The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026 notification, covering two Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations — the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade-B) LDCE 2026 and the Combined Stenographers’ (Grade-B/Grade-I) LDCE for 2022, 2023 and 2024. Both examinations are restricted to serving government employees across categories such as Central Secretariat Service, Indian Foreign Service Branch B, Railway Board Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau and ESIC.
Since UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026 is a departmental promotion-linked examination, the number of vacancies in various categories has not yet been finalised by the concerned Cadre Controlling Authorities. Eligible in-service candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal and, for the Section Officers’ exam, also submit a printed copy through their department before the specified deadline.
Overview of UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026
Restricted to serving government employees in the specified cadres; general public candidates cannot apply.
Specific qualifications and minimum service conditions vary by cadre and must be verified against the Rules published in the Gazette of India dated 16 September 2026.
Selection Process
Written examination comprising Objective and Descriptive papers.
Evaluation of service record.
Ties are resolved by written marks, then Paper II and III combined score, then Paper III score, and finally by seniority (older candidate ranked higher).
Application Fee
The notification does not specify an application fee, as this is a departmental examination for serving employees.
How to Apply for UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026
Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete the Account Creation and Universal Registration process to generate your URN.
Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
Fill the Examination Specific Module between 16 September and 6 October 2026.
Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
For Section Officers’ LDCE only: Print the completed application and submit it through your Ministry/Department to the Cadre Controlling Authority by 23 October 2026.
Download your e-Admit Card closer to the exam date.
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Q1: Who is eligible to apply for UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026?
A: Only serving government employees in the specified departmental cadres are eligible; this is not open to the general public.
Q2: What is the last date to apply online?
A: The online application window closes on 6 October 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Q3: When will the examination be held?
A: The examination is scheduled for 12 and 13 December 2026.
Q4: Is there an additional submission requirement for Section Officers’ LDCE candidates?
A: Yes, they must print and submit their application through their department by 23 October 2026.
Q5: How are ties in the merit list resolved?
A: Ties are broken using written marks, then Paper II and III scores, then Paper III alone, and finally by seniority in age.
Eligible in-service candidates should complete their UPSC Section Officers and Stenographers LDCE 2026 online application well before 6 October 2026 and, where applicable, ensure the printed copy reaches their Cadre Controlling Authority on time.
