UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026: Complete Guide, Dates, Syllabus & Strategy

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of India’s most prestigious examinations — the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination. These exams open doors to careers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), and other top-level government services.

The UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026 is expected to begin in January 2026. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide for candidates interested in applying for the IAS or IFS exam. We cover eligibility, application process, selection stages, important dates, and helpful tips — all based on official information.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or revisiting the process, this guide will help you understand and navigate the UPSC recruitment process with confidence.

Overview of the Notification / Result / Job:

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination are conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission. These exams are held in three stages:

1. Preliminary Exam (Objective Type) – Common for both IAS and IFS
2. Mains Exam (Descriptive Type) – Separate for IAS and IFS
3. Interview / Personality Test

The Preliminary Exam 2026 is the first step for candidates aiming to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Forest Service (IFS). As per official information, the notification and online application process are expected to start in January 2026.

Note: The exact number of vacancies, exam dates, and detailed notification will be released by UPSC on its official website. Candidates are advised to check [https://upsc.gov.in/](https://upsc.gov.in/) regularly for updates.

Important Dates & Timeline:

The following table provides the expected timeline for the UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026. These dates are based on previous years’ schedules and official announcements. Actual dates may vary.

Event	Expected Date (2026)
Notification Release	January 2026
Online Application Start Date	January 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	February 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment	February 2026
Form Correction Window	February 2026 (if applicable)
Preliminary Exam Date	To be notified later
Admit Card Release	Before the exam
Preliminary Result	To be announced

Important: All dates are tentative. Candidates must check the official UPSC website for confirmed dates.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026, candidates must meet certain eligibility conditions. These include age limit, educational qualification, and nationality. Below is a summary based on official information.

Category	Minimum Age	Maximum Age
General / EWS	21 years	32 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	21 years	35 years
SC / ST	21 years	37 years
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)	21 years	42 years

Note: Age relaxation is provided as per UPSC rules. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for detailed age relaxation criteria.

Service	Required Qualification
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)	Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a 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, or Agriculture, or an equivalent qualification.

Important: Candidates must have completed their degree by the time of application. Final-year students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the mains exam.

• For IAS and IFS, the candidate must be:

– A citizen of India, or
– A subject of Nepal, or
– A subject of Bhutan, or
– A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
– A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates from categories (b), (c), (d), and (e) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step):

Applying for the UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026 is done online through the official UPSC portal. Follow these steps carefully to complete your application.

Before applying, you must complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC Online Portal.

1. Go to: [https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/](https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/)
2. Click on “New Registration”.
3. Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and security code.
4. You will receive an OTR ID and password on your registered email and mobile.
5. Log in using your OTR ID and password.

Note: OTR is valid for all future UPSC exams. You only need to register once.

1. Log in to the UPSC Online Portal: [https://upsconline.gov.in/](https://upsconline.gov.in/)
2. Click on “Apply Online” for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
3. Select whether you are applying for IAS only, IFS only, or both.
4. Fill in personal details:

– Name, father’s name, mother’s name
– Date of birth
– Gender
– Category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)
– Nationality
– Educational qualification
– Address and contact details

1. Upload scanned copies of:

– Passport-size photograph (JPG, 20–300 KB)
– Signature (JPG, 20–300 KB)
– Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)

1. Choose your exam center from the available options.
2. Review all details carefully before submitting.

Category	Application Fee
General / EWS / OBC	Rs. 100/-
SC / ST / Female / PwBD	No fee (Rs. 0/-)

Payment Methods:

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Net Banking
• UPI
• Other online payment modes

Note: The fee is non-refundable. Make sure to complete payment before the last date.

1. After successful payment, click on “Submit”.
2. Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
3. Save your registration number and password safely.

Important: Do not send any physical documents to UPSC unless specifically asked.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method:

The UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Examination is conducted in three stages:

Stage	Description	Type	Duration
Preliminary Exam	Objective-type questions (2 papers)	MCQ	2 hours each
Mains Exam	Descriptive papers (9 papers for IAS, 6 for IFS)	Written	3 hours each
Interview / Personality Test	Face-to-face interview with UPSC board	Oral	20–30 minutes

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration	Type
Paper I	General Studies (Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science)	200	2 hours	Objective (MCQ)
Paper II	CSAT (Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Basic Numeracy)	200	2 hours	Objective (MCQ)

Note: Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature. You need 33% marks to pass. Only Paper I marks are counted for merit.

• IAS Mains: 9 papers (7 counted for merit, 2 qualifying)
• IFS Mains: 6 papers (all counted for merit)

• Conducted for candidates who qualify the mains exam.
• Carries 275 marks for IAS and 300 marks for IFS.
• Tests personality, communication skills, and suitability for civil services.

Final Selection: Based on mains + interview marks. Preliminary exam marks are not counted in the final merit.

Documents Required:

When applying online, you will need to upload or submit the following documents:

Document	Purpose	Format / Size
Passport-size photograph	Application form	JPG, 20–300 KB
Signature	Application form	JPG, 20–300 KB
Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)	Identity verification	JPG / PDF, 20–300 KB
Educational certificates	Qualification proof	Not required at application stage (may be asked later)
Caste certificate (if applicable)	Category verification	PDF, 200–500 KB
Disability certificate (if applicable)	PwBD verification	PDF, 200–500 KB
EWS certificate (if applicable)	Income and asset proof	PDF, 200–500 KB

Important: Keep original and photocopies of all documents ready for verification during later stages.

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope:

Service	Entry-Level Post	Basic Pay (per month)	Total Salary (approx.)
IAS	Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)	Rs. 56,100	Rs. 80,000–1,00,000
IFS	Assistant Conservator of Forests	Rs. 56,100	Rs. 80,000–1,00,000

Note: Salary increases with promotions. Senior IAS/IFS officers can earn up to Rs. 2,25,000 per month at the highest levels.

• Job Security: Permanent government job with pension.
• Housing: Government accommodation or house rent allowance.
• Medical: Free medical care for self and family.
• Travel: Official vehicle and travel allowances.
• Education: Children’s education allowance.
• Prestige & Power: High social status and decision-making authority.

• IAS Officers: Can rise to positions like District Magistrate, Secretary to Government of India, Chief Secretary, etc.
• IFS Officers: Can become Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Director General of Forests, or work in international organizations like the UN.

Note: Both services offer opportunities for specialization, training, and international postings.

Important Rules & Guidelines:

1. One Attempt Only: You can apply for the Preliminary Exam only once per year.
2. Number of Attempts:

– General: 6 attempts
– OBC: 9 attempts
– SC/ST: No limit (up to age limit)
– PwBD: 9 attempts (General/OBC), no limit (SC/ST)

1. No Change in Exam Center: Once chosen, you cannot change your exam center.
2. No Refund of Fee: Application fee is non-refundable.
3. Use Correct Details: Any false information can lead to disqualification.
4. Admit Card: Must be carried to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.
5. Mobile Phones & Gadgets: Not allowed inside the exam hall.
6. Dress Code: No specific dress code, but avoid wearing jewelry or accessories.

Important: Read the official notification carefully before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Incorrect Personal Details: Double-check name, date of birth, and category.
2. Wrong Photograph or Signature: Ensure they are clear and within size limits.
3. Missing Deadlines: Submit the form and pay the fee before the last date.
4. Not Reading the Notification: Many candidates miss important rules.
5. Choosing Wrong Exam Center: Choose a center close to your location.
6. Ignoring CSAT: Even though it’s qualifying, prepare for it.
7. Not Keeping a Copy of the Form: Always save a printout.
8. Using Fake Certificates: Can lead to permanent disqualification.

Who Should Apply / Check This?

You should apply for the UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026 if you:

✅ Are a graduate (or in final year) from a recognized university.
✅ Are between 21 and 32 years of age (with applicable relaxations).
✅ Want a prestigious, secure, and impactful career in government.
✅ Are interested in public administration, policy-making, or forest conservation.
✅ Have strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
✅ Are ready to work hard and prepare for a competitive exam.

Note: This exam is not for those looking for a quick or easy job. It requires long-term preparation and dedication.

UPSC Prelims 2026 Syllabus + Study Plan: Daily 8-Hour Timetable, 90-Day Crash Course & Strategy

FAQs: UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Exam 2026

Q1. When will the UPSC Civil Services 2026 notification be released?
A1. The official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS/IFS) 2026 is expected to be released in January 2026, as per official information. Students are advised to check the UPSC website for the final confirmation.

Q2. What is the expected last date to apply for the UPSC CSE 2026?
A2. The last date to apply online is expected to be in February 2026. However, the exact deadline will be announced in the official notification. Candidates must check the official website for confirmation and avoid last-minute submissions.

Q3. Can I apply for both the IAS and IFS through the same application?
A3. Yes. You can apply for both the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) using the same application form for the Civil Services Examination. However, you must first qualify the Preliminary Exam to be eligible for the Mains stage for these services.

Q4. Is there age relaxation for reserved categories?
A4. Yes. Age relaxation is provided as per the rules set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The standard relaxations are:

• OBC: 3 years
• SC/ST: 5 years
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 10 years
  Candidates should verify the exact criteria from the official notification.

Q5. What is the application fee for the UPSC CSE 2026?
A5. The application fee structure is as follows:

• General / EWS / OBC candidates: Rs. 100/-
• SC / ST / Female / PwBD candidates: No fee

Q6. Can final-year degree students apply for the UPSC CSE 2026?
A6. Yes. Final-year students can apply for the Preliminary Exam. However, they must submit proof of passing the required degree before the specified deadline for the Mains Examination application.

Q7. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?
A7. The number of permissible attempts varies by category:

• General Category: 6 attempts
• OBC Category: 9 attempts
• SC/ST Category: No limit (up to the upper age limit)

Q8. What is the structure of the UPSC Preliminary Exam?
A8. The Prelims consists of two compulsory papers:

• Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
• Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) – (200 marks, qualifying nature)

Q9. Are marks from the CSAT paper added to the Prelims merit list?
A9. No. The CSAT (Paper II) is only a qualifying paper. You need to secure a minimum of 33% marks to pass it. Only the marks obtained in Paper I (General Studies) are counted for determining the merit and cutoff for qualifying for the Mains Exam.

Q10. How and when can I download my UPSC Prelims admit card?
A10. The admit card is released on the official UPSC website approximately 2-3 weeks before the exam. You can download it by logging in with your registration number and date of birth (or password) as per the instructions provided.

Q11. What documents do I need to carry to the exam center?
A11. You must carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid original photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driver’s License).

Q12. Can I change my chosen exam center after submitting the application?
A12. No. As per standard UPSC procedure, once you have chosen and submitted your exam center preference, it cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Q13. What is the starting salary for an IAS officer?
A13. At the entry level (such as SDM), the basic pay is Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission). The total in-hand salary, including various allowances, is approximately Rs. 80,000–1,00,000, depending on the posting.

Q14. Is coaching necessary to clear the UPSC exam?
A14. No, coaching is not mandatory. Many successful candidates clear the exam through dedicated self-study, disciplined planning, and using standard resources. However, coaching institutes can provide structured guidance, study material, and test series, which may be helpful for some aspirants.

Q15. Where can I find the official and most accurate information?
A15. For all official announcements, notifications, and updates, you must always check the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) official website: https://upsc.gov.in/. This is the only authentic source for application forms, syllabi, and critical dates.

Official Links & Verification:

For authentic and updated information, always refer to the official UPSC website.

Purpose	Official Link
Official UPSC Website	[https://upsc.gov.in/](https://upsc.gov.in/)
Online Application Portal	[https://upsconline.gov.in/](https://upsconline.gov.in/)
One-Time Registration (OTR)	[https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/](https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/)
Download Admit Card	[https://upsconline.gov.in/eadmitcard/](https://upsconline.gov.in/eadmitcard/)
Previous Year Notifications	[https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-notifications](https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-notifications)
Age Calculator (for eligibility)	[https://upsc.gov.in/age-calculator](https://upsc.gov.in/age-calculator)

Tip: Bookmark the official website and check it regularly for updates.

The UPSC website [https://upsc.gov.in/] is the most reliable source for exam-related information. Here’s how to use it:

1. Homepage: Check the “What’s New” section for latest notifications.
2. Examinations Tab: Click on “Examinations” → “Active Examinations” to find the Civil Services Exam 2026.
3. Download Notification: Click on the notification link to read the official PDF.
4. Apply Online: Use the link provided in the notification to go to the UPSC Online Portal.
5. Admit Card: Go to “Admit Cards” under the Examinations tab to download yours.
6. Results: Check the “Results” section for exam outcomes.
7. FAQs & Help: Visit the “FAQ” or “Contact Us” section for queries.

Important: Avoid third-party websites for official information. Always verify from [https://upsc.gov.in/](https://upsc.gov.in/).

SSC Online Tools – Photo, Eligibility, OTR, Admit Card & More

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and updated information, we are not affiliated with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

• All dates, eligibility, and rules are based on previous years and expected schedules. Actual details may change.
• Candidates are advised to check the official UPSC website [https://upsc.gov.in/] for the latest and confirmed information.
• We do not guarantee the accuracy of third-party links or tools mentioned in this article.
• No part of this article should be considered legal or official advice.

For official updates, always refer to the UPSC notification and website.