The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the highly anticipated Civil Services Examination 2026, including both the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) positions. With 933 vacancies across various prestigious government services, this is one of the most sought-after career opportunities for aspirants across India. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UPSC CSE 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and frequently asked questions.

| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Vacancy Name | Civil Services & Indian Forest Services Examination 2026 |
| Total Post | 933 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 24 February 2026 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates (महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां)
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | As per Notification |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Main Examination | June 2026 |
| Personality Test (Interview) | August/September 2026 |
Application Fee (आवेदन फीस)
| General/OBC (Preliminary Exam) | Rs. 100/- |
| General/OBC (Main Exam) | Rs. 200/- |
| SC/ST/PH Candidates | Rs. 0/- (No Fee) |
| All Female Candidates | Rs. 0/- (No Fee) |
Payment Methods: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or E-Challan
Vacancy Information (वैकेंसी)
Total Vacancies: 933 Posts
The Civil Services Examination 2026 offers recruitment to the following prestigious services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Forest Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian P&T Accounts & Finance Service Group A
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service Group A
- Indian Defence Accounts Service Group A
- Indian Revenue Service (I.T.) Group A
- Indian Postal Service Group A
- Indian Civil Accounts Service Group A
- Indian Railway Traffic Service Group A
- Pondicherry Civil Service, Group B
- Pondicherry Police Service Group B
- Indian Trade Service Group A (Grade III)
- Indian Corporate Law Service, Group A
- Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group A
- Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group A
- Indian Railway Personnel Service Group A
- India Defence Estates Service, Group A
- Assistant Security Commissioner in Railways Protection Force Group A
- Indian Ordnance Factories Service Group A
- India Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise)
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service Group B
- And other Group A & B Services
Post-wise
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | Bachelor Degree with at least one subject from: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Geology, Statistics, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Agriculture OR Equivalent |
| Other Services (IPS, IRS, etc.) | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India |
Qualification (योग्यता)
Educational Qualification
For IAS (Indian Administrative Service):
- Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university in India
- Candidates appearing in final year can also apply
- Must possess the degree before Main Examination
For IFS (Indian Forest Service):
- Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Geology
- Statistics & Zoology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Agriculture or Equivalent
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India
- For certain posts, subjects of Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible
- Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from specific countries may also apply (subject to conditions)
Age Limit (आयु सीमा)
Age as on August 1, 2026
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Age Relaxation for OBC: 3 years (Maximum age: 35 years)
- Age Relaxation for SC/ST: 5 years (Maximum age: 37 years)
- Age Relaxation for PwD (General): 10 years (Maximum age: 42 years)
- Age Relaxation for PwD (OBC): 13 years (Maximum age: 45 years)
- Age Relaxation for PwD (SC/ST): 15 years (Maximum age: 47 years)
Number of Attempts
| Category | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|
| General Category | 6 Attempts |
| OBC | 9 Attempts |
| SC/ST | Unlimited Attempts (up to age limit) |
Selection Process & Exam Pattern (चयन प्रक्रिया)
The UPSC Civil Services Examination follows a rigorous three-stage selection process:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type – Screening)
📄 Paper-I: General Studies-I
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deduction for wrong answers
📄 Paper-II: General Studies-II (CSAT)
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Nature: Qualifying Paper (Minimum 33% marks required)
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deduction for wrong answers
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written – Descriptive)
The Main Examination consists of 9 papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies-I | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies-II | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies-III | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies-IV (Ethics) | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
| Total Written Marks: | 1,750 | |
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
- Maximum Marks: 275
- Scheduled: August/September 2026
- Conducted by a Board of competent and unbiased observers
- Tests mental caliber, personality traits, and overall suitability for career in Civil Services
🎯 Total Marks for Final Merit List: 2,025
(Written Examination: 1,750 + Personality Test: 275)
Important Links (महत्वपूर्ण लिंक)
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join Our WhatsApp | Click Here |
How To Apply (आवेदन कैसे करें)
Follow these simple steps to complete your UPSC Civil Services 2026 online application:
- Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in
- Step 2: Click on the “Online Application” link for Civil Services Examination 2026 on the homepage
- Step 3: Register yourself with basic details (if you are a new user) or login with your existing credentials
- Step 4: Fill in all required details carefully including:
- Personal information (Name, Date of Birth, Gender, etc.)
- Educational qualifications with year of passing
- Contact details (Email, Mobile Number, Address)
- Category and sub-category information
- Optional subject preference
- Step 5: Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 10-20 KB)
- Signature (JPEG format, 10-20 KB)
- ID proof as per specified dimensions
- Step 6: Pay the application fee through online mode:
- Debit Card / Credit Card
- Net Banking
- E-Challan (for offline payment at bank)
- Step 7: Review all entered information carefully before final submission
- Step 8: Submit the application form and note down the Registration Number
- Step 9: Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference
⚠️ Important Tips:
- Complete the application well before the deadline (24 February 2026)
- Keep all documents ready before starting the application
- Use a valid email ID and mobile number for future communication
- Save the registration number and password for future login
- Double-check all details before final submission
Other Information (अन्य जानकारी)
Important Tips for UPSC CSE 2026 Aspirants
- 📚 Read the official notification thoroughly before applying to understand all requirements
- ✅ Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before submitting the application
- 📄 Keep scanned documents ready (photograph, signature) in specified format and size
- 🔍 Double-check all entered information before final submission to avoid rejection
- ⏰ Complete the application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues
- 💾 Save the registration number and payment receipt for future reference
- 📖 Start preparing systematically with a well-planned study schedule covering all subjects
- 📰 Focus on both current affairs and static portions of the syllabus equally
- 📝 Practice previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level
- ⏳ Time management is crucial – practice mock tests regularly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026?
Answer: The last date to submit the online application is February 24, 2026. The fee payment deadline is also February 24, 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CSE 2026?
Answer: A total of 933 vacancies are available across various services including IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Group A and Group B services.
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC Civil Services 2026?
Answer: Candidates must be between 21 to 32 years of age as on August 1, 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government rules (OBC: 3 years, SC/ST: 5 years).
Q4. Is there any application fee for female candidates?
Answer: No, all female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee for both Preliminary and Main examinations.
Q5. When will the UPSC Preliminary Exam 2026 be conducted?
Answer: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026.
Q6. What is the educational qualification required for IAS?
Answer: A Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university in India is required for IAS. Candidates in their final year can also apply but must possess the degree before the Main Examination.
Q7. What is the difference between IAS and IFS eligibility?
Answer: While IAS requires a Bachelor’s degree in any stream, IFS specifically requires a degree with at least one subject from: Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Geology, Statistics, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Agriculture, or equivalent.
Q8. Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
Answer: Yes, there is negative marking in the Preliminary Examination. One-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Q9. How many times can I attempt the UPSC exam?
Answer: General category: 6 attempts, OBC: 9 attempts, SC/ST: unlimited attempts until the age limit.
Q10. What is the total marks for UPSC Civil Services?
Answer: The total marks for final merit calculation is 2,025, comprising Written Examination (1,750 marks) and Personality Test/Interview (275 marks).
Q11. Can final year students apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Answer: Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their graduation can apply for UPSC Civil Services, but they must possess the required degree before the Main Examination.
Q12. What payment methods are accepted for the application fee?
Answer: The application fee can be paid through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or E-Challan mode.
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for aspirants to serve the nation in prestigious administrative roles. With 933 vacancies across various services, dedicated preparation and timely application are crucial for success. Make sure to complete your online application before February 24, 2026, and begin your preparation journey with determination and consistency. Stay updated with the official UPSC website for any announcements or changes regarding the examination.
🎯 Best wishes for your UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026! 🎯
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Candidates are advised to check the official UPSC notification and website (www.upsc.gov.in) for complete and authentic information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend verifying all details from official sources before applying.
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