The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released notifications for the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-B) LDCE 2026 and Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-B/Grade-I) LDCE 2022, 2023 & 2024.
Eligible serving government employees can apply online from 16 September 2026 to 6 October 2026 up to 6:00 PM. The examinations are scheduled for 12 and 13 December 2026.
ELIGIBILITY IMPORTANT: This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) and is not an open recruitment for all candidates. Only serving government employees who satisfy the applicable departmental/cadre rules can apply.
UPSC LDCE Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post/Examination | Section Officers’ Grade-B LDCE & Stenographers’ Grade-B/Grade-I LDCE |
| Vacancies | Not finalized for Section Officers’ LDCE |
| Age Limit | As per respective LDCE rules |
| Qualification | As prescribed under respective departmental/cadre rules |
| Application Fee | Check UPSC Examination Specific Module |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Salary | As per applicable government pay rules |
| Experience/Service | Prescribed departmental service/eligibility required |
| Eligibility | Eligible serving government employees under applicable LDCE rules |
| Job Location | Central Government Departments/Services |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Starts | 16 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 6 October 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Printed Application for Section Officers’ LDCE | To reach UPSC by 23 October 2026 |
| Examination Date | 12 & 13 December 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the service, cadre, qualification and other conditions prescribed under the respective LDCE rules.
The Section Officers’ LDCE covers eligible candidates from specified services/categories, including:
- Central Secretariat Service
- Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’
- Railway Board Secretariat Service
- Intelligence Bureau
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
- Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
For the Stenographers’ LDCE, eligibility is governed by the applicable departmental rules for the relevant examination years.
Experience / Service Requirement
EXPERIENCE / DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE IS IMPORTANT. Candidates must be serving government employees and fulfil the prescribed minimum service/grade and cadre conditions applicable to their examination. These conditions are different from normal open UPSC recruitment and must be verified from the applicable rules before applying.
Selection Process
The Section Officers’ LDCE includes:
- Written Examination
- Evaluation of Service Record
- Document/Eligibility Verification
- Final selection as per applicable rules
The Section Officers’ examination includes objective and descriptive papers, including Noting & Drafting, Precis Writing and Government Secretariat procedures/rules.
How to Apply for UPSC LDCE 2026
Eligible departmental candidates should apply through the official UPSC online portal.
- Visit the UPSC Online Application Portal.
- Complete Account Creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form.
- Select the applicable LDCE examination.
- Complete the Examination Specific Form.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Select the examination centre and complete the applicable fee process.
- Submit the application before 6 October 2026.
- For Section Officers’ LDCE, take a printout and submit it through the proper departmental channel so that it reaches UPSC by 23 October 2026.
Official Apply Link
Eligible candidates can submit the examination-specific application through the official UPSC Online Application Portal:
Official Apply Link – UPSC LDCE 2026
Details / Official Notification
Candidates should read the applicable UPSC examination notice and departmental LDCE rules carefully before applying, particularly the service, cadre and eligibility requirements.
UPSC Official Website – Examination Notices
Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Official Website | Visit UPSC Official Website |
| Official Notification/Rules | Check UPSC Examination Notices |
FAQs – UPSC Section Officers & Stenographers LDCE 2026
Q1. Who can apply for UPSC LDCE 2026?
Only eligible serving government employees who satisfy the applicable departmental/cadre rules can apply.
Q2. Is this an open recruitment for freshers?
No. It is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for eligible in-service government employees.
Q3. What is the last date to apply?
The online application deadline is 6 October 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
Q4. When will the examination be conducted?
The examinations are scheduled for 12 and 13 December 2026.
Q5. How many vacancies are available?
The number of Section Officers’ vacancies has not yet been finalized by the concerned Cadre Controlling Authorities.
Q6. Is departmental experience/service important?
Yes. Candidates must meet the prescribed departmental service, cadre and other eligibility conditions.