UPSC Civil Services IAS / Forest Services IFS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1013 Vacancies
UPSC Civil Services / Forest Service IAS / IFS Recruitment 2026
- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Civil Services (IAS) and Forest Services (IFS) Recruitment 2026.
- A total of 1013 vacancies are available, with 933 posts for the Civil Services (IAS) and 80 posts for the Indian Forest Service (IFS).
- The online application process for the Prelims exam commenced on 04/02/2026 and concluded on 27/02/2026.
- The UPSC Civil Services and Forest Services Preliminary Examination was successfully conducted on 24/05/2026.
- The Preliminary Exam results were officially declared on 15/06/2026 (Roll-wise) and 17/06/2026 (Name-wise).
- Candidates who qualified in the Prelims can now fill out the Mains Online Form from 19/06/2026 to 29/06/2026 (up to 06:00 PM).
- The minimum age limit to apply is 21 years, and the maximum age limit is 32 years as of 01/08/2026, with age relaxation applicable as per rules.
- For IAS, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- For IFS, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one core science subject such as Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, etc.
- The application fee is Rs. 100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, while SC, ST, PH, and Female candidates are completely exempted from payment.
- Successful candidates will be recruited into prestigious services like IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, and other Group A & B central services.
- Candidates must complete the mandatory One Time Registration (OTR) on the official UPSC portal before filling out the application form.
Important Dates
Salary & Pay Scale
Documents Required for Application
- Scanned Passport Size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Educational Certificates (Graduation Degree/Marksheets)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PH, if applicable)
- Age Proof (Matriculation/10th Certificate)
Educational Qualification
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from any recognized university in India.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS): Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or equivalent.
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) / Civil Services | 933 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | 80 |
| Total | 1013 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 100/- |
| SC / ST | 0/- |
| PH / PWD | 0/- |
| Female | 0/- |
| Ex-Servicemen | 0/- |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or E-Challan |
Age Limit
Selection & Exam Process
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
- Objective type papers (General Studies I and CSAT) for screening purposes.
Phase II: Mains Examination
- Written descriptive exam consisting of 9 papers for final merit ranking.
Phase III: Personality Test (Interview)
- A face-to-face interview round to assess the candidate’s suitability for administrative services.
UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam Pattern
- Paper I (General Studies): 100 Questions, 200 Marks, Duration: 2 Hours (Merit-ranking paper).
- Paper II (CSAT): 80 Questions, 200 Marks, Duration: 2 Hours (Qualifying paper with minimum 33% marks).
- Both papers consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions with a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question.
UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam Pattern
- The Mains exam consists of 9 descriptive papers:
- Paper A & B (Qualifying): Indian Language & English (300 Marks each).
- Paper I: Essay (250 Marks).
- Paper II to V: General Studies I, II, III, IV (250 Marks each).
- Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject Paper I & II (250 Marks each).
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Go to the official UPSC application portal (upsconline.nic.in).
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Log in using your OTR ID and password.
- Fill out the application form for Civil Services (Mains) or Prelims as applicable.
- Upload the required scanned documents (photo, signature, ID proof).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 (if applicable) online.
- Preview all the details carefully before final submission.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most challenging competitive exams in India. The syllabus is vast and requires a structured approach to cover all topics comprehensively. For the Preliminary stage, candidates must focus on General Studies Paper I, which covers Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs. Paper II (CSAT) tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numeracy. For the Mains stage, the syllabus expands into nine descriptive papers, including an Essay paper, four General Studies papers, and two Optional Subject papers. Deep conceptual clarity and regular answer-writing practice are essential to master the Mains syllabus.
UPSC Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The Preliminary exam consists of objective-type questions with a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer. CSAT is qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum of 33% to pass. The Mains exam is entirely descriptive and tests the candidate’s intellectual depth rather than just memory. Each of the seven merit-ranking papers carries 250 marks, making a total of 1750 marks. The final stage is the Personality Test, which carries 275 marks, bringing the grand total to 2025 marks. Candidates are ranked based on their combined scores in the Mains and the Interview.
Top Preparation Tips for UPSC 2026
- Consistent Newspaper Reading: Stay updated with daily national and international events by reading standard newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express.
- NCERT Foundation: Build a strong foundation by thoroughly reading NCERT textbooks from Class 6 to 12 for core subjects like History, Geography, and Polity.
- Answer Writing Practice: Start practicing answer writing early. Focus on structuring your answers with an introduction, body, and conclusion, incorporating relevant data and diagrams.
- Mock Tests & Revision: Regularly solve previous years’ question papers and participate in mock test series to improve time management and accuracy.
All information is compiled from official notifications for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify all details from the official notification PDF and official website before applying. We are not responsible for any error or inconvenience caused.