About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the recruitment process for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026. A total of 1013 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive. Selected candidates will be posted across All India.
Candidates can apply online through the official website. According to the notification, applications begin on 04/02/2026.
Key highlights: age requirement is 21 to 32 years, the application fee varies by category (see fee table below). Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and other requirements before applying.
Key Highlights
Vacancy Details — Total 1013 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) - Civil Services | 933 | Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university in India. | — |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | 80 | Bachelor's degree with one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture or equivalent. | — |
📊 Category-wise Reservation
Important Dates
| Application Start | 04/02/2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 27/02/2026 |
| Last Date To Pay Fee | 27/02/2026 |
| Correction Window | 28/02/2026 to 03/03/2026 |
| Pre Exam Date | 24/05/2026 |
| Admit Card Available | 15/05/2026 |
| Answer Key Available | 27/05/2026 |
✏️ Correction Window: 28/02/2026 to 03/03/2026
Application Fee
| General | 100 |
| OBC | 100 |
| EWS | 100 |
| SC | 0 |
| ST | 0 |
| PH / / / PwD | 0 |
| 0 |
Age Limit & Relaxation
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
| Age Cutoff Date | 01/08/2026 |
| Relaxation (OBC) | 3 years |
| Relaxation (SC) | 5 years |
| Relaxation (ST) | 5 years |
| Relaxation (PWD) | 10 years |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor's degree in any stream for IAS; Bachelor's degree with specified subjects for IFS.
Selection Process
Preliminary Examination
Main Examination
Personality Test (Interview)
Document Verification
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 200 | 2 hours |
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
How To Apply
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission — https://www.upsc.gov.in.
Read the official notification carefully and check your eligibility.
Click on the "Apply Online" / "Registration" link for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026.
Complete the registration by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in all required details: personal information, educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and address.
Upload scanned copies of your photograph (passport size), signature, and required documents as per the specifications.
Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway (if applicable).
Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application form and take a printout / save a PDF copy for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services and Forest Services Preliminary Examination 2026?
The last date to apply online is 27 February 2026 up to 06:00 PM.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates is ₹100.
Are there any fee exemptions for reserved categories?
Yes, SC, ST, PwD, and all female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the minimum and maximum age limit for applying to UPSC IAS/IFS 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as of 01 August 2026.
What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates?
OBC candidates are eligible for a 3-year age relaxation.
What is the educational qualification required for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS)?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university in India.
What subjects are required for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) qualification?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree with one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture or equivalent.
When will the UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026 be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026.
When will the admit cards for the Preliminary Examination be available?
Admit cards will be available for download from 15 May 2026.
When will the answer key for the Preliminary Examination be released?
The answer key for the Preliminary Examination will be available from 27 May 2026.
What is the negative marking scheme in the Preliminary Examination?
There is a negative marking of one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question for incorrect answers.
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC Civil Services and Forest Services Examination 2026?
The total number of vacancies is 1013, with 933 for IAS and 80 for IFS.
What is the selection process for UPSC Civil Services and Forest Services Examination?
The selection process includes Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test (Interview), and Document Verification.
What documents are required to be uploaded during the application process?
Documents required include passport-sized photograph, signature, ID proof, date of birth proof, caste certificate (if applicable), disability certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate (if applicable), degree certificate, mark sheets, experience certificate (if any), and NOC (if employed).
Is there a correction window available for the application form?
Yes, the correction window is available from 28 February 2026 to 03 March 2026.