The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the timetable for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2026. According to the official UPSC notice uploaded on 17 September 2026, the IFS Main examination will be held from 22 November to 29 November 2026.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 began with the common Preliminary Examination, conducted on 24 May 2026. The application process is now closed. Candidates who qualified for the relevant Main examination should check the official timetable, admit-card instructions and examination-day guidelines on the UPSC website.
Disclaimer: BharatResult.com.es is an independent information website. It is not affiliated with UPSC or any government department. Candidates should verify all dates, eligibility requirements and instructions through official UPSC sources.
UPSC CSE/IFS 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting organisation | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination | Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 |
| Preliminary examination | 24 May 2026 |
| Civil Services vacancies | Approximately 933 |
| Indian Forest Service vacancies | Approximately 80 |
| Combined vacancies | Approximately 1,013 |
| IFS Main examination | 22–29 November 2026 |
| Application status | Closed |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
| Online portal | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC IFS Main Exam Date 2026
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Main Examination 2026 is scheduled from 22 November to 29 November 2026. Candidates who have qualified for the Main examination should download the official timetable and check the paper-wise schedule, session timings and instructions.
The e-admit card should be downloaded only from the official UPSC online portal when it is released. Candidates should carefully verify their name, roll number, examination centre, reporting time and other details.
Official timetable: Download the UPSC IFS Main Exam Timetable 2026
UPSC CSE/IFS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification date | 4 February 2026 |
| Application start date | 4 February 2026 |
| Last date for applications | 27 February 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary examination | 24 May 2026 |
| Civil Services Preliminary written result | 15 June 2026 |
| Civil Services Main application | 19–29 June 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service Main application | 13–22 July 2026 |
| Civil Services Main examination | 21–30 August 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service Main examination | 22–29 November 2026 |
The application deadline and examination dates should be confirmed from the latest UPSC notice before publication or use.
Vacancy Details
The examination cycle indicated approximately 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination and approximately 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service Examination. The final number may change according to government requirements and subsequent UPSC updates.
| Examination | Approximate vacancies |
| Civil Services Examination 2026 | 933 |
| Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 | 80 |
| Total | 1,013 |
The Civil Services Examination covers services such as IAS, IPS, Indian Foreign Service and other participating Central services. The Indian Forest Service is a separate service with a separate Main examination after the common Preliminary stage.
Eligibility Criteria
Civil Services Examination
Candidates must hold a degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates appearing in their qualifying degree examination may be permitted to apply provisionally, subject to the conditions in the official notification.
Indian Forest Service Examination
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least one prescribed subject, such as Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology or Agriculture, or an equivalent qualification. The detailed official notification should be checked for the complete rules.
Age Limit
For the 2026 examination cycle, the general age limit was 21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026. Candidates should have been born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005, both dates inclusive, subject to the applicable rules.
Age relaxation is available to eligible categories according to Government of India and UPSC rules.
Application Fee
The Preliminary Examination application fee was generally as follows:
•General/OBC/EWS male candidates: ₹100
•Female candidates: No fee
•SC/ST candidates: No fee
•Persons with Benchmark Disability: No fee, subject to notification conditions
The online application window is closed. Candidates should refer to the official notification for category-specific fee conditions.
Selection Process
The UPSC CSE/IFoS selection process includes:
1.Preliminary Examination
2.Civil Services Main Examination or Indian Forest Service Main Examination
3.Interview/Personality Test
4.Final merit list and service allocation, where applicable
The Preliminary Examination is a screening stage. The Main examination and Personality Test are considered for final selection according to the rules of the relevant examination.
How to Download the UPSC IFS Main Timetable 2026
1.Visit upsc.gov.in.
2.Open the Examinations section.
3.Select Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026.
4.Open the timetable PDF uploaded on 17 September 2026.
5.Download the PDF and check the paper-wise dates and session timings.
6.Keep the timetable safely for exam preparation and future reference.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should reach the examination centre before the reporting time and carry the required e-admit card and valid photo identity document. Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices and other prohibited electronic items should not be taken into the examination venue. The instructions printed on the e-admit card and official UPSC notices will prevail in case of any discrepancy.
Useful Official Links
•Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 page
•Civil Services Examination 2026 notification
•Indian Forest Service Main Examination 2026 page
•Download IFS Main timetable PDF
Read also: UPSSSC FSL Exam City Details 2026 Released
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the UPSC IFS Main Examination 2026 be held?
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Main Examination 2026 is scheduled from 22 November to 29 November 2026.
Is the UPSC CSE/IFS 2026 application form still open?
No. The application process for the Preliminary Examination has closed. Candidates should follow the official UPSC website for Main examination and admit-card updates.
How many vacancies were announced for UPSC CSE and IFoS 2026?
The examination cycle indicated approximately 933 Civil Services vacancies and 80 Indian Forest Service vacancies, or approximately 1,013 vacancies together. The final figure may be revised.
What is the age limit for UPSC CSE/IFS 2026?
The general age limit was 21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026, with relaxation for eligible categories under the applicable rules.
Where can candidates download the IFS Main timetable?
The timetable is available on the official UPSC website and can be downloaded directly from the official PDF link provided in this article.
1 thought on “UPSC CSE/IFS 2026: IFS Main Exam Date Out, Vacancy and Details”