The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the UPSC IAS 2026 notification on January 14, 2026. This exam is held every year to recruit candidates into top government services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. If you’re planning to appear, this guide is for you. We’ve shared all the important information like exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, pattern, and application process.
UPSC IAS 2026 Exam Dates
Here are the official dates for the UPSC IAS 2026 Notification exam.
UPSC IAS 2026 Important Dates Table
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 14, 2026 |
| Application Form Start Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 3, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | August 21, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release (Expected) | One week before exam |
| Final Result Announcement | To Be Announced |
UPSC IAS 2026 Application Form
The application form will be available from January 14, 2026 to February 3, 2026 on the official website.
How to Apply for UPSC IAS 2026?
- Visit upsc.gov.in
- Register with OTR (One Time Registration)
- Fill out the application form carefully
- Upload required documents
- Pay the fee of ₹100 online
- Submit the form and take a printout
UPSC IAS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the IAS 2026 exam, you must meet the following criteria:
UPSC Eligibility Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years |
| Qualification | Graduate from a recognized university |
| Attempt Limit | General: 6, OBC: 9, SC/ST: No limit |
Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)
UPSC has a structured syllabus for both Prelims and Mains exams.
Prelims Syllabus 2026
- Paper 1: General Studies – History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Current Affairs
- Paper 2: CSAT – Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Maths (Qualifying in nature)
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
- Essay Paper
- General Studies (GS 1–4)
- Optional Subject (2 Papers)
- Language Papers (English and Regional)
📥 You can download the official syllabus from upsc.gov.in.
UPSC IAS 2026 Exam Pattern
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS 1 | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective |
| GS 2 | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective |
- CSAT (Paper 2) is qualifying only (33% required)
Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 250 |
| GS Papers (1–4) | 250×4 |
| Optional Papers (1 & 2) | 250×2 |
| English & Regional Language | 300×2 |
| Total | 1750 |
UPSC IAS 2026 Exam Centres
UPSC conducts the exam in multiple cities:
- Prelims: 80 centers across India
- Mains: 24 centers
Choose the nearest one while filling the form.
Admit Card
- Available at upsc.gov.in
- Carry printed admit card & a valid photo ID
- Admit card includes exam details and instructions
Exam Day Guidelines
- Reach the center at least 1 hour early
- Bring original ID proof & admit card
- Use only a black ballpoint pen
- Electronic devices are strictly not allowed
Selection Process
The exam is conducted in 3 phases:
- Prelims (Screening)
- Mains (Descriptive)
- Interview (Personality Test)
Only those who clear all three stages are selected for IAS posts.
UPSC IAS 2026 Vacancies
The final number of vacancies for IAS 2026 will be announced with the notification. Here’s a look at previous years:
Previous Year IAS Vacancies
| Year | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1056 |
| 2023 | 1105 |
| 2022 | 1011 |
UPSC IAS 2026 Question Papers
UPSC will release question papers after each stage. You can also download previous years’ papers from upsc.gov.in for better preparation.
UPSC IAS 2026 Cutoff (Expected)
UPSC releases cutoff after results. It varies by stage and category.
- General (Expected Prelims Cutoff): 85–90
- OBC: Slightly lower
- SC/ST: Lower than OBC
UPSC IAS 2026 Salary
After clearing the exam, an IAS officer gets:
- Starting Salary: ₹56,100/month
- With experience, it can go up to ₹2,50,000/month
- Perks: HRA, TA, DA, official residence, security, etc.
UPSC IAS 2026 Preparation Tips
- Start with NCERTs and basic GS books
- Practice previous year papers
- Follow current affairs daily
- Stick to a clear timetable
- Attempt mock tests regularly
UPSC IAS 2026 – Post List (Category-Wise)
All India Services
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Forest Service (IFS)
Central Services
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service
- Indian Revenue Service
- Indian Postal Service
- Indian Information Service
- Indian Defence Estates Service, etc.
Final Summary
If you’re serious about joining India’s most prestigious civil services, start your UPSC IAS 2026 journey now. Keep checking the official website for updates, follow a solid study plan, and stay motivated.
