Big Update for Economics & Statistics Post-Graduates: Are you aiming for a Class-1 Officer post in the Central Government using your Master’s degree?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to release the official notification for the I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 soon. According to the standard UPSC Annual Calendar trends, the notification is likely to drop on 11 February 2026.
This exam is the gateway to the prestigious Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS). If you have a PG degree in Economics or Statistics, mark the dates below to avoid missing the deadline!
UPSC IES ISS 2026 – Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2026 |
| Notification Date | 11 February 2026 (Expected) |
| Exam Date | 19-21 June 2026 (Expected) |
| Eligibility | Post Graduate (Economics/Stats) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
IES ISS Exam Dates & Latest Update
The News: As per the anticipated UPSC Programme of Examinations for 2026, the commission usually schedules the IES/ISS notification in the second week of February.
- Notification Release: 11 February 2026 (Wednesday)
- Exam Start Date: 19 June 2026 (Friday)
Note: The exam is conducted over 3 days. It is a highly specialized exam, meaning competition is tough but focused.
IES ISS Eligibility Criteria 2026 (Who Can Apply?)
Before the link activates, ensure you meet the strict eligibility requirements. This is where most candidates get confused.
1. Educational Qualification:
- For IES (Indian Economic Service): A Post-Graduate Degree (Master’s) in Economics / Applied Economics / Business Economics / Econometrics.
- For ISS (Indian Statistical Service): 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.
2. Age Limit (As of 1st August 2026):
- Minimum: 21 Years
- Maximum: 30 Years
- (Relaxation: 3 Years for OBC, 5 Years for SC/ST).
Read: UPSC Civil Services Pre 2026 Notification
IES ISS Exam Pattern 2026
The selection process involves a Written Examination (1000 Marks) followed by a Viva-voce (Interview – 200 Marks).
Written Exam Structure:
- General English: 100 Marks
- General Studies: 100 Marks
- Subject Papers (Eco/Stats):
- Paper I (Objective): 200 Marks
- Paper II (Objective): 200 Marks
- Paper III (Descriptive): 200 Marks
- Paper IV (Descriptive): 200 Marks
How to Apply for IES ISS 2026
The application window will be short (approx. 20 days). Follow these steps:
- Visit upsc.gov.in on 11 Feb 2026.
- Complete the OTR (One Time Registration) if you are a new user.
- Login and go to “Active Examinations” > “I.E.S./I.S.S. Exam 2026”.
- Fill Part-I and Part-II of the application.
- Upload documents and pay the fee of ₹200 (Female/SC/ST/PwBD exempted).
- Select your Exam Centre carefully.
IES ISS 2026 FAQs
Q1: When will the UPSC IES ISS 2026 Notification be released?
Ans: It is expected to be released on 11 February 2026.
Q2: Can a B.Tech or MBA student apply for IES?
Ans: Generally No. You strictly need a Master’s Degree in Economics or related fields specified in the notification. MBA Finance is usually not eligible unless the degree is specifically “M.A./M.Sc. in Economics”.
Q3: What is the exam date for IES/ISS 2026?
Ans: The examination is scheduled to commence on 19 June 2026 and will continue for 3 days.
Disclaimer: Source: Dates based on UPSC previous year trends and expected calendar. We are an information portal. Please verify with the official notification on upsc.gov.in.