Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the examination schedule for the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (IAS/IFS) Main Examination 2026 on its official website. The IFS Main Examination 2026 will be conducted from 22 November to 29 November 2026. The online application process for the Main Examination was open from 13 July 2026 to 22 July 2026. Candidates can check the complete details, including the exam schedule and other important information, before appearing for the examination.
About UPSC Civil Services & IFS Mains Exam 2026
The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is the second stage of the Civil Services selection process for candidates who have qualified the Preliminary Examination. UPSC has released the Main Examination schedule and e-Admit Card details on its official website. Candidates appearing for the CSE/IFS Main Examination should check the exam timetable and instructions carefully before the examination.
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UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Examination 2026 : Short Details
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 27 February 2026 |
| IAS Mains Exam Date | 21-30 August 2026 |
| IFS Mains Exam Date | 22 to 29 November 2026 |
| IAS Mains Admit Card | 14 August 2026 Released Now |
Important Note
| Applicants should carefully note all important dates, including the application deadline, correction window and examination schedule. Missing any deadline may lead to rejection of the application. |
Application Fee :
| Category | Fee |
| General, EWS, OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/PH | Rs. 00/ |
| All Category Female | Rs. 00/ |
The Application fee can be paid through online methods such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Mobile wallet.
Age Limit :
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age : 32 Years
- Candidates must have been born between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005 (both dates inclusive) to be eligible for the examination.
- Age relaxation is applicable to reserved categories and other eligible candidates as per the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 rules.
Vacancy Details
Post Name : IAS & IFS
No. of Post : 1013 Posts
Vacancy Information:
| Candidates belonging to reserved categories should verify the category-wise vacancy details before applying. Reservation benefits will be provided according to the applicable recruitment rules. |
Eligibility Criteria :
Educational Qualification
| Post / Service | Eligibility Criteria |
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India. |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one subject among Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university. |
Important Note
Candidates should read the complete official notification carefully to verify the service-wise eligibility requirements before applying.
Selection Process :
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Personality Test / Interview
Selection Process Note:
| Candidates are advised to keep all original documents ready for verification after qualifying the examination. Failure to produce valid documents may lead to cancellation of candidature. |
Exam Pattern
| Stage | Details |
| Preliminary Exam | 2 Papers – Objective Type |
| Prelims | 400 Marks |
| Mains Exam | 9 Papers – Descriptive |
| Mains Merit | 1750 Marks |
| Interview | 275 Marks |
| Final Selection | Mains + Interview |
UPSC conducts the Civil Services selection through Prelims, Mains and Personality Test/Interview. (UPSC)
Salary Details
| Service | Starting Basic Pay |
| IAS | ₹56,100 |
| IFS | ₹56,100 |
| Pay Level | Level-10 |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA & other benefits as per Government rules |
Note: The actual monthly salary depends on posting, allowances and applicable government rules.
How to Download UPSC Civil Services & IFS Mains Admit Card 2026
Candidates can download the UPSC CSE/IFS Mains Admit Card 2026 online through the UPSC website. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Open the Admit Card / e-Admit Card section.
- Find Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026.
- Click on the e-Admit Card download link.
- Enter your required login details.
- Submit the details to open your admit card.
- Check your name, roll number, exam centre and other details.
- Download the admit card and take a clear printout for the examination.
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Important & Useful Links
| View IFS Mains Exam Date Notice | Click Here |
| Download IAS Mains Admit Card | Click Here |
| Check IAS Mains Exam Date Notice | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the UPSC IFS Mains Exam 2026 be held?
A: The IFS Mains Exam 2026 is scheduled from 22 November to 29 November 2026.
Q2. What is the UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2026?
A: It is the Main Examination for candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
Q3. When was the UPSC Mains application form filled?
A: The Main Examination application process was conducted from 13 July to 22 July 2026.
Q4. How can I download the UPSC Mains Admit Card?
A: Candidates can download the admit card online from the UPSC website using their required login details.
Q5. Is the UPSC Mains Admit Card sent by post?
A: No, candidates need to download the e-Admit Card online.
Q6. What details should I check on the admit card?
A: Check your name, roll number, exam centre, date and other instructions carefully.
Q7. What should I carry to the UPSC Mains Exam?
A: Carry a printed copy of your admit card and a valid photo ID.
Q8. Who can appear in the UPSC IFS Mains Exam?
A: Candidates who have qualified the required Preliminary Examination and meet the IFS eligibility conditions can appear.
Q9. Where can I check the UPSC Mains Exam Schedule?
A: The exam schedule can be checked on the official UPSC website.
Q10. Can I download the UPSC Mains Admit Card online?
A: Yes, the e-Admit Card can be downloaded online through the UPSC portal.
