UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026 – Complete Details for 933 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Mains Online Form for the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (IAS/IFS) Examination 2026. Candidates who successfully cleared the Preliminary Examination conducted on 24 May 2026 are now eligible to apply for the Mains examination. The application window opened on 19 June 2026 and will remain active until 29 June 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 933 posts across various administrative services under Advertisement Number 05/2026.
About UPSC and the Civil Services Examination
The Union Public Service Commission is India’s premier central recruiting agency, established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive examinations in India, serving as the gateway to elite government services including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, and various other Group A and Group B central services. Officers selected through this examination hold key administrative positions across the country and play crucial roles in policy-making and governance at both state and national levels.
Key Dates for UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains 2026
Candidates must take note of the following important timeline for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026:
- Online Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
- Online Application Last Date: 27 February 2026 (Extended)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 27 February 2026
- Preliminary Examination Date: 24 May 2026
- Admit Card Released: 15 May 2026
- Answer Key Published: 27 May 2026
- Preliminary Result Date: 15 June 2026
- Mains Form Start Date: 19 June 2026
- Mains Form Last Date: 29 June 2026
Candidates are strongly advised to verify all dates from the official UPSC website before proceeding.
Total Vacancy Details
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 offers recruitment for the following positions:
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Services (IAS) | 933 Posts |
| Indian Forest Services (IFS) | As per notification |
Age Limit Requirements
The age criteria for UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Examination 2026 as on 01 August 2026 are as follows:
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August, 1994 and not later than 1st August, 2005
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC Examination 2026 guidelines
Educational Qualification Criteria
The eligibility requirements vary based on the service opted by candidates:
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India are eligible to appear for this examination.
Indian Forest Service (IFS)
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in subjects including Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
For comprehensive eligibility details, candidates should refer to the official notification before submitting their application.
Application Fee Structure
The fee structure for UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains 2026 is as follows:
- General, OBC, EWS Category: ₹100/-
- SC/ST Category: ₹0/- (Exempted)
- PH Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted)
- All Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted)
Available Payment Methods
Candidates can submit the application fee through the following online modes:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Selection Process
The recruitment process for UPSC Civil Services consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – Objective type screening test
- Mains Examination – Descriptive written examination
- Personality Test/Interview – Final assessment round
Step-by-Step Guide to Fill UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026
Follow these instructions carefully to complete your Mains application:
- Navigate to the official UPSC website
- Log in using your Registration Number/Roll Number and Password/Date of Birth
- Locate and click on the “Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 – Detailed Application Form (DAF-I)” link
- Enter all mandatory details including personal information, educational qualifications, category details, service preferences, cadre preferences, language papers, and examination centre preferences
- Upload necessary documents in the prescribed format as applicable
- Carefully preview the application and verify all entered information before final submission
- Submit the DAF-I and complete the fee payment if applicable
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference
Important Links
| Online Mains Form | Click Here |
| Mains Form Notice | Click Here |
| Name Wise Result | Click Here |
| Pre Result (IAS) | Click Here |
| Pre Result (IFS) | Click Here |
| Answer Key Paper-I | Click Here |
| Answer Key Paper-II | Click Here |
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Date Extension Notice | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official website to apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026?
The official website for UPSC is https://upsc.gov.in/ where candidates can access all recruitment-related information and apply online.
How many vacancies are available in UPSC Civil Services 2026?
A total of 933 posts are available under the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) category along with positions in the Indian Forest Services (IFS).
What are the age requirements for UPSC IAS Mains 2026?
The minimum age required is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years as on 01 August 2026. Candidates must have been born between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005.
When did the Mains application form become available?
The UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026 application process commenced on 19 June 2026.
What is the deadline to submit the Mains application?
Candidates must complete and submit their Mains application form by 29 June 2026.
What educational qualification is needed for IAS examination?
For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India are eligible to apply.
For the most accurate and updated information, candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website and read the complete notification carefully before applying.