About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced a recruitment drive for Civil Services / Forest Services IAS / IFS Pre 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 Degree in Any Stream in Any Recognized University in India | — |
| 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 | — |
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 |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream for IAS; Bachelor 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 / Forest Services IAS / IFS Pre 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 / Forest Services IAS / IFS Pre Examination 2026?
The last date to apply online is 27 February 2026 up to 06 PM.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates is INR 100.
Is there any fee exemption for SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates?
Yes, SC, ST, PwD, and all category female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the age limit for UPSC Civil Services / Forest Services IAS / IFS Pre Examination 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as on 01 August 2026.
What is the educational qualification required for Indian Administrative Service (IAS)?
Candidates need 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 need 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 Pre Exam 2026 be conducted?
The UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam 2026 is scheduled for 24 May 2026.
When will the admit card for the UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam 2026 be available?
The admit card will be available for download from 15 May 2026.
When will the answer key for the UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam 2026 be released?
The answer key will be available from 27 May 2026.
What is the negative marking scheme in the UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam?
There is a negative marking of one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question for wrong answers.
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC Civil Services / Forest Services IAS / IFS Pre Examination 2026?
The total number of vacancies is 1013, with 933 for IAS and 80 for IFS.
What is the correction window period for the UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam 2026 application form?
The correction window is from 28 February 2026 to 03 March 2026.
How can I pay the application fee for UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam 2026?
The application fee can be paid online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or E Challan.
Is One Time Registration (OTR) mandatory for applying to UPSC Civil Services / Forest Services IAS / IFS Pre Examination 2026?
Yes, One Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory for applying to this examination.
What documents are required to upload during the UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Exam 2026 application process?
Candidates need to upload a passport-sized photograph, signature, and ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License).