The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Civil Services (IAS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026. This is the most prestigious recruitment drive in India, offering a gateway to serve in top administrative and ecological roles. With 933 vacancies announced, candidates must act fast as the last date to apply is Today, 27 February 2026.
UPSC IAS/IFS Recruitment 2026: Overview (अवलोकन)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services (IAS) & Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 Posts |
| Job Location | All India |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 February 2026 (Extended) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
Important Dates (महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां)
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Today) | 27 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam Starts | 21 August 2026 |
Application Fee & Age Limit (शुल्क और आयु सीमा)
| Category | Application Fee | Age Limit (As on 01/08/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100/- | Min: 21 Years Max: 32 Years (Born between 02/08/1994 and 01/08/2005) |
| SC / ST / PH / Female | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility (पद और पात्रता)
| Post Name | Total Post | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| IAS (Civil Services) | 933 | Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognized university. |
| IFS (Forest Service) | Bachelor Degree with one of following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or Forestry. |
Selection Process (चयन प्रक्रिया)
The selection process for UPSC CSE 2026 consists of three rigorous stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination – Objective type (Qualifying).
- Stage 2: Main Examination – Descriptive/Written type (9 Papers).
- Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview) – Final assessment of suitability.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus (परीक्षा पैटर्न और पाठ्यक्रम)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper I | History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Env, Current Affairs | 200 | 1/3rd (0.66) |
| GS Paper II (CSAT) | Reasoning, Math, Comprehension (Qualifying 33%) | 200 | 1/3rd (0.83) |
Salary & Pay Scale (वेतनमान)
Officers recruited through UPSC CSE are placed in Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.
- Entry Level Basic Pay: ₹ 56,100/-
- Gross Salary: ₹ 82,000 to ₹ 1,00,000+ per month (Depending on city category X, Y, Z).
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and several non-monetary perks like government accommodation and security.
Documents Required Checklist (आवश्यक दस्तावेज)
- Scanned Passport size Photograph & Signature (.jpg format, 20-300kb).
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport).
- Class 10th Marksheet (Proof of Date of Birth).
- Degree/Provisional Graduation Certificate.
- Category Certificate (EWS/OBC/SC/ST) if applicable.
Important Links Table (महत्वपूर्ण लिंक)
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Registration) | Click Here |
| Check Date Extend Notice | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Group | Join Now |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for UPSC 2026?
The last date for online application submission is 27 February 2026, until 6:00 PM.
Q2: Can final year students apply for IAS 2026?
Yes, final year graduation students can apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing at the time of the Mains DAF submission.
Q3: What is the minimum age for UPSC?
The minimum age required is 21 years as of August 1, 2026.
Q4: Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd marks for every wrong answer in both GS and CSAT papers.
Q5: How many attempts are allowed for General Category?
Candidates from the General category are allowed 6 attempts until the age of 32.
Q6: What is the CSAT qualifying score?
Candidates must score at least 33% (66.67 marks) in Paper II (CSAT) to qualify for evaluation of Paper I.
Q7: What is the salary of an IAS officer in 2026?
The starting basic pay is ₹56,100, with a gross monthly salary of approx ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 depending on location.
Q8: Can I apply for both IAS and IFS?
Yes, if you meet the specific educational eligibility for IFS (Science/Agri background), you can apply for both through the same Preliminary exam.