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February, 2026
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: IAS, IPS & IFS Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and Selection Process
For candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, understanding the multi-stage selection process is the starting point for structured preparation. Each service, IAS, IPS, and IFS, has distinct responsibilities in administration, public safety, and diplomacy and requires well-planned preparation from the beginning.
This guide presents detailed information on the exam pattern, syllabus structure, age limit, number of attempts, salary, medical requirements, and selection process for the three services under UPSC:
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Official UPSC 2026 Examination Schedule
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has confirmed the official examination schedule for the 2026 Civil Services Examination. Although the notification was released later than the usual January timeline, the final schedule is now available for the 933 vacancies announced for this year.
This schedule provides candidates with a clear timeline to plan and align their preparation for both the Preliminary and Main examinations.
| Event | Official Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | February 4, 2026 | Released |
| Last Date to Apply (Online) | February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM) | Ongoing |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) | Confirmed |
| UPSC Mains Exam 2026 | August 21, 2026 (Starts) | 5-Day Schedule |
| Interview / Personality Test | Jan – March 2027 (Tentative) | To be announced |
Ready to see how our experienced instructors guide IAS, IPS, and IFS aspirants, provide full syllabus coverage, and track progress with personalized mentoring and regular assessments? Click below to view detailed program information for UPSC preparation.
Academic Eligibility: Graduation Requirement
UPSC follows a broad academic eligibility policy for the Civil Services Examination. The commission does not restrict candidates based on their field of study, marks obtained, or academic background. Candidates from different educational backgrounds can compete on equal terms once the basic degree requirement is met.
This approach confirms that selection is based on performance in the examination, not on academic specialization or college results.
| Academic Eligibility Criteria for UPSC 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Rule for 2026 | Details |
| Minimum Degree | Any Graduation | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required. Degrees from Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Law, and similar fields are accepted. |
| Minimum Percentage | Passing Marks Only | UPSC does not prescribe any minimum percentage. Successfully completing the degree examination is sufficient. |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible | Candidates in the final year of graduation may apply for Prelims. Proof of passing must be submitted before the Mains application stage (DAF-I). |
| Professional Degrees | Eligible | Professional or technical qualifications such as CA, CS, or ICWA recognized by the Government of India are accepted. |
| Internship (MBBS) | Special Condition | MBBS candidates may appear for Prelims and Mains after clearing the final professional examination. Completion of the compulsory internship is mandatory before the Interview (Personality Test). |
Age Limits and Number of Attempts
Age and attempt conditions form the primary eligibility checkpoint in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. UPSC applies both age limits and a fixed number of attempts, and each appearance in the Preliminary Examination is counted as one attempt, regardless of whether the candidate qualifies for Mains.
Understanding these limits early is important, as they directly determine how long and how many times a candidate can appear for the examination.
| Category | Age Relaxation | Max UPSC Attempts | Max Age (As of Aug 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | None | 6 | 32 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy) | +3 Years | 9 | 35 Years |
| SC / ST | +5 Years | Unlimited | 37 Years |
| PwBD (Gen / EWS / OBC) | +10 Years | 9 | 42 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service + 3 yrs | 9 | 37 Years (Approx) |
Medical And Physical Requirements: IAS, IPS & IFS
Although the written exam and interview are common for all services, medical and physical requirements differ by service. These requirements are clearly set during the medical examination stage and are used to check suitability for each role.
The Indian Police Service (IPS) has specific physical and sensory requirements because of field duties. In comparison, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) primarily assess overall medical fitness needed for administrative and diplomatic responsibilities.
| Requirement | IAS (Administrative) | IPS (Police) | IFS (Foreign) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height (Male) | No Limit | 165 cm (160 cm for ST) | No Limit |
| Minimum Height (Female) | No Limit | 150 cm (145 cm for ST) | No Limit |
| Chest Expansion | Not Required | Mandatory (5 cm) | Not Required |
| Color Vision | Permitted | Not Permitted | Permitted |
| Night Vision | Permitted | Not Permitted | Permitted |
| Flat Feet / Knock Knees | Permitted | Not Permitted | Permitted |
| Use of Hearing Aids | Permitted | Not Permitted | Permitted |
| Stammering | Permitted | Not Permitted | Permitted |
Salary & Pay Structure for IAS, IPS & IFS (7th CPC – 2026)
Under the 7th Central Pay Commission, IAS, IPS, and IFS (along with other Group A services) officers start service at the same pay level, which is Level 10 in the pay matrix. The basic pay and standard allowances remain similar during the initial years of service.
The final in-hand salary varies by service and posting, especially for the Indian Foreign Service, where overseas postings include additional allowances.
The figures below show the approximate gross salary range, including basic pay, DA, HRA (or government accommodation), and applicable service allowances.
| Service / Post | Pay Level | Initial Gross Salary (India) | Peak Career Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAS (Administrative) | Level 10 | ₹94,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹2,50,000 (Cabinet Secretary) |
| IPS (Police) | Level 10 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,05,000 | ₹2,25,000 (DGP / Director IB) |
| IFS (Foreign) | Level 10 | ₹94,000 (India Posting) | ₹4.5 Lakh+ (Foreign Posting) |
Note on Indian Foreign Service (IFS): When posted outside India, IFS officers receive a Special Foreign Allowance (SFA). This allowance is tax-free and varies based on the cost of living in the host country.
For example, postings in cities like New York receive significantly higher allowances than postings in Dhaka.
Important Application Rules (UPSC 2026)
UPSC 2026 uses automated verification checks during the application process. Even small mistakes can lead to direct rejection, so these rules must be followed:
• Triple Signature Rule: Sign three times vertically (top to bottom) on plain white paper using black ink only. Scan and upload it as one single file.
• Live Photo Capture: During application submission, you must take a live photograph using your webcam. If it does not match your uploaded passport-size photo, the application will be rejected.
• 10-Day Photo Rule: The uploaded photograph must be taken within 10 days of the application submission date.
• Face Visibility Requirement: Your face must cover at least 75% of the photograph. Both ears must be visible. Masks, caps, or sunglasses are not allowed.
• No Withdrawal Policy: Once the UPSC 2026 application is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn. An attempt is counted only if you appear for the Prelims examination.
Special Provisions for Female Candidates
UPSC provides specific provisions to support women candidates in the civil services selection process:
• Zero Application Fee: Female candidates of all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) are fully exempted from paying fees for both Prelims and Mains.
• Medical Deferment for Pregnancy: If a candidate is pregnant during the medical examination, she is marked “Temporarily Unfit”, not rejected. Her rank and seniority remain protected, and she joins the next batch.
• IPS Height Relaxation: The minimum height requirement for women in IPS is 150 cm, compared to 165 cm for male candidates.
•Service & Cadre Consideration: Women may receive favorable consideration in cadre allocation, including home cadre preference, based on the 2026 roster rules and marital status.
The 3-Stage Selection Process (2026 Pattern)
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening)
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day. This stage is a screening test, and the marks obtained are not included in the final merit ranking.
| Paper | Official Subject Name | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies I | 200 | 2 Hours | One-third (1/3) of the marks per question |
| Paper II | CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) | 200 | 2 Hours | One-third (1/3) of the marks per question |
The Main Examination is a descriptive written examination consisting of nine papers. Seven papers are counted for the final merit ranking, and two papers are qualifying papers.
| A. Qualifying Papers (Pass / Fail) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Subject Name | Official Requirement | Marks |
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | Any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India | 300 |
| Paper B | English Language | Matriculation-level grammar, comprehension, and writing skills | 300 |
| B. Merit Papers (Counted for Final Ranking) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Official Subject Name | Syllabus Coverage | Marks |
| Paper I | Essay | Two long-form essays on philosophical, social, economic, and political themes | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography of India and the World, Society | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Internal Security, Disaster Management | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (Theory and Case Studies) | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | One subject chosen from the list of 48 optional subjects (theoretical aspects) | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | Same optional subject, covering application and Indian context | 250 |
The Personality Test is the final step of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is an oral board interview conducted in New Delhi to assess a candidate’s personality and suitability for a career in the civil services. The interview evaluates qualities such as:
• Mental alertness
• Clarity of thought
• Balance of judgment
• Leadership ability
• Integrity and ethical orientation
• Social awareness
• Communication skills
| Final Merit Calculation | |
|---|---|
| Stage | Marks |
| Main Examination | 1750 |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 275 |
| Total Marks | 2025 |
Official List of Optional Subjects (2026)
Candidates must select one optional subject, which will be taken for both Paper VI and Paper VII of the Main Examination.
| Optional Subjects – Category-wise List | |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | History, Geography, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science & International Relations (PSIR), Public Administration, Philosophy |
| Pure Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Botany, Zoology, Geology |
| Applied Subjects | Law, Management, Commerce & Accountancy, Medical Science |
| Engineering | Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
| Agricultural Sciences | Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science |
| Literature | Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
Important Notes for 2026 Aspirants
• Negative Marking (Prelims): One-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.
• Service Allocation: Allocation to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other services is based on final rank, category, and the preference order filled in the Detailed Application Form (DAF).
• Physical Standards:
◦ IAS and IFS follow standard medical fitness rules.
◦ IPS has specific physical requirements, including a minimum height of 165 cm for men and 150 cm for women, along with prescribed vision standards.
Real-Time Update: UPSC 2026 Policy Changes
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) periodically revises recruitment rules, cadre allocation policies, vacancy distribution, and document verification standards.
This guide is maintained in alignment with notifications published on upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. Our team continuously monitors these official portals. Whenever a new notification or circular related to IAS, IPS, or IFS 2026 is released, our team reviews the notification, verifies the changes, and updates the changes here promptly.
This provides candidates with access to accurate and up-to-date details for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
Now that you understand the UPSC exam structure, the next step is selecting a preparation route aligned with your timeline and career objectives.
UPSC Civil Services Preparation at Global Education Campus
UPSC preparation requires systematic coverage of the syllabus, regular practice, and continuous evaluation for Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test. A structured academic framework integrates classroom instruction, mentorship, and assessment for sustained preparation.
Global Education Campus provides structured UPSC preparation programs for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) aspirants with complete syllabus coverage, regular assessments, and academic mentoring.
UPSC Intensive Program – 9–10 Months (Morning Batch)
This program is suitable for candidates preparing under a structured study schedule. Morning sessions cover the complete UPSC syllabus for Prelims, Mains, and Interview, with test series, answer writing practice, and mentorship.
➢ Course Highlights
• Diploma Duration: 9–10 months (900 hours)
• Class Schedule: 4 hours per day (9:15 AM – 1:30 PM)
• Available Online and Offline
➢ Training Structure
• Syllabus Coverage: All subjects as per the latest UPSC pattern
• Mock Tests: Full-length and topic-wise tests
• Academic Support: Mentorship, doubt-clearing, and performance feedback
• Learning Mode: Live classes with recorded sessions via the Skill Plus App
UPSC Intensive Program – 2 Years (Evening Batch)
This long-term program is suitable for candidates preferring extended preparation timelines. Evening batches provide full syllabus coverage, weekly assessments, and continuous academic support over two years.
➢ Course Highlights
• Duration: 2 Years (1000 hours)
• Class Schedule: 2 hours per day (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
• Available Online and Offline
➢ Training Structure
• Syllabus Coverage: All subjects as per the latest UPSC pattern
• Mock Tests: Full-length and topic-wise tests
• Academic Support: Mentorship, doubt-clearing, and performance feedback
• Learning Mode: Live classes with recorded sessions via the Skill Plus App
Your Next Step to UPSC Success
You now have a complete understanding of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 cycle, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Success in UPSC requires structured study, regular practice, and detailed performance evaluation for Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test.
Our experienced instructors provide organized programs, expert guidance, and continuous assessment to support candidates in completing their preparation and achieving successful selection in the UPSC Civil Services.