The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (IAS/IFS) Preliminary Examination 2026, inviting applications for prestigious government roles. This recruitment drive aims to fill a combined total of 933 positions. The application window commenced on February 04, 2026, and interested candidates must submit their forms by February 24, 2026. This examination, identified by Advertisement No. 05/2026, is a crucial step for aspiring civil servants and forest officers.
Important Dates
Candidates should note the key dates for the UPSC Civil Services and Indian Forest Service Preliminary Examination 2026 to ensure they do not miss any deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | February 04, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | February 24, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | February 24, 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Result Announcement | To be announced |
Vacancy Details
A total of 933 positions are available through this recruitment process, encompassing both the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). These services are central to India’s governance and environmental conservation efforts.
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 933 (Combined Total) |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | Included in Combined Total |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for these examinations, candidates must meet specific age and educational requirements as of August 01, 2026. It’s important to review these criteria carefully before applying.
Age Limit (as of August 01, 2026)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 32 years |
| Date of Birth Range | Not earlier than August 02, 1994, and not later than August 01, 2005 |
| Age Relaxation | Additional age relaxation is provided for eligible categories as per UPSC rules. |
Educational Qualifications
The academic requirements vary slightly between the two services:
- For Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a university recognized in India.
- For Indian Forest Service (IFS): Candidates need a bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, or Agriculture. Equivalent qualifications are also accepted.
It is strongly recommended to review the official notification for complete details on eligibility before submitting your application.
Application Fee
The application fee structure for the UPSC Civil Services and Indian Forest Service Preliminary Examination 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General, OBC, EWS | ₹100 |
| SC, ST, PH Candidates | ₹0 (Exempted) |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0 (Exempted) |
Fees can be paid online using various methods, including Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card, or Mobile Wallet. Ensure your payment is completed by the deadline of February 24, 2026.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in applying for the UPSC Civil Services and Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 should follow these steps:
- Visit the application portal directly via this online application link.
- Alternatively, navigate to the official UPSC website and locate the notification for Civil Services and Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 (Advt. No. 05/2026).
- Register yourself and proceed to fill out the detailed online application form.
- Upload all required documents, including your photograph and signature, as per the specified guidelines.
- Complete the application fee payment online, if applicable to your category.
- Carefully review all the information entered before final submission.
- Ensure your application is submitted successfully before the closing date of February 24, 2026.
Always refer to the official notification for precise instructions and to avoid any errors during the application process.
Selection Process
The selection for the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Forest Service is a multi-stage process designed to identify the most suitable candidates. It comprises three main examinations:
- Preliminary Examination: This is the initial screening test, typically objective in nature.
- Mains Examination: Candidates who qualify in the Prelims proceed to this stage, which involves a series of descriptive written papers.
- Interview (Personality Test): The final stage is an interview conducted by the UPSC board to assess the candidate’s personality, mental aptitude, and suitability for a career in public service.
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