UPSC Recruitment 2026: CSE & IFS – Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released two of the most prestigious recruitment notifications for the year 2026 — the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). These examinations open the gateway to some of the most respected government positions in India such as IAS, IPS, IFS (Foreign Service), IRS, and Indian Forest Service Officers.
Both examinations are conducted annually and attract lakhs of aspirants from across the country due to their career stability, authority, attractive salary packages, and opportunities to serve the nation.
This article provides a complete combined guide covering vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, salary structure, selection process, exam pattern, application procedure, and preparation tips.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Overview
Particular | Civil Services Examination (CSE) | Indian Forest Service (IFS) |
Conducting Authority | UPSC | UPSC |
Total Vacancies | Approx. 933 | 80 |
Qualification | Graduation | Bachelor’s with Science Subjects |
Age Limit | 21–32 Years | 21–32 Years |
Application Mode | Online | Online |
Selection Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Prelims, Mains, Interview, Medical |
Apply Start Date | 04 February 2026 | 04 February 2026 |
Last Date | 24 February 2026 | 24 February 2026 |
Vacancies Details
Civil Services Examination 2026
Approximately 933 posts across various Group A and Group B services including:
· Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
· Indian Police Service (IPS)
· Indian Foreign Service (IFS – Foreign)
· Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
· Indian Audit & Accounts Service
· DANICS / DANIPS
· Other Central Services
Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
Category | Vacancies |
UR | 33 |
OBC | 21 |
SC | 12 |
ST | 06 |
EWS | 08 |
Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For Civil Services (CSE):
· Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
For Indian Forest Service (IFS):
· Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects:
o Botany
o Zoology
o Chemistry
o Physics
o Mathematics
o Agriculture
o Forestry
o Engineering
o Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
o Geology
o Statistics
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
· Minimum Age: 21 Years
· Maximum Age: 32 Years
Age Relaxation
· SC/ST – 5 Years
· OBC – 3 Years
· PwBD – Up to 10 Years
Application Fee
Category | Fee |
General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Selection Process
Civil Services Examination (CSE)
1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Interview / Personality Test
4. Document Verification
Indian Forest Service (IFS)
1. Preliminary Examination (Same as CSE)
2. IFS Main Examination
3. Interview / Personality Test
4. Medical & Physical Test
Preliminary Examination Pattern (Common for Both)
Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper II | CSAT | 200 | 2 Hours |
Key Points:
· Objective type questions
· Negative marking: 1/3rd deduction
· CSAT is qualifying (33%)
· Marks not counted in final merit
UPSC CSE Main Examination Pattern
Paper | Subject | Marks |
Paper A | Indian Language | 300 (Qualifying) |
Paper B | English | 300 (Qualifying) |
Paper I | Essay | 250 |
Paper II | GS I | 250 |
Paper III | GS II | 250 |
Paper IV | GS III | 250 |
Paper V | GS IV | 250 |
Paper VI | Optional I | 250 |
Paper VII | Optional II | 250 |
Written Total: 1750 Marks
Interview: 275 Marks
Grand Total: 2025 Marks
UPSC IFS Main Examination Pattern
Paper | Marks |
General English | 300 |
General Knowledge | 300 |
Optional Subject Paper I | 200 |
Optional Subject Paper II | 200 |
Optional Subject Paper III | 200 |
Optional Subject Paper IV | 200 |
Interview: 300 Marks
Total Merit: 1400 Marks
Important Links
Notification PDF
- Civil Services - Click Here
- IFS - Click Here
- Apply Link - Click Here
Salary Structure & Benefits
Civil Services Officers (IAS/IPS/IFS)
· Starting Salary: ₹56,100/month (Level 10)
· DA, HRA, Travel Allowance
· Government Accommodation
· Official Vehicle
· Medical Facilities
· Pension Benefits
Indian Forest Service Officers
· Starting Salary: ₹56,100/month
· Field Allowances
· Risk Allowance
· Government Housing
· Vehicle Facility
· Forest Duty Perks
Why Choose UPSC Careers?
· High Prestige & Social Respect
· Job Security
· Attractive Salary
· Authority & Decision-Making Power
· Nationwide & International Exposure
· Opportunity to Serve Society
· Pension & Lifetime Benefits
Best Books for UPSC Preparation
For Prelims
· Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth
· Spectrum Modern History
· NCERT Books (6–12)
· Environment by Shankar IAS
For Mains
· Ethics – Lexicon
· Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh
· Newspaper – The Hindu / Indian Express
For IFS Optional
· Forestry – Khanna & Anderia
· Agriculture – Nem Raj Sunda
Mock Tests & Preparation Tips
· Attempt weekly mock tests
· Follow current affairs daily
· Practice answer writing
· Revise NCERT books
· Join test series if possible
· Focus on time management
How to Apply Online
1. Visit the official UPSC website
2. Complete One-Time Registration
3. Fill Common Application Form
4. Upload photo & signature
5. Pay fee (if applicable)
6. Submit before last date
7. Download confirmation copy
Final Words
The UPSC Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations are not just recruitment tests; they are career-defining opportunities that shape the administrative and environmental future of the nation. With structured preparation, consistent practice, and determination, aspirants can secure one of the most prestigious government roles in India. These positions offer not only financial stability but also immense responsibility, respect, and the chance to create meaningful change in society. Candidates should carefully review eligibility criteria, stay updated with notifications, and begin preparation early to maximize their chances of success.
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