UPSC Announces Civil Services and Forest Service Mains Recruitment 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Civil Services and Forest Service (IAS/IFS) Mains recruitment for the year 2026. A total of 1013 vacancies are available, with applications now open for the Mains stage of the examination.
The online application window for the UPSC IFS Mains started on 13 July 2026 and will remain open until 22 July 2026. Candidates interested in applying are advised to review all eligibility criteria and details before submitting their forms.
For official information, visit the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) website.
Key Dates for UPSC Civil Services and Forest Service 2026
- Application Start Date: 4 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply (Extended): 27 February 2026
- Fee Payment Deadline: 27 February 2027
- Correction Window: 28 February to 3 March 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Admit Card Release: 15 May 2026
- Answer Key Release: 27 May 2026
- Prelims Result: 15 June 2026
- Name Wise Result: 17 June 2026
- IAS Mains Online Form Application Period: 19 June to 29 June 2026
- IFS Mains Online Form Application Period: 13 July to 22 July 2026
- Mains Exam Dates: 21, 22, 23, 29, and 30 August 2026
Application Fees
- General, EWS, OBC candidates: Rs. 100/-
- SC, ST, Female, and Persons with Disabilities: No fee
- Payment modes accepted include Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, and other online methods.
Age Eligibility
Age limits are calculated as of 1 August 2026:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC Civil Services rules.
Applicants can use the official age calculation tool linked on the UPSC website for accuracy.
Vacancy Breakdown
The recruitment includes a total of 1013 posts:
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Services (IAS) | 933 |
| Indian Forest Services (IFS) | 80 |
Educational Qualifications Required
Eligibility criteria vary by post:
- IAS: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian university.
- IFS: Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or an equivalent qualification.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of multiple stages:
- Preliminary Written Examination
- Mains Written Examination
- Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
How to Apply for UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal or the links provided below before the deadline. It is crucial to read the official notification carefully regarding eligibility, age limits, and qualifications before submitting the application.
Applications can be submitted via UPSC's official website or the direct application links listed in the Important Links section.
Important Links
- Apply Online IFS (Mains Form): Click Here
- Download IFS Mains Application Notice: Click Here
- Apply Online IAS (Mains Form): Click Here
- Download IAS Mains Application Notice: Click Here
- Download Name Wise Result: Click Here
- Download Pre Result (IAS): Click Here, IFS: Click Here
- Download Pre Answer Key (GS Paper 1): Click Here, (GS Paper 2): Click Here
- Download Pre Admit Card: Click Here
- Online Correction/Edit Form: Click Here
- Apply Online (OTR): Click Here
- Apply Last Date Extend Notice: Click Here
- Official Website: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the online application for UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains 2026 start?
A: The application process began on 13 July 2026.
Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: The final date to submit applications is 22 July 2026.
Q: What is the age limit for applicants?
A: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as of 1 August 2026, with applicable age relaxations.
Q: What educational qualifications are required?
A: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is mandatory. Specific subject requirements apply for IFS candidates.
Q: How can candidates apply?
A: Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC website or the provided links.
Q: How to download the results?
A: Results can be downloaded from the official UPSC website by entering registration details.
Q: What is the official UPSC website?
A: The official website is https://upsc.gov.in/.
