UPSC Section Officers & Stenographers LDCE 2026 – Apply Online for Limited Departmental Exams
Post Date / Update: 16 September 2026
Short Information: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) 2026. This includes the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 and the Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. Eligible serving central government employees can submit their online applications from 16th September 2026 to 06th October 2026 (up to 06:00 PM). Read the comprehensive article below for eligibility rules, important dates, exam patterns, and direct application links.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC)
LIMITED DEPARTMENTAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS (LDCE) 2026
NOTICES DATED 16.09.2026
UPSC LDCE 2026: Quick Overview
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Names | 1. Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 2. Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE, 2022, 2023 & 2024 |
| Target Candidates | Eligible Serving Central Government Employees (In-service LDCE) |
| Application Mode | Online via UPSC Online Portal |
| Exam Dates | 12th & 13th December 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 16th September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 16th September 2026 |
| Last Date to Fill Online Application | 06th October 2026 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Printed Application at UPSC (Through Proper Channel for SO Exam) | 23rd October 2026 |
| Date of Examination | 12th & 13th December 2026 |
Categories Covered Under Section Officers’ LDCE 2026
The Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 covers several cadre-controlling services and categories:
| Category Code | Service / Cadre |
|---|---|
| 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 (IFS), Branch ‘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 (AFHQ) |
| Category XI | Assistant Director / Section Officers / Manager Grade-‘I’ in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) |
Note: Exact vacancy figures are finalized by the respective Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCAs) and will be updated accordingly.
Examination Centres (Section Officers’ LDCE)
The written examination for Section Officers will be conducted exclusively at the following 5 centers:
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
Eligibility Criteria
These are Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE). Eligibility is strictly restricted to regular serving government employees who satisfy the qualifying service, grade pay, and service-specific rules published by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the Gazette of India dated 16th September 2026.
Exam Pattern & Tie-Breaking Principles
The examination features objective-type question papers as well as descriptive papers (such as Procedure of Practice in Govt. Secretariat, General Financial and Service Rules, Noting & Drafting, and Precis Writing). Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers in objective papers.
Tie-Breaking Order for Final Marks:
- Candidate securing higher marks in the total written examination.
- Candidate securing higher marks in Paper-II and Paper-III combined.
- Candidate securing higher marks in Paper-III (Noting & Drafting, Precis Writing).
- Candidate senior in age.
How to Apply Online for UPSC LDCE 2026
Candidates must use the common online application portal. Follow these sequential steps:
- Visit the UPSC online application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete Universal Registration / Account Creation to generate a permanent Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) and capture a live photograph alongside uploading your scanned signature and required documents.
- Fill out the Examination Specific Module for the Section Officers’ or Stenographers’ LDCE before 06th October 2026 (06:00 PM).
- Mandatory for SO Candidates: Take a printout of the completed online application and submit it through proper channel via your Ministry/Department so that it reaches UPSC by 23rd October 2026 at: Under Secretary (E-VI), Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi–110069.
| Apply Online (UPSC Portal) | Click Here (Active) |
| Download Section Officers’ Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Download Stenographers’ Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Join Arattai Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
UPSC LDCE 2026 – FAQs
► Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC LDCE 2026?
The online application portal closes on 06th October 2026 at 06:00 PM.
► Q2. Who is eligible to apply for these examinations?
These are Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) strictly restricted to eligible serving government employees meeting DoPT service rules.
► Q3. When will the written examinations be conducted?
Both the Section Officers’ and Stenographers’ LDCE will be held on 12th and 13th December 2026.
► Q4. Is it mandatory to forward a printed copy of the application through proper channel?
Yes, for the Section Officers’ LDCE, the printed copy of the online application must be forwarded through your Ministry/Department so that it reaches UPSC by 23rd October 2026.
► Q5. Can external candidates apply for this recruitment?
No, private or external candidates cannot apply. This is exclusively a departmental exam for eligible in-service government personnel.