The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened the Mains application form for the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (IAS/IFS) Examination 2026. The Preliminary exam for this cycle was held on 24 May 2026. The IFS Mains form went live on 13 July 2026 and closes on 22 July 2026. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and no older than 32 years as on 1 August 2026. The reference number for this recruitment is Advt. No. 05/2026.
Important Dates
- Online application opened: 4 February 2026
- Online application closed: 27 February 2026 (extended)
- Fee payment deadline: 27 February 2026
- Preliminary exam: 24 May 2026
- Admit card released: 15 May 2026
- Answer key released: 27 May 2026
- Preliminary result declared: 15 June 2026
- IAS Mains form window: 19 June 2026 to 29 June 2026
- IFS Mains form window: 13 July 2026 to 22 July 2026
Candidates should double-check every date on the official UPSC website, since deadlines for this exam have already been extended once.
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / All female candidates: No fee
Payment can be made online through debit card, credit card, net banking, IMPS, or a mobile wallet.
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years
- Candidates must be born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005
Additional age relaxation applies for reserved categories as per UPSC’s rules for this examination.
Total Vacancies – 1013 Posts
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 933 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Post Name | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian university. |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | A bachelor’s degree in a subject such as Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, or Agriculture, or an equivalent qualification. |
Candidates should read the official notification for the complete eligibility criteria before applying.
How to Fill the IFS Mains Form
- Go to the official UPSC website.
- Log in with your registration number/roll number and password/date of birth.
- Open the “Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 – Detailed Application Form (DAF-I)” link.
- Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, category, service preferences, cadre preferences, language papers, and choice of exam centre.
- Upload the required documents in the specified format, where applicable.
- Preview the form and check every entry carefully before submitting.
- Submit the DAF-I and pay the fee if it applies to your category.
- Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
Selection Process
Candidates go through three stages: the Preliminary exam, the Mains exam, and a Personality Test (Interview).
Important Links
- Apply Online – IFS Mains Form: upsconline.nic.in
- IFS Mains Form Notice: Download PDF
- Apply Online – IAS Mains Form: upsconline.nic.in/login
- IAS Mains Form Notice: Download PDF
- Prelims Result (Name-wise): Download PDF
- Prelims Result (Roll Number): IAS | IFS
- Prelims Answer Key: Paper I | Paper II
- Download Admit Card: upsconline.nic.in/login
- Date Extension Notice: Read Notice
- UPSC Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the IFS Mains application form open?
The IFS Mains form went live on 13 July 2026.
What is the last date to submit the IFS Mains form?
The form closes on 22 July 2026.
What is the age limit for this exam?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as on 1 August 2026, with additional relaxation for reserved categories.
What is the eligibility for IAS and IFS?
IAS requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. IFS requires a bachelor’s degree in a specified science or agriculture-related subject, as listed in the eligibility section above.
How many total vacancies are there this year?
1013 posts in total — 933 for IAS and 80 for IFS.
What is the official website for UPSC?
https://upsc.gov.in/
Disclaimer: The information above is based on the notification and updates released by UPSC and is meant for general guidance only. Candidates should verify all details — including dates, fees, and eligibility — from the official UPSC website before applying.