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 โ Total 1013 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) - Civil Services | 933 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream in Any Recognized University in India | โ |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | 80 | Bachelor Degree as one of Subject Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology, Agriculture or Equivalent | โ |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 04/02/2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 27/02/2026 |
| Last Date To Pay Fee | 27/02/2026 |
| Correction Window Start | 28/02/2026 |
| Correction Window End | 03/03/2026 |
| Pre Exam Date | 24/05/2026 |
| Admit Card Available | 15/05/2026 |
โ๏ธ 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 |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream (for IAS) or Bachelor Degree with specified subjects (for IFS) from a recognized university in India.
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 โ 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 โน100.
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 (โน0).
What is the minimum and maximum age limit for UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as on 1 August 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 is the educational qualification required for Indian Forest Service (IFS)?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree with one of the specified subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, or Agriculture.
When will the UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026 be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026.
When will the admit card for UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026 be available?
The admit card will be available for download from 15 May 2026.
What is the negative marking scheme in the UPSC Preliminary Examination?
There is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question for incorrect answers.
What are the subjects in the UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026?
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I (200 marks) and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT, 200 marks).
How can I apply for UPSC Civil Services and Forest Services Preliminary Examination 2026?
Candidates must complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC website, then fill and submit the online application form along with required documents and fee payment by 27 February 2026.
Is there a correction window available for the UPSC application form?
Yes, the correction window is available from 28 February 2026 to 03 March 2026 for editing submitted applications.
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 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and 80 for Indian Forest Service (IFS).
What is the probation period for selected candidates in UPSC Civil Services/Forest Services?
Selected candidates are required to serve a probation period of 2 years.
Where can I download the UPSC IAS/IFS Preliminary Examination 2026 admit card?
The admit card can be downloaded from the official UPSC website at https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/admitcard/ from 15 May 2026.