UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE Notification 2026: Apply Online by 6th October
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released official recruitment notifications for the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), 2026 and Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE (2022, 2023 & 2024). Eligible serving government employees can submit their applications online through the official portal at upsconline.nic.in.
Post Summary & Quick Details
| Information | Details |
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name 1 | Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 |
| Exam Name 2 | Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE (2022, 2023 & 2024) |
| Notification Date | September 16, 2026 |
| Job Location | Across India (Central Government Cadres) |
| Exam Type | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
- Notification Date: September 16, 2026
- Online Application Start Date: September 16, 2026
- Last Date for Online Application: October 06, 2026 (up to 06:00 PM)
- Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy (Through Proper Channel): October 23, 2026
- Date of Written Examination: December 12 & December 13, 2026
- Helpdesk Operational Period: September 16 to October 06, 2026 (10:00 AM to 05:30 PM)
Categories & Vacancy Details
Vacancies are filled across various cadre-controlling authorities and government services. The precise vacancy figures will be updated upon finalization by the respective Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCAs).
Participating Services / Categories (Section Officers’ LDCE):
- 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’ (IFS-B)
- Category III: Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service (RBSS)
- Category VIII: Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Category X: Section Officers in Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQCS)
- Category XI: Assistant Director / Section Officers / Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Candidates: Restricted to serving in-service government employees who fulfill the specific service, cadre, and grade-pay criteria governed by DoPT Rules (Gazette Notification dated 16.09.2026).
- Language & Service Rules: Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility requirements (regular service completed in lower grade, clean service records, and concurrence from their department).
Examination Centres
The written examination for the Combined Section Officers’ LDCE 2026 will be conducted at five main centres:
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
Note: No request for change of exam center will be entertained after submission.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process comprises two main evaluated stages:
- Written Examination (Objective & Descriptive Papers):
- Paper-I & II: Objective & Subjective testing knowledge of Government Secretariat procedures, Financial and Service Rules.
- Paper-III: Descriptive paper focusing on Noting, Drafting, and Precis Writing.
- Negative Marking: Applicable for wrong answers in Objective-type papers.
- Evaluation of Service Record: Evaluation of APARs/CRs and departmental integrity checks.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Online
- Visit the UPSC online application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete Account Creation and Universal Registration (URN) if you haven’t already.
- Access the Common Application Form (CAF) and navigate to the Examination Specific Module for LDCE 2026.
- Fill in your service details, category preference, and choice of exam centre.
- Upload the required official documents, photograph, and signature as per prescribed specifications.
- Submit the online form before October 06, 2026 (06:00 PM).
- Print out the completed application form and submit the hard copy through proper channel (head of department/office) to reach UPSC by October 23, 2026.
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