAs).
Participating Services for Section Officers:
- Central Secretariat Service (Category I)
- Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’ (Category II)
- Railway Board Secretariat Service (Category III)
- Intelligence Bureau (Category VIII)
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (Category X)
- Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (Category XI)
Eligibility Criteria
These are Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations. Eligibility is strictly restricted to serving government employees who meet the specific service, grade-pay, and tenure requirements prescribed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the Gazette of India dated 16.09.2026. Candidates must verify their eligibility against the specific rules for their respective cadre before applying.
Age Limit & Relaxation
Age relaxation and eligibility criteria are governed by the DoPT rules published in the Gazette of India dated 16.09.2026. Candidates are advised to consult their departmental HR or the official notification for specific age-related relaxations applicable to their service category.
Application Fee
Details regarding the application fee are not specified in the current notification. Candidates should log in to the official UPSC online portal to view the fee structure applicable to their specific examination category.
Salary & Pay Scale
Salary and pay scales for these positions are determined by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) guidelines as applicable to the respective Section Officer and Stenographer grades in the Central Government.
Selection Process
Selection is based on the performance in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. The process includes objective-type papers and descriptive papers, such as ‘Procedure of Practice in the Govt. of India Secretariat’ and ‘Noting and Drafting’.
About Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier central recruiting agency, established on October 1, 1926. Headquartered at Dholpur House in New Delhi, the Commission operates under the constitutional mandate provided by Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution. Its primary mission is to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and the All-India Services. The UPSC is an independent constitutional body, ensuring that the selection process for the country’s civil services remains merit-based, transparent, and impartial.
Beyond conducting the prestigious Civil Services Examination, the UPSC manages various departmental examinations, including the Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) for existing government personnel. These examinations provide a structured career progression path for employees serving in various ministries and departments, allowing them to ascend to higher grades such as Section Officer or Grade-B Stenographer. The Commission’s geographic coverage is nationwide, with examination centers strategically located in major cities to facilitate candidates from all corners of India.
Career prospects within the UPSC-recruited cadres are highly regarded, offering significant job security, professional growth, and the opportunity to contribute directly to the governance of the nation. The Commission is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in its recruitment processes. By conducting rigorous assessments, the UPSC ensures that only the most qualified and capable individuals are selected for critical administrative roles. As a central government entity, the UPSC functions under the administrative oversight of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which sets the policy framework for recruitment rules and service conditions. For government employees, clearing an LDCE conducted by the UPSC is a hallmark of professional achievement, often serving as a gateway to senior-level administrative responsibilities within the Central Secretariat and other allied services.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC online portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Navigate to the ‘LDCE’ section.
- Register or log in using your credentials.
- Fill in the required details, ensuring you select the correct category.
- Submit the application before 06:00 PM on 06.10.2026.
- Print a copy of the application for your records and submission through the proper channel where required.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 16-Sep-2026 |
| Application Start Date | 16-Sep-2026 |
| Application Last Date | 06-Oct-2026 |
| Exam Date | 12-Dec-2026 & 13-Dec-2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification – Section Officers’ LDCE | Click Here |
| Official Notification – Stenographers’ LDCE | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Union Public Service Commission Section Officers 2026?
Only serving government employees who meet the specific eligibility conditions prescribed by the DoPT in the Gazette of India dated 16.09.2026 can apply. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination and is not open to the general public.
What is the salary for Section Officer at UPSC?
The salary for the Section Officer (Grade-B) post is governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission pay scales applicable to the Central Secretariat Service and other participating cadres. Specific pay level details can be found in the official service rules.
What is the selection process for UPSC Section Officers 2026?
The selection process involves a competitive examination consisting of objective and descriptive papers. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of government procedures, financial rules, and noting and drafting skills.
Is UPSC a Central or State Government organisation?
The Union Public Service Commission is a Central Government constitutional body established under the Constitution of India. It is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and All-India Services.