Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 February 2026 |
| UPSC Pre Examination Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Examination |
| Result Declaration | Will Be Updated Soon |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST | ₹0/- |
| PH Candidates | ₹0/- |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0/- |
- Fee payment through Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI only.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Age Calculation Date: 01 August 2026
Minimum Age Required: 21 Years
Maximum Age Limit: 32 Years
Eligible Date of Birth Range: Born between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005 (both dates inclusive)
👉 Important: Age relaxation for reserved categories will be applicable as per UPSC Civil Services rules.
- Check age using Online Age Calculator
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit for UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 is relaxable for reserved and special category candidates as per government rules. The category-wise age relaxation details are provided in the table below for clarity.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 Years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Up to 3 Years |
| Defence Services Personnel (disabled during hostilities) | Up to 3 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (including ECOs / SSCOs with at least 5 years of service) | Up to 5 Years |
| ECOs / SSCOs with extended service beyond 5 years (with MoD certificate) | Up to 5 Years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Up to 10 Years |
👉 Note: Age relaxation is applicable only to candidates who satisfy all eligibility conditions and produce valid supporting documents at the time of verification.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026, candidates must possess the required educational qualifications as prescribed by the commission. The qualification criteria differ slightly for IAS and IFS posts and are explained below.
For IAS (Indian Administrative Service):
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.For IFS (Indian Forest Service):
Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Animal Husbandry, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Zoology, or other related subjects from a recognized university.
👉 Note: Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for complete and detailed eligibility conditions before applying.
Vacancy Details – UPSC IAS / IFS Recruitment 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 offers a significant number of vacancies across prestigious services. The post-wise vacancy distribution announced for IAS and IFS is provided below to help candidates understand the overall intake.
| Service Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 933 Posts (Including IFS) |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | Included in Total |
👉 Important: The total number of vacancies includes posts for both IAS and IFS. Any change or service-wise bifurcation will be updated as per the official notification issued by UPSC.
How to Apply for UPSC IAS / IFS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online for UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 by following the step-by-step application process outlined below. Ensure that all details are filled correctly to avoid rejection at later stages.
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission – upsc.gov.in
Click on the Civil Services / IFS Examination 2026 – Apply Online link
Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process
Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and educational details
Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature in the prescribed format
Pay the application fee (if applicable)
Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference
👉 Tip: Carefully review the application form before final submission, as corrections may not be allowed later.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process – UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 selection process is conducted in multiple stages to assess candidates’ knowledge, analytical ability, and personality for top administrative roles.
Selection Process Overview
- The examination is held in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview/Personality Test
- Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next level
- Final selection and service allocation depend on merit rank and preferences
Preliminary Examination (Screening Stage)
- Consists of two objective-type papers (MCQs)
- Each paper carries 200 marks, total 400 marks
- General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying with 33% minimum marks
- Marks of Prelims are not counted in the final merit
- Negative marking of one-third marks for each wrong answer
Main Examination (Merit Stage)
- Includes 9 written papers, out of which 2 are qualifying
- 7 papers are counted for merit with a total of 1750 marks
- Papers include Essay, General Studies (I–IV), and Optional Subject (2 papers)
- Only candidates securing minimum qualifying marks are shortlisted for interview
Interview / Personality Test
- Conducted for candidates qualified in the Main Examination
- Carries 275 marks with no minimum qualifying marks
- Assesses personality traits, leadership, awareness, and suitability for public service
Final Merit
- Final ranking is based on Main Examination + Interview marks (Total 2025 marks)
- Tie-breaking is done using written papers, interview marks, and age (if required)
This structured examination process ensures fair and comprehensive selection for services under UPSC Civil Services Pre Recruitment 2026.
Salary Structure – UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026
Candidates selected through UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 will be offered an attractive salary package as per central government norms. The pay structure is governed by the recommendations of the latest pay commission and varies according to the post and service allotted after final selection.
- Pay Scale: As per 7th Pay Commission guidelines
- Pay Level: Post-wise pay level applicable after final service allocation
👉 Note: Along with the basic pay, selected candidates are also entitled to various allowances and benefits as applicable under government rules.
Useful Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
❓ Important FAQs – UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026
What is the selection process for UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026?
The selection process for UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026 is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final selection.
Is the UPSC IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 common for all services?
Yes, the UPSC IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 is a common preliminary examination for IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Civil Services. Service allocation is done after the final merit list.
When will the UPSC Prelims 2026 Notification be released?
The UPSC Prelims 2026 Notification is expected to be released in February 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check official updates for confirmation.
Can final-year students apply for IAS IFS Recruitment 2026 Apply Online?
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of their graduation are eligible to apply online, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination before the Main Examination.
Is there negative marking in UPSC Civil Services Pre Recruitment 2026?
Yes, there is negative marking in the Preliminary Examination. One-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect answer.
How many attempts are allowed in UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026?
The number of attempts varies by category. General category candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have no limit until the maximum age is reached.
Are the Prelims marks counted in the final merit?
No, the marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are only for qualification purposes. Final merit is prepared based on Main Examination and Interview marks only.
Can candidates choose IAS or IFS preference during application?
Yes, candidates can indicate their service preferences, including IAS and IFS, while filling the online application form. Final allocation depends on rank, preference, and vacancy availability.
