UPSC Section Officer & Stenographer LDCE 2026: Apply Online, Exam Dates
Description: UPSC has released the Combined Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026 notification. Check eligibility, application dates, exam dates and online application details.
UPSC Section Officers & Stenographers LDCE Recruitment 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released notifications for two Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) on 16 September 2026.
The first examination is the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2026, conducted for recruitment to Section Officers’ Grade posts in various cadre-controlling services.
The second is the Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for the examination years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Both examinations will be conducted on 12 and 13 December 2026, and eligible departmental candidates can submit their applications online through the common UPSC online application portal.
UPSC LDCE Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Recruitment Type | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination |
| Examination 1 | Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 |
| File No. | F.No.9/02/2026-E.IB |
| Examination 2 | Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE, 2022, 2023 & 2024 |
| Notification Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
| Application Start Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 October 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 12 & 13 December 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Examination Details
Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026
The Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2026 is being conducted by UPSC for recruitment to Section Officers’ Grade posts in various cadre-controlling services.
The examination is intended for eligible departmental candidates as prescribed in the relevant UPSC notification.
File No.: F.No.9/02/2026-E.IB
Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE
The Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination covers the examination years:
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
Eligible departmental candidates can participate subject to the service, cadre, eligibility and other conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Vacancy Details
These are Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations, and the vacancies/posts are restricted to eligible departmental candidates belonging to the services/cadres covered by the respective examinations.
The information provided does not specify a consolidated number of vacancies for either examination.
Candidates should refer to the respective official UPSC notification for the service-wise/cadre-wise vacancies and number of vacancies available.
Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCEs are departmental competitive examinations.
Therefore, eligibility is based on the candidate’s:
- Existing service/cadre
- Departmental status
- Grade/post
- Prescribed length of service
- Service-specific conditions
- Other eligibility requirements specified by UPSC
These examinations are not general open-market recruitment examinations.
Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility against the applicable service/cadre conditions in the official UPSC notification.
Educational Qualification
The information provided does not specify a separate educational qualification applicable to all candidates.
Since these are departmental competitive examinations, candidates must satisfy the educational, service and departmental requirements prescribed for their respective examination and cadre.
Age Limit
A general age limit has not been specified in the information provided.
Candidates should refer to the respective UPSC LDCE notification for the applicable age/service conditions, if any.
Salary / Pay Scale
The Section Officer and Stenographer posts covered by these examinations are departmental posts under the respective cadre-controlling services.
The applicable pay level, salary and allowances depend on the post, service and cadre.
Candidates should refer to the relevant service rules and official UPSC notification for complete pay-related information.
Application Fee
The application fee details have not been specified in the information provided.
Candidates should check the official UPSC notification and online application instructions for the applicable fee or exemption provisions.
Selection Process
The selection process is through the respective Limited Departmental Competitive Examination conducted by UPSC.
The detailed examination scheme, papers, syllabus, qualifying standards and other requirements differ according to the examination.
Section Officers’ LDCE
Eligible candidates will appear for the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026 according to the examination scheme prescribed by UPSC.
Stenographers’ LDCE
Eligible departmental candidates will appear for the Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE covering the examination years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Candidates should read the respective notification for the detailed scheme and qualifying requirements.
Examination Dates
Both LDCEs are scheduled to be conducted on:
12 December 2026 and 13 December 2026
The detailed paper-wise examination schedule and timing should be checked in the official UPSC examination programme/admission documents.
How to Apply
Eligible departmental candidates can submit their applications through the UPSC online application portal.
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
- Find the relevant Section Officers’ LDCE or Stenographers’ LDCE examination.
- Read the applicable examination notification carefully.
- Complete the required online application details.
- Provide the required service, cadre and departmental information.
- Upload documents wherever required.
- Pay the prescribed fee, if applicable.
- Verify all information before final submission.
- Submit the application online.
- Save or print the completed application for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that the application is submitted before the closing date.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the documents required under the applicable LDCE notification ready, which may include:
- Service/cadre details
- Departmental/service certificate
- Educational certificates, wherever required
- Date of birth proof
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Identity document
- Other documents prescribed by UPSC
The exact documentation requirements may vary according to the examination and cadre.
Important Instructions
- These are Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations and are intended for eligible departmental candidates.
- Candidates should apply only if they satisfy the service/cadre eligibility requirements.
- Read the applicable UPSC notification carefully before submitting the application.
- Enter service and departmental information accurately.
- Submit the online application within the prescribed period.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and other relevant records.
- Regularly check the UPSC website for examination-related notices, e-Admit Cards, schedules and results.
- The Section Officers’ examination and Stenographers’ examination have separate eligibility and examination requirements.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 16 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 06 October 2026 |
| Section Officers’ LDCE | 12 & 13 December 2026 |
| Stenographers’ LDCE | 12 & 13 December 2026 |
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
| UPSC Online Application Portal | UPSC Online Application Portal |
| Section Officers’ LDCE 2026 Notification | Available on the official UPSC website | Click this |
| Stenographers’ LDCE Notification | Available on the official UPSC website |
| Online Application | UPSC Online Application Portal |
About Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s constitutional recruiting agency responsible for conducting competitive examinations and recruitment for various services and posts under the Government of India.
In addition to open competitive examinations, UPSC conducts Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations for eligible serving government employees for appointment or promotion to specified posts and grades.
FAQs
What is UPSC LDCE Recruitment 2026?
UPSC LDCE Recruitment 2026 covers departmental competitive examinations conducted by UPSC for eligible government employees for specified posts and grades.
Which examinations have been notified?
Two examinations have been notified:
- Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-‘B’) LDCE, 2026
- Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-‘B’/Grade-‘I’) LDCE for examination years 2022, 2023 and 2024
What is the file number of the Section Officers’ LDCE?
The file number is F.No.9/02/2026-E.IB.
When were the UPSC LDCE notifications released?
Both notifications were released on 16 September 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the online application is 06 October 2026.
When will the examinations be conducted?
Both examinations are scheduled for 12 and 13 December 2026.
Can general candidates apply for these examinations?
These are Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations. Eligibility is restricted to departmental candidates who satisfy the service, cadre and other conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Where can eligible candidates apply?
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official UPSC online application portal.
Is there a separate application portal for the two examinations?
The applications are accepted through the common UPSC online application portal, subject to the applicable examination instructions.
Disclaimer
This post is based on the official notification. Candidates must verify all details from the official website before applying.