UPSC Combined Section Officers' (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026 notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for conducting the Combined Section Officers' (Grade-'B') Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2026. Eligible and interested departmental candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal before the last date.
This departmental examination provides promotional opportunities to eligible personnel serving in various central cadres and services including CSS, IFS Branch 'B', RBSS, IB, AFHQ Civil Service, and ESIC.
Candidates are advised to check the participating service categories, examination schedule, eligibility requirements, and application procedure carefully before applying for the UPSC SO (Grade-B) LDCE 2026.
UPSC SO (Grade-B) LDCE 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined SOs' (Grade-'B') LDCE 2026 |
| Post Name | SO/AD/Manager |
| Total Posts | To be notified by CCAs |
| Exam Centres | Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur |
| Exam Dates | 12/12/2026 & 13/12/2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 16/09/2026 |
| Last Date (Online) | 06/10/2026 |
| Last Date (Hard Copy to UPSC) | 23/10/2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Participating Services & Categories
- 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'
- 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)
How to Apply for UPSC SO LDCE 2026
Candidates are required to apply online through the UPSC Online Application Portal (upsconline.nic.in). After successful online submission, the physical printed copy of the application must be forwarded through the proper departmental channel.
Send Hard Copy / Communications to:
Under Secretary (E-VI)Union Public Service CommissionDholpur House, Shahjahan RoadNew Delhi – 110069
Application Procedure & Important Instructions:
- Register on the Online Application Portal to generate a lifetime Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) with live photograph capture and upload signatures (three times vertically on white paper using black ink).
- Submit the printed copy of the online application to the respective Ministry or Department by 06/10/2026.
- The concerned Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) must verify the details, scrutinize candidate eligibility, and transmit the applications to UPSC on or before 23/10/2026.
Helpline Details:
- Helpline Numbers: 011-24041001/011-40303444 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days)
- Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Official Web-links for UPSC Recruitment
| Online Application Portal | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
