The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification (Advt. No. 05/2026) for the UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Recruitment 2026. This is one of the most prestigious examinations in the country, aiming to fill 933 vacancies across the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). The online application process commenced on February 04, 2026. Eligible graduates looking to serve the nation in top administrative roles must submit their applications for the UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Recruitment 2026 before the deadline on February 24, 2026.
Recruitment Overview
The following table provides a comprehensive summary of the examination details.
| Criterion | Details |
| Recruitment Board | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services and Forest Service (IAS / IFS) Exam 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 05/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 Posts |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates must carefully track the following timeline to ensure they do not miss any critical deadlines for the UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Recruitment 2026.
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start Date | February 04, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | February 24, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | February 24, 2026 |
| Pre Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Result Date | To be updated soon |
Vacancy Details
The commission has announced a combined total of 933 vacancies. The distribution is generally heavily weighted toward the Civil Services.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
| Indian Administrative Services (IAS) | 933 Posts (Combined) |
| Indian Forest Services (IFS) | Included in total / As per detailed notification |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must strictly meet the educational and age requirements defined by the UPSC.
Educational Qualification
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India. Final-year students are also eligible to apply provisionally.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS): Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in specific science subjects such as Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or equivalent qualifications.
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Date of Birth Range: Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 02, 1994, and not later than August 01, 2005.
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for reserved categories (OBC – 3 years, SC/ST – 5 years, PwBD – 10 years) as per government rules.
Application Fee
The application fee can be paid online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallet.
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST / PH Candidates | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
| All Female Candidates | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
Selection Process
The selection for this highly competitive exam involves three rigorous stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective): Consists of General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II (Qualifying).
- Mains Examination (Descriptive): Consists of 9 papers, including optional subjects and essay writing.
- Interview / Personality Test: Final stage to assess the candidate’s overall suitability for a career in public service.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit your application for the UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal (upsconline.nic.in).
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already done so.
- Log in using your Registration ID and Password.
- Click on the link to apply for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
- Fill out Part-I (Personal details) and Part-II (Payment, Center selection, Photo/Signature upload) of the application form.
- Pay the application fee of ₹ 100/- (if applicable).
- Submit the final form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
| Link Title | Direct Link |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is February 24, 2026.
Q2: When will the UPSC Prelims 2026 be conducted?
The Preliminary examination is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
Q3: Can final-year graduation students apply for IAS 2026?
Yes, candidates in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree can apply provisionally for the Preliminary exam.
Q4: Is there any fee for female candidates?
No, all female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q5: What is the age limit for General category candidates?
The age limit for General category candidates is 21 to 32 years as of August 01, 2026.