UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) & Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026
Overview & Summary
Important Dates
5 milestones| Event / Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 | Concluded |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 February 2026 6:00 PM | Concluded |
| Correction Window Start | 28 February 2026 6:00 PM | Concluded |
| Correction Window End | 03 March 2026 6:00 PM | Concluded |
| Preliminary Examination | 24 May 2026 | Concluded |
Important Dates
Notification Release
4 February 2026
04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply
27 February 2026
27 February 2026 6:00 PM
Correction Window Start
28 February 2026
28 February 2026 6:00 PM
Correction Window End
3 March 2026
03 March 2026 6:00 PM
Preliminary Examination
24 May 2026
24 May 2026
Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies
933
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution
1 rowsReservation breakup of total vacancies.
source: UPSC Official Notification 2026
| sr_no | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD | total | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Civil Services Examination 2026 PwBD vacancies included within respective categories. | 384 | 91 | 249 | 154 | 55 | 40 | 933 | 100.0% |
| total | 384 | 91 | 249 | 154 | 55 | 40 | 933 | 100% |
Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
5 rowsCategory-wise vacancy distribution for IFoS 2026.
source: UPSC IFS 2026 Notification
| sr_no | Vacancies | total | % |
|---|---|---|---|
UR | 33 | 33 | 41.3% |
SC | 12 | 12 | 15.0% |
ST | 6 | 6 | 7.5% |
OBC | 21 | 21 | 26.3% |
EWS | 8 | 8 | 10.0% |
| total | 80 | 80 | 100% |
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Information
Educational Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Final year appearing candidates eligible (subject to passing before Main Examination)
Nationality
Citizen of India. Other nationality categories permitted as per official UPSC notification (e.g., subject of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugee, certain migrants).
Gender Eligibility
Physical Standards
Height
As per service-specific rules (e.g., IPS physical standards apply separately).
Chest
As per service-specific medical standards.
Age Criteria
Additional Information
Age as on
1 August 2026
Age as on Notification
Minimum Age
21
yearsMaximum Age
32
yearsEligibility Criteria
21 - 32 years
Age Relaxation
8 CategoriesUpper age limit is relaxable for reserved categories as per government norms
| Category | Relaxation | Max Age After Relaxation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years | 37 years | -- |
| OBC | 3 years | 35 years | -- |
| Defence Services Personnel | 3 years | 35 years | -- |
| Ex-Servicemen including Commissioned Officers | 5 years | 37 years | -- |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years | 42 years | -- |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years | 45 years | -- |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years | 47 years | -- |
| Domiciled in J&K (01-01-1980 to 31-12-1989) | 5 years | 37 years | -- |
Note: Candidates belonging to reserved categories must produce valid category certificates at the time of document verification to claim age relaxation.
Application Fees
Fee Details
Category-wise Application Fee
| category | amount | Status | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 | Payable | -- |
| SC / ST | ₹0 | Exempted | -- |
| PwBD | ₹0 | Exempted | -- |
| Female (All Categories) | ₹0 | Exempted | -- |
| total | ₹100 | ||
Online Payment
availableFee Payment Summary
Total Categories
4
Fee Range
₹0 -₹100
exempted_categories
4
Payment Modes
4
Selection Process
Selection Process
Selection Stages3
Preliminary Examination
EliminativeMain Examination
EliminativeInterview / Personality Test
Qualifyingvenue
Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi
documents_to_carry
venue
UPSC Office, New Delhi
requirements
Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern
Complete examination structure and guidelines
About the Examination
3025
180
31 hr
Examination Scheme
Exam Papers
12 PapersPreliminary Examination - General Studies Paper I
Preliminary Examination - CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
QualifyingMain Examination - Essay
Qualifying Criteria
Syllabus
Syllabus
Explore Resources
Important Note
5
22
4
Subject-wise Syllabus
5 SubjectsPreliminary Examination - General Studies Paper I
Preliminary Examination - CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
Main Examination - Essay
Recommended Books
4 BooksIndian Polity
Indian Economy
Certificate Physical and Human Geography
India's Struggle for Independence
These books are recommended based on previous year analysis and expert reviews. Consider checking latest editions before purchase.
Salary & Allowances
Additional Information
Pay Level
Level 10 (7th CPC) (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10))
Basic Pay
₹56,100
Total Basic
₹56,100
Basic + Grade Pay
Gross Salary
₹70,000 – ₹80,000 (approx. at entry level, depending on posting location)
(Basic Pay + allowances)
In-hand Salary
₹65,000 – ₹75,000 (approx., after deductions)
(after Deductions)
Required Documents
Document Requirements
Total Documents
8
Mandatory
5
Optional
3
categories
4
General Document Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Certificate or Proof of PassingMandatory
Detailed Application Form (DAF) Printout for Interview StageMandatory
Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence etc.)Mandatory
Recent Passport Size Photograph (as per prescribed format)Mandatory
Signature (scanned in prescribed format)Mandatory
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicableOptional
Government Servant No Objection Certificate (if applicable)Optional
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)Optional
How to Apply
Application Instructions
Step-by-Step Application Guide
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Application Centers
Application Centers
Choose your preferred exam location
Center Information
0
0
yes
First-apply-first-allot basis
Center Selection Policy
Preference Selection Available
Candidates can choose their preferred exam centers
Allotment Basis
First-apply-first-allot basis
FAQs
Can I withdraw my application after submission?
Is there negative marking in the Prelims?
What is the qualifying mark for CSAT?
How many attempts are allowed for General category?
Support & Contact
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