UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 Online Form – 933 Vacancies Released
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the commencement of the recruitment process for the highly prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026. The Commission released the detailed notification on its official website, outlining the eligibility criteria, application process, examination pattern, and key dates for aspirants across the country. This notification marks the beginning of the journey for candidates aiming to join the nation's premier administrative and forest services.
This year, the UPSC recruitment drive aims to fill a substantial number of positions through the UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026. The official notification confirms a total of 933 vacancies, encompassing both the Civil Services (including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group 'A' services) and the Indian Forest Service. The UPSC online form 2026 application window is now open, providing prospective candidates with the opportunity to register for one of the most challenging and competitive examinations in India.
Aspirants should note that the UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026 serves as the common qualifying test for both the Civil Services and the Indian Forest Service examinations. The selection process is meticulous and spans three distinct stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates must successfully navigate all three stages to secure a position among the country's top bureaucrats or forest officials.
The application process is completely online, and candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly read the official notification before initiating their registration. The UPSC online application form requires a one-time registration (OTR) on the Commission's portal, followed by filling out the detailed application form for the specific examination. Given the immense competition, early preparation and careful adherence to instructions are crucial for every candidate.
The announcement of 933 vacancies is a significant event in the government sector job landscape, attracting millions of applicants. The UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 notification details important information such as the application fee structure, age relaxation rules for different categories, and specific educational qualifications required for each service. Candidates must pay close attention to the specific requirements for the Indian Forest Service, which differ in terms of educational background compared to the Civil Services Examination.
Key Details: UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Examination 2026
The following table summarizes the key details related to the UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 online form and notification. It provides a quick overview for candidates to understand the scope of the recruitment drive.
| Post Name | Civil Services (IAS) & Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Posts | 933 Vacancies |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Type | Preliminary, Mains, and Interview |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 15 May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Educational Qualification
Eligibility for the UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 varies slightly between the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations, particularly concerning educational qualifications. Candidates must ensure they meet all criteria before applying. Failure to meet the eligibility requirements at any stage of the process can lead to disqualification.
Age Limit Criteria:
As per the standard rules set by the UPSC, the age limit for candidates appearing for the UPSC CSE 2026 and IFS 2026 examinations is as follows:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must have attained the age of 21 years as on 1st August 2026.
- Maximum Age: The upper age limit for General category candidates is typically 32 years as on 1st August 2026.
Age Relaxation Rules:
The Union Public Service Commission provides age relaxation for different categories in accordance with government regulations. These relaxations are crucial for candidates from reserved categories:
- OBC (Other Backward Classes): A relaxation of up to 3 years in the upper age limit (up to 35 years).
- SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): A relaxation of up to 5 years in the upper age limit (up to 37 years).
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): A relaxation of up to 10 years in the upper age limit.
Educational Qualification Requirement:
The educational qualification requirement for the Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, etc.) is different from that for the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFS). Candidates applying for both services must meet the specific criteria for each.
For Civil Services Examination (IAS):
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from any recognized university established under a Central or State Act in India. The degree can be in any discipline, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, or Engineering. Final year students are also eligible to apply for the preliminary examination, provided they produce proof of passing their degree examination by the time of the Mains Examination.
For Indian Forest Service Examination (IFS):
The IFS examination has more specific educational requirements. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least one of the following subjects from a recognized university:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- An equivalent degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
This difference in educational qualification often means a smaller pool of applicants for the IFS exam compared to the CSE exam, though the competition remains intense.
Application Process: How to Apply Online for UPSC CSE/IFS 2026
The UPSC online form submission process has been streamlined and requires candidates to follow specific steps carefully. The entire process consists of two main parts: One Time Registration (OTR) and filling out the specific application form for the examination.
Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)
All new candidates must first register on the UPSC OTR platform. This involves providing basic personal details, contact information, and creating a unique login ID and password. The OTR profile is permanent and can be used for all future UPSC examinations. Existing users who have previously registered for other exams (like CDS, NDA, or previous CSEs) can use their existing OTR details.
Step 2: Filling the UPSC Online Application Form
After OTR registration, candidates must log in to the portal and select the UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 link. The application form requires details such as:
- Personal Information: Name, parent’s name, address, category, etc.
- Educational Details: Information about the degree received (or expected).
- Choice of Examination Centre: Selection of the preferred centre for the preliminary examination.
- Optional Subjects: For candidates applying for both CSE and IFS, selection of optional subjects for the respective main examinations (note: optional subjects for IFS are different).
Step 3: Uploading Documents and Application Fee Payment
Candidates must upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature according to the specifications provided in the notification. The application fee payment is the final step. The standard fee is typically Rs. 100/- for male candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories. All female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from paying the fee.
Selection Process and Examination Pattern Overview
The selection process for UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 is highly detailed and designed to test candidates' knowledge, critical thinking, and personality traits. The structure of the examination is divided into three main stages:
Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
This is a screening test that serves as a filter for the Main Examination. The UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026 consists of two objective-type (multiple-choice questions) papers:
- Paper I: General Studies (GS) Paper I - This paper covers topics such as History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science, Environment, and Current Events. The marks obtained in this paper determine whether a candidate qualifies for the Mains. The total marks are 200.
- Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II - This paper tests comprehension, inter-personal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making, and basic numeracy. It is a qualifying paper only, meaning candidates must score a minimum of 33% (66 marks out of 200) to pass.
Stage II: Main Examination (Mains)
The Main Examination is subjective and requires descriptive answers. The structure differs slightly between CSE and IFS:
For Civil Services Examination (IAS): The Mains consist of nine papers in total. Two papers are language-based (compulsory Indian language and English), which are qualifying in nature. The remaining seven papers (Essay, four General Studies papers, and two optional subject papers) contribute to the final ranking.
For Indian Forest Service Examination (IFS): The Mains examination for IFS also has subjective papers, but the optional subjects are specific to the required educational background. The pattern includes General English, General Knowledge, and two optional subjects (two papers each). The total number of papers for IFS Mains is typically six, and the subjects are chosen from the list of qualifying subjects mentioned earlier.
Stage III: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify the Mains examination are called for the Personality Test, or Interview. This stage assesses a candidate's overall personality, mental ability, and aptitude for a career in public service. The interview board questions candidates on their knowledge of current affairs, personal background, and general awareness. The final rank list for both CSE and IFS is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Mains Examination and the Personality Test.
Important Dates and Preparation Timeline
Aspirants should carefully track the important dates provided by UPSC to avoid missing crucial deadlines. The UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 notification provides the following tentative dates for the recruitment cycle:
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 24 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 February 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card Release Date | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026 | 15 May 2026 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Date (CSE) | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| UPSC Mains Exam Date (IFS) | November 2026 (Tentative) |
The entire examination process spans approximately one year from the preliminary exam to the final result declaration. Candidates are advised to create a strategic study plan well in advance to cover the vast syllabus. Key areas of focus should include current affairs, core subjects from NCERT books, and practicing mock tests, especially for the UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026.
UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 FAQs
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 online form and selection process, providing clarity on common queries from aspirants.
How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Examination depends on the candidate's category. General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts until they reach the age of 32 years. OBC candidates get 9 attempts up to the age of 35 years. SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until they reach the age of 37 years.
Is the Preliminary Examination common for both IAS and IFS?
Yes, the UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026 is common for both the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations. Candidates applying for both services only need to appear once for the Prelims. However, they must apply separately for both services during the application process and fulfill the specific educational requirements for IFS.
What is the difference between IAS and IFS in terms of educational requirements?
For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), a candidate needs any bachelor's degree from a recognized university. For the Indian Forest Service (IFS), the candidate must hold a bachelor's degree with a specific science or engineering background, such as Botany, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, or Agriculture, among others.
What is the fee structure for the UPSC Civil Services IAS IFS Pre Exam 2026 application form?
The application fee for the UPSC online form is typically Rs. 100/- for male candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories. Female candidates and candidates from the SC/ST/PwBD categories are completely exempted from paying the application fee. Payment must be made online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Do I need to fill out separate online forms if I apply for both IAS and IFS?
While the preliminary examination is common, candidates who wish to apply for both services must indicate their intention in the single online application form. They must meet the specific eligibility criteria for both services. The application form allows candidates to select the option for applying to either CSE only, IFS only, or both examinations.
What should I do if I forget my OTR password for the UPSC portal?
Candidates can easily reset their password by using the "Forgot Password" functionality on the UPSC OTR portal. The password reset process usually requires entering the registered email ID or mobile number, and a new password can be generated by following the instructions sent via email or SMS.
Can final year students apply for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?
Yes, final year students who are currently pursuing their graduation and expect to complete their degree before the Main Examination date are eligible to apply for the UPSC Preliminary Examination 2026. However, they must submit proof of passing their degree before appearing for the Mains Examination.
Is the CSAT paper scoring or qualifying in nature?
The CSAT paper (Paper II of the preliminary exam) is qualifying in nature. This means candidates must score a minimum of 33% of the total marks (66 out of 200) to be considered for the Main Examination. The marks from the CSAT paper are not added to calculate the cut-off for the preliminary exam.
Where can I find detailed information on the syllabus for the UPSC CSE and IFS exams?
The detailed syllabus for both the UPSC Civil Services Examination and the Indian Forest Service Examination is provided in the official notification released by the UPSC. Aspirants should download the notification from the official website (upsc.gov.in) to access the specific syllabus for Prelims and Mains, including a list of optional subjects for each service.
How important are current affairs for the UPSC exam?
Current affairs play a highly crucial role in both the Preliminary and Main examinations. The General Studies papers in both stages heavily feature questions related to contemporary events, government schemes, international relations, and environmental issues. Aspirants should dedicate significant time to regularly reading newspapers and analyzing current events in relation to static subjects.