The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the notification for the highly anticipated Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination for the year 2026. This significant announcement was made public on February 4, 2026, marking the commencement of the recruitment process for numerous prestigious positions within the central government.
Key Recruitment Details and Vacancies
The notification encompasses recruitment through a preliminary examination for both the Civil Services and the Indian Forest Service. This process aims to fill a substantial number of vacancies, with the Civil Services Examination alone offering 933 posts. These positions represent crucial roles in various government departments, providing candidates with opportunities to serve the nation in administrative and forest service capacities.
Application Timeline and Procedure
Eligible candidates can initiate their online application process exclusively through the official UPSC portal, upsconline.nic.in, starting from February 4, 2026. The application window will remain open until February 24, 2026, with the deadline set precisely at 6:00 PM. Prospective applicants are advised to complete their submissions well before the closing time to avoid any last-minute technical issues or server congestion.
Examination Schedule and Important Dates
The notification provides a comprehensive schedule for the entire examination process, from the preliminary stage to the main examinations. The preliminary examination for both services is scheduled to be conducted on May 24, 2026. Candidates who successfully qualify in the preliminary exam will then proceed to appear for the main examination, which is slated for August 21, 2026. Furthermore, the cut-off date for determining age eligibility has been fixed as August 1, 2026.
Important dates associated with the application and examination process are outlined below:
- Notification release: February 4, 2026
- Online application start: February 4, 2026
- Last date to apply: February 24, 2026
- Preliminary examination: May 24, 2026
- Main examination: August 21, 2026
Application Fee and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants belonging to the General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories are required to pay an application fee of Rs 100. This payment must be made online through the designated portal. Similarly, applicants from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and female categories also need to pay the same application fee of Rs 100. However, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Physically Handicapped (PH) applicants are granted an exemption from paying the application fee.
In terms of educational qualifications, candidates must possess a graduate degree from a recognized university. The age limit for applicants is set between 21 and 32 years, with relaxations applicable as per the prevailing government rules and regulations for reserved categories.
Selection Process and Admit Card Information
The selection process for these prestigious services is multi-staged and rigorous. It includes a preliminary examination, followed by a main examination, a personal interview, document verification, and a mandatory medical examination. Eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card, which will be made available on the last working day of the week preceding the examination date.
Candidates who opt to change their scribe seven days before the examination will receive their e-Admit Card three days prior to the examination date. It is important to note that admit cards will be accessible exclusively through the official UPSC website, and candidates should download and print them for examination day requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Applicants are required to follow a systematic procedure to complete their online application. The first step involves visiting the official website, upsconline.nic.in, and registering themselves by creating a user account. Subsequently, candidates must enter their personal details, educational qualifications, and communication information accurately.
The next phase requires uploading necessary documents, including a recent photograph and a scanned signature, as per the specified format and size guidelines. Following this, the application fee must be paid online through the available payment gateways. The final step is to review the application thoroughly and submit it, ensuring to save or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Examination Day Guidelines
On the day of the examination, candidates must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure a smooth process. It is mandatory for all examinees to reach the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. Entry to the examination hall will be strictly regulated, and latecomers may not be permitted to enter, so punctuality is of utmost importance.
Candidates should carry their e-Admit Card along with a valid photo identity proof to the examination centre. Following all instructions provided by the invigilators and maintaining discipline throughout the examination is essential for a successful attempt.
