UPSC releases CSE and IFS 2026 notification at upsc.gov.in; applications open from 4 to 24 February

The Union Public Service Commission has published the notification for the Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 on February 4, 2026. The notification includes recruitment via the preliminary exam for both Civil Services and Indian Forest Service vacancies in the central government.The online application process for eligible candidates will be available on upsconline.nic.in from February 4, 2026. The last date to apply will be February 24, 2026, at 6.00 PM. The recruitment process will help fill 933 vacancies via the Civil Services Examination.Important dates and exam scheduleThe notification includes the entire schedule of the exams, from the preliminary to the main exams. The preliminary exam will be conducted on May 24, 20 26, and candidates who pass the preliminary exam will sit for the main exam on August 21, 2026.

The cut-off date for age eligibility is August 1, 2026.Important dates associated with the application and examination process are outlined below:

Application fee and eligibility criteriaApplicants belonging to General, OBC, and EWS categories need to pay an application fee of Rs 100. The payment can be done online. Applicants belonging to SC, ST, and female categories also need to pay an application fee of Rs 100.

PH and PWD applicants are exempted from paying the application fee.Applicants need to have a graduate degree from a recognized university. The age limit of the applicant should be between 21 to 32 years. Relaxation in age is applicable as per government rules.Selection stages and admit card informationThe selection process includes a preliminary examination, main examination, interview, document verification, and medical examination.

Eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the week preceding the examination.Candidates opting to change their scribe seven days before the examination will receive the e-Admit Card three days prior to the examination date. Admit cards will be available only on the official website.

Procedure to apply online for UPSC CSE, IFS 2026Applicants are required to first visit the website upsconline.nic.in and register themselves. The next step would be to enter their personal, educational, as well as communication details. Applicants would then be required to upload their documents, photo, and signature. The application fee would also be paid online. The final step is submitting the form and saving the confirmation page.

Examination day guidelinesCandidates must reach the examination centre at least 30 minutes before each session. Entry is strictly regulated only thereafter.