UPSC Recruitment 2026: Exciting Opportunities Across Central Government
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced Advertisement No. 02/2026, inviting online applications for direct recruitment to 16 specialized positions within various Central Government departments. This presents a golden opportunity for eligible Indian citizens looking to join prestigious organizations like the Anthropological Survey of India (Ministry of Culture), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Prospective candidates can submit their applications online starting from April 11, 2026. The deadline for submitting the UPSC special recruitment application is May 1, 2026. If you meet the essential qualifications and experience criteria, make sure to apply through the official UPSC portal well before the closing date to be considered for these significant roles in the UPSC Vacancy 2026 drive.
Key Dates for UPSC Advertisement No. 02/2026
Mark your calendars with these crucial dates to ensure you don’t miss out on this recruitment opportunity:
- Application Commencement: April 11, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: May 01, 2026 (18:00 Hrs)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: May 01, 2026
- Interview Dates: To Be Announced Later
Application Fee Details for UPSC Recruitment 2026
The application fee structure for Advertisement No. 02/2026 is as follows:
- General (UR) / Other Backward Class (OBC) / Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Male Candidates: Rs. 25/-
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / Persons with Benchmark Disability (PH) Candidates: Rs. 0/- (Exempted)
- All Women Candidates (Across All Categories): Rs. 0/- (Exempted)
Payment can be conveniently made online using Visa, Master, or RuPay Credit/Debit Cards, UPI, or Internet Banking.
UPSC Vacancy 2026: Age Limit & Relaxation
The age limits are calculated as of May 01, 2026. Additionally, age relaxation will be provided as per UPSC rules for eligible categories.
- Assistant Keeper: Maximum 30 Years (for General category)
- Senior Store Officer Grade-II:
- Maximum 35 Years (for General category)
- Maximum 38 Years (for OBC category)
- Maximum 40 Years (for SC category)
- Maximum 45 Years (for PH category)
- Livestock Officer:
- Maximum 35 Years (for EWS category)
- Maximum 38 Years (for OBC category)
- Maximum 40 Years (for SC / ST category)
Vacancy Breakdown and Eligibility Criteria
A total of 16 posts are available across three distinct roles. Review the specific qualification and experience requirements for each:
Assistant Keeper (01 Post)
- Qualification: Master’s Degree in Anthropology.
- Additional Requirement: Diploma in Museology.
- Desirable Experience: One year of experience in handling, maintaining, and preserving specimens within a recognized museum.
Senior Store Officer Grade-II (07 Posts)
- Qualification: Master’s Degree OR Bachelor’s Degree in Economics / Commerce / Statistics / Business Studies / Public Administration.
- Additional Requirement: Diploma in Materials Management / Warehousing Management / Purchasing / Logistics / Public Procurement.
- Experience:
- 2 years of experience in store keeping and maintaining stores accounts (for Master’s Degree holders).
- 4 years of experience in store keeping and maintaining stores accounts (for Bachelor’s Degree / Diploma holders).
Livestock Officer (08 Posts)
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (as per Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984).
- Additional Requirement: Registration with the Veterinary Council of India / State Veterinary Council.
- Experience: 3 years of experience in Cattle & Livestock Development / Animal Health / Poultry / Meat & Meat Products.
- Desirable: Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science OR 2 years of additional relevant experience.
How to Apply Online for UPSC Advertisement No. 02/2026
Follow these steps to successfully submit your application for the UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026:
- Navigate to the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal: https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
- If you haven’t already, complete the account creation and Universal Registration (URN) process.
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) with accurate personal, educational, and professional experience details.
- Upload a recent photograph (also capture a live photo as instructed) and your signature, drawn with black ink on plain white paper, adhering to the specified guidelines.
- Proceed to fill the Post / Vacancy-specific module for the position you are applying for.
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable, based on your category.
- Review all entered information carefully and submit the form before May 01, 2026 (18:00 Hrs). Remember to print a copy of your submitted application for future reference.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
Candidates applying for these UPSC vacancies will undergo a rigorous selection process designed to identify the most suitable individuals:
- Shortlisting: Initial screening will be based on the information provided in the application form, desirable qualifications, and relevant experience.
- Recruitment Test (RT): If deemed necessary by UPSC, a Recruitment Test will be conducted to assess the candidates’ knowledge and aptitude.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Personal Interview, which is a crucial stage for final selection.
Important Links
| Link Name | Access |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for UPSC Recruitment 2026 | Open Link |
| Download UPSC Advt. 02/2026 Official Notification | Open Link |
| Visit UPSC Official Website | Open Link |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which organization has released Advertisement No. 02/2026?
Answer: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued Advertisement No. 02/2026 for the recruitment of 16 posts across various Central Government departments.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
Answer: There are a total of 16 vacancies, distributed as follows: 01 for Assistant Keeper, 07 for Senior Store Officer Grade-II, and 08 for Livestock Officer.
Q3. What is the application fee for UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
Answer: General, OBC, and EWS male candidates are required to pay Rs. 25/-. However, SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates from all categories are fully exempt from paying any application fee.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
Answer: The final date to submit the Online Recruitment Application is May 01, 2026, by 18:00 Hrs, through the official UPSC ORA portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
Q5. What is the selection process for UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
Answer: The selection process typically involves shortlisting based on applications and qualifications, followed by a Recruitment Test (if necessary), and a Personal Interview for eligible candidates.
Q6. What is the work profile of the Livestock Officer post?
Answer: A Livestock Officer will primarily assist in implementing Livestock Health-related schemes by State Government agencies, contribute to policy and planning work for the Government of India concerning Livestock Health, manage Parliament Questions/Assurances, and coordinate with international bodies like OIE, APHCA, and FAO on policy, planning, and maintenance of Livestock Health.
Q7. What is the pay scale for these posts?
Answer: The pay scales according to the 7th CPC are: Assistant Keeper – Pay Level-07; Senior Store Officer Grade-II – Pay Level-10; and Livestock Officer – Pay Level-10 plus Non-Practising Allowance (NPA).
Q8. Who is eligible to apply for UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
Answer: All eligible Indian citizens who fulfill the essential qualification and experience requirements for their desired post can apply. As these are Central Government positions with All India Service Liability, candidates from any state in India are eligible.
The UPSC recruitment drive for Advertisement No. 02/2026 offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities within the central government. With 16 posts available for various specialized roles, this is an excellent chance to contribute your skills to national development. Ensure you carefully review the eligibility criteria for Assistant Keeper, Senior Store Officer Grade-II, and Livestock Officer positions, and submit your application well before the May 1, 2026, deadline. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the esteemed Union Public Service Commission!
