UPSC site not working: Is CSE form 2026 last date extended? Here’s why you are getting a 404 error

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will close the registration window for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Services (IFS) 2026 at 6 PM today, even as several candidates reported a 404 error and website slowdown on the official portal upsconline.nic.in. The issue is likely due to a heavy rush of applicants attempting to complete their forms close to the deadline. As of now, there is no official announcement of any extension in the application deadline.

Why UPSC CSE applicants are seeing a 404 error

Many aspirants trying to access the application page on the last day have reported error messages and page failures. This typically happens when a large number of users try to access the website at the same time, causing temporary server overload.

UPSC has consistently advised candidates to apply well before the closing date to avoid such last-minute glitches on the portal.

Is UPSC CSE form last date extended?

Despite the technical issues, there has been no official communication from UPSC regarding any extension of the registration deadline for CSE and IFS 2026. The Commission’s notification clearly states that the application window will close at 6 PM today.

Candidates are advised to keep checking the official website upsc.gov.in and try logging in again after some time if they face errors.

What UPSC CSE candidates should do now

Candidates facing a 404 error or website slowdown should try refreshing the page, switching browsers, or logging in again after some time. Since there is no official update on any extension, aspirants are advised to complete their applications as soon as the portal becomes accessible to avoid missing the deadline.

Key details of UPSC CSE, IFS 2026

The notification for both examinations was released on February 4, 2026, and the application process began the same day. The Civil Services Examination 2026 aims to fill 933 vacancies under the Central Government.

Recruitment for both Civil Services and Indian Forest Service will be conducted through a common Preliminary Examination.

• Prelims date: May 24, 2026
• Mains start date: August 21, 2026

UPSC CSE selection process

The recruitment cycle will be conducted in five stages:

• Preliminary Examination
• Main Examination
• Interview
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination

Only candidates who qualify at each stage will move to the next level.

The UPSC will release e-Admit Cards on the last working day of the week preceding the examination. Candidates who change their scribe seven days before the exam will receive their e-Admit Card three days before the exam date. All admit cards will be available only on the official website.

UPSC CSE 2026 application fee and eligibility criteria

As per UPSC guidelines, candidates from the General, OBC, and EWS categories are required to pay an application fee of Rs 100. Candidates from SC, ST, and female categories are also required to pay Rs 100, while Persons with Disabilities (PH/PWD) are exempted from paying the fee. The fee must be paid online.

To be eligible, candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university. The minimum age is 21 years and the upper age limit is 32 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.