The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the release of the Preliminary Admit Card for the prestigious Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026. This is a crucial step for all aspirants who have applied for these highly sought-after government positions.
UPSC IAS/IFS Prelims Admit Card 2026: Key Highlights
The UPSC Civil Services and IFS Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026. Candidates can now download their admit cards from the official UPSC website. The application process for the examination began on February 4, 2026, and concluded on February 27, 2026. To access your admit card, you will need your Application Number, Password, or Security Pin.
This examination is a gateway to prestigious careers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). The total number of vacancies for this recruitment drive is 933.
Important Dates for UPSC Civil Services & IFS Exam 2026
It's essential for candidates to keep track of the important dates related to the examination:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 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 Availability | 15 May 2026 (Available Now) |
| Result Date | To be Announced Soon |
Application Fee Details
The application fee structure for the UPSC Civil Services and IFS Examination 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Fee |
| General, OBC, EWS | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST | ₹ 0/- |
| PH Candidates | ₹ 0/- |
| All Female Category | ₹ 0/- |
Payment can be made online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card, or Mobile Wallet.
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Education
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1994, and not later than August 1, 2005.
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC examination rules.
Educational Qualification
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS): A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS): A Bachelor's degree in specific subjects such as Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or equivalent qualifications.
For detailed eligibility criteria, it is strongly recommended to refer to the official notification.
How to Download Your UPSC IAS/IFS Prelims Admit Card 2026
Follow these simple steps to download your admit card:
- Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Navigate to the “Admit Cards” section on the homepage.
- Click on the link for “Civil Services (IAS) / IFS Preliminary Admit Card 2026”.
- You will have options to download the admit card using either your Registration ID or Roll Number.
- Enter your required details: Registration ID/Roll Number, Date of Birth, and the Captcha Code.
- Click on “Submit” or “Login”.
- Your admit card will be displayed on the screen. Carefully check all the details mentioned on it.
- Download the PDF file and take a clear printout for examination purposes.
Direct Link to Download Admit Card: Download Admit Card Here
Official UPSC Website: Official Website
Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC Civil Services and IFS Examination involves three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview
Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for each stage to secure their dream career.
Important Links
| IMPORTANT LINKS | Action |
|---|---|
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |