LDCE 2026 — UPSC Combined Section Officers' (Grade-B) Exam
Limited Departmental Competitive Examination by UPSC. Exam on December 12-13, 2026. Apply by October 6, 2026. The only dedicated preparation platform for LDCE aspirants.
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About LDCE 2026 — Combined Section Officers' (Grade-B) Exam
The Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026 is a promotion examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for central government employees seeking career advancement to Section Officer and equivalent grades across six service categories.
LDCE 2026 covers Central Secretariat Service (CSS), Indian Foreign Service Branch 'B', Railway Board Secretariat Service (RBSS), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ), and Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The exam is scheduled for December 12-13, 2026, with the online application deadline on October 6, 2026.
The examination consists of three written papers (General Studies & Constitution, Secretariat Procedure & Financial Rules, Noting & Drafting with Precis Writing) totaling 500 marks, plus 100 marks for evaluation of service record (APAR-based), making it a comprehensive assessment of both knowledge and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions — LDCE 2026
Everything you need to know about the UPSC LDCE 2026 examination.
What is LDCE 2026?
LDCE 2026 stands for Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2026, officially called the Combined Section Officers' (Grade-B) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. It is a promotion exam conducted by UPSC for central government employees seeking promotion to Section Officer and equivalent grades across six service categories.
What is the full form of LDCE?
LDCE stands for Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. The full official name is Combined Section Officers' (Grade-B) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for departmental promotion of central government employees.
When is the LDCE 2026 exam?
The LDCE 2026 exam is scheduled for December 12-13, 2026. The online application deadline is October 6, 2026 (6:00 PM). The last date for receipt of printed application through the department is October 23, 2026. The e-Admit Card will be released on the last working day of the preceding week of the exam.
What is the eligibility for LDCE 2026?
Candidates must have not less than 5 years of approved service in the eligibility grade and at least 4 Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs). The crucial date for eligibility is July 1, 2026. Relaxations are available for 2020 batch Direct Recruit ASOs in CSS, IFS Branch 'B', RBSS, and IB with 3 years' service and 3 APARs.
What is the LDCE exam pattern?
LDCE 2026 consists of three written papers plus service record evaluation (total 600 marks): Paper I — General Studies & Constitution (150 marks, 2 hrs, objective); Paper II — Secretariat Procedure & Financial Rules (150 marks, 2 hrs, objective); Paper III — Noting & Drafting, Precis Writing (200 marks, 3 hrs, subjective); Service Record Evaluation (100 marks based on APARs). There is negative marking of 1/3rd for wrong answers in objective papers.
How to apply for LDCE 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through UPSC website (upsconline.nic.in) by October 6, 2026. Candidates must apply through their respective departments after verification of service records. The printed application must be forwarded by the department to the Cadre Controlling Authority by October 23, 2026. A one-time edit facility is available for URN profile updates.
What are the exam centres for LDCE 2026?
LDCE 2026 will be held at 5 examination centres: Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Nagpur. Candidates will be informed of their specific centre through the e-Admit Card. No requests for change of centre will be entertained.
Is there negative marking in LDCE?
Yes, there is negative marking in LDCE. For each wrong answer in objective type papers (Paper I and Paper II), one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.
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