About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced a recruitment drive for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026. There are 1013 vacancies to be filled through this drive. The appointed candidates will be posted in All India. The official notification is available on www.upsc.gov.in.
Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal. the application window opens on 04/02/2026. It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Key highlights — age limit: 21–32 years; application fee varies by category. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Detailed information about the selection process, exam pattern, and syllabus is available in the sections below.
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 |
✏️ 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 |
| Relaxation (EX-SERVICEMEN) | 5 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)
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 are the important dates for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
Application Start: 04/02/2026
What is the minimum educational qualification for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
Bachelor's degree in any stream for IAS; Bachelor's degree with specified subjects for IFS
What is the age limit for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
Minimum Age: 21 years.
Maximum Age: 32 years.
Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
What is the application fee for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
General: 100
OBC: 100
EWS: 100
SC: 0
ST: 0
PwD: 0
Female: 0
What is the selection process for Civil Services and Forest Services IAS / IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
Preliminary Examination
Main Examination
Personality Test (Interview)
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 SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates exempted from paying the application fee?
Yes, SC, ST, PwD, and all category female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee (₹0).
What is the minimum and maximum age limit for UPSC IAS/IFS 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as on 01 August 2026.
What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates?
OBC candidates are eligible for a 3-year age relaxation as per UPSC rules.
What is the exam date for UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026.
When will the admit card for UPSC IAS/IFS Prelims 2026 be available?
The admit card will be available for download from 15 May 2026.
What is the educational qualification required for 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 Indian Forest Service (IFS) eligibility?
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.
How many total vacancies are there in UPSC IAS/IFS Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 1013 vacancies (933 for IAS and 80 for IFS).
What is the selection process for UPSC Civil Services and Forest Services?
The selection process includes Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).
What is the exam pattern for UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination?
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I (200 marks) and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT, 200 marks), each of 2 hours duration. There is negative marking of one-third of the marks for wrong answers.
What documents are required to apply for UPSC IAS/IFS 2026?
Required documents include passport-sized photograph, signature, ID proof, date of birth proof, caste certificate (if applicable), disability certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), ex-servicemen certificate (if applicable), NOC (if employed), and domicile certificate (if applicable).
Can I edit my application form after submission?
Yes, there is a correction window from 28 February 2026 to 03 March 2026 to edit the application form.
Where can I apply for UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.