The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially initiated the UPSC IAS Recruitment 2026 process by releasing the notification (Advt. No. 05/2026) for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. This prestigious recruitment drive offers 933 vacancies for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and related services. Consequently, aspirants looking to join the country’s top bureaucracy must submit their online applications before the deadline. Notably, the online registration window is currently open and will close on February 24, 2026.
Recruitment Overview
The following table provides a comprehensive summary of the UPSC IAS Recruitment 2026 details.
| Criterion | Details |
| Recruitment Board | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 05/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 Posts |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Pre Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment drive aims to fill positions in two major services. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
| Indian Administrative Services (IAS) | 933 |
| Indian Forest Services (IFS) | [Check Notification] |
| Total | 933 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must strictly fulfill the educational and age requirements to appear for the UPSC IAS Recruitment 2026 Preliminary examination.
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 can also apply provisionally.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS): Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology, OR a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Birth Date Range: Candidates must be born between August 02, 1994 and August 01, 2005.
- Relaxation: Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per UPSC regulations.
Selection Process
The selection for UPSC IAS Recruitment 2026 is a three-stage rigorous process:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective type screening test (GS + CSAT).
- Mains Examination: Written descriptive examination.
- Interview / Personality Test: Final assessment.
Important Dates
Candidates must adhere to the following timeline for the examination process.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | February 04, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | February 04, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | February 24, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | February 24, 2026 |
| UPSC Pre Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 (Tentative) |
Application Fee
Candidates can pay the application fee via online modes (Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking).
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST / PH / Female | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to successfully submit your application for the UPSC IAS Recruitment 2026.
- Visit the official UPSC website or the OTR (One Time Registration) portal.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if applying for the first time.
- Login using your OTR ID and Password.
- Navigate to “Latest Notifications” and select “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026”.
- Fill in the Part-I and Part-II of the application form carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the examination fee of ₹ 100/- (if applicable).
- Select your preferred exam center.
- Submit the final form and print 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: When is the UPSC IAS Pre Exam 2026 scheduled?
The Preliminary examination will be conducted on May 24, 2026.
Q2: What is the last date to apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is February 24, 2026.
Q3: Can final year students apply for IAS 2026?
Yes, candidates in their final year of graduation can apply for the Preliminary exam.
Q4: Is there a separate form for IFS and IAS?
No, there is a common Preliminary application form. Candidates must indicate their preference (Civil Services only, IFS only, or Both) in the form.
Q5: What is the age limit for General category candidates?
General category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 01, 2026.