The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is India's common competitive examination for recruitment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and other notified central services. This is the one examination people commonly mean when they search for the UPSC IAS exam, UPSC IPS exam, UPSC IFS exam, or UPSC IRS exam.

Important distinction: IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS are services allocated after the same CSE. They are not separate UPSC entrance examinations. On this page, IFS means Indian Foreign Service. The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is a separate UPSC examination.

CSE at a glance

Stage	What it does	Format	Counts in final rank?
Preliminary Examination	Screens candidates for Main	2 objective papers	No
Main Examination	Tests written understanding and analysis	9 descriptive papers	Yes - 7 merit papers
Personality Test	Assesses suitability for civil services	Interview	Yes

The official CSE 2026 notice says that Prelims is a screening test only. Its marks do not carry into final merit. Final rank is determined from the Main written merit papers and the Personality Test.

Services and posts through UPSC CSE: 2026 complete list

UPSC's 2026 CSE notice names 23 participating services/posts. The exact list, vacancy count and participating services can change in a later cycle.

Group A services

1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
2. Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
3. Indian Police Service (IPS)
4. Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group A
5. Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group A
6. Indian Corporate Law Service, Group A
7. Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group A
8. Indian Defence Estates Service, Group A
9. Indian Information Service, Group A
10. Indian Postal Service, Group A
11. Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group A
12. Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group A
13. Indian Railway Management Service (Personnel), Group A
14. Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), Group A
15. Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group A
16. Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Group A
17. Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Group A
18. Indian Trade Service, Group A (Grade III)

Group B services

19. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group B (Section Officer's Grade)
20. Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), Group B
21. Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group B
22. Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group B
23. Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group B

Selection does not guarantee a particular service. Allocation depends on final rank, the candidate's service preferences, vacancies, reservation, medical/physical standards and other rules. For IAS and IPS, candidates must also indicate home-cadre preference when UPSC asks for it.

Eligibility for UPSC CSE: 2026 rules

These figures are from the 2026 notification. They can change in a later cycle, so verify them against the current UPSC notice before applying.

Nationality

• For IAS, IFS and IPS, the candidate must be a citizen of India.
• For other services, UPSC also permits specified categories including citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, certain Tibetan refugees, and certain persons of Indian origin, subject to the notification's conditions and, where required, a Government of India eligibility certificate.

Age limit

For CSE 2026, a candidate had to be at least 21 and below 32 years on 1 August 2026 (born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005, inclusive as stated by UPSC).

Category or condition	2026 upper-age relaxation
SC/ST	Up to 5 years
OBC eligible for reservation	Up to 3 years
PwBD	Up to 10 years
Certain defence personnel / ex-servicemen	As specified in the notice

Applicable relaxations can be cumulative in some cases. Read the complete current notification if you claim any relaxation.

Educational qualification

A graduate degree from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification, is required. Candidates awaiting their qualifying-exam result may be admitted provisionally under the notification's conditions, but candidates who reach the Personality Test stage must produce valid proof of passing within UPSC's deadline. Recognised professional and technical qualifications are also covered; medical candidates have specific internship-related conditions.

Number of attempts

Category	CSE 2026 attempts
General / EWS	6
OBC	9
SC/ST	Unlimited, subject to age limit
PwBD	As specified in the 2026 rules: 9 for General/EWS/OBC; unlimited for SC/ST, subject to eligibility and age rules

Appearing in even one Preliminary Examination paper counts as an attempt. A cancelled or later-disqualified candidature after appearing also counts as an attempt.

Exam process: from application to service allocation

1. Apply online on UPSC's online portal. The 2026 process uses a Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF), and an examination-specific module.
2. Write Prelims: GS Paper I determines the Main shortlist; CSAT (GS Paper II) is qualifying at 33%.
3. Update after Prelims result: Main-qualified candidates must log in during UPSC's specified 10-day window, reconfirm/update information and submit the form. Missing this step prevents participation in the next stage.
4. Write Main: nine conventional/essay-type papers, including qualifying language papers, Essay, GS I-IV and two optional papers.
5. Update after written Main result: Personality-Test-qualified candidates must use UPSC's specified 15-day window to provide/update required details and proof of qualification. Missing documents can cancel candidature.
6. Personality Test and allocation: final merit is made from Main merit marks plus the 275-mark Personality Test; allocation follows rank, preferences and eligibility.

Marks and selection structure

Component	Marks	Role
Prelims GS Paper I	200	Screening
Prelims CSAT	200	Qualifying: 33%
Main merit papers	1,750	Counts for rank
Personality Test	275	Counts for rank
Final total	2,025	Final merit

The two Main qualifying language papers are 300 marks each but are excluded from ranking. Candidates need at least 25% in each qualifying language paper for the other Main papers to be considered for merit. See the dedicated exam-pattern page and syllabus page for the full breakdown.

2026 schedule and cycle reference

Item	Official 2026 reference
Notification	4 February 2026
Prelims	24 May 2026
Expected vacancies	Approximately 933, subject to change
Main examination	21 to 30 August 2026
Main sessions	9:00 AM-12:00 noon and 2:30 PM-5:30 PM, as applicable

The current Main timetable places Essay on 21 August; GS I and II on 22 August; GS III and IV on 23 August; qualifying language and English on 29 August; and the two optional papers on 30 August.

UPSC CSE Main 2026: paper-wise timetable

Date	Forenoon session (9:00 AM-12:00 noon)	Afternoon session (2:30 PM-5:30 PM)
Friday, 21 August 2026	Paper I - Essay	No paper
Saturday, 22 August 2026	Paper II - General Studies I	Paper III - General Studies II
Sunday, 23 August 2026	Paper IV - General Studies III	Paper V - General Studies IV
Saturday, 29 August 2026	Paper A - Indian Language	Paper B - English
Sunday, 30 August 2026	Paper VI - Optional Subject, Paper 1	Paper VII - Optional Subject, Paper 2

Paper A is one listed Indian language selected by the candidate. Papers VI and VII are the two papers of the same optional subject. The complete language and optional-subject lists are on the CSE Syllabus page. Schedules can be revised by UPSC.

UPSC CSE 2027 planning dates

Milestone	Official 2027 calendar date
Notification	13 January 2027
Last date for applications	2 February 2027
Preliminary Examination	23 May 2027 (Sunday)
Main Examination	20 August 2027 (Friday), 5 days

These are planning dates from UPSC's calendar published on 20 May 2026 and may change. See the searchable UPSC Exam Calendar 2027 for the complete programme and official source.

Fees and application essentials: 2026 reference

• Prelims fee: Rs. 100 for candidates required to pay it.
• Main fee after qualifying Prelims: Rs. 200 for candidates required to pay it.
• Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates were exempt in the 2026 notice, subject to its conditions.
• Use only the payment methods and submission route listed by UPSC; the 2026 notice provides online payment options including net banking, cards and UPI.
• Keep a valid government photo-ID detail ready; UPSC requests supporting documents for claims such as date of birth, category and educational qualification.

Fees, windows, documentation rules and application-interface requirements are cycle-specific. Do not rely on an old fee or deadline.

Frequently confused points

Is IAS a separate exam from UPSC CSE?

No. IAS is a service allocated through CSE. The same applies to IPS, IFS and IRS.

Is Prelims included in the final UPSC rank?

No. Prelims only qualifies a candidate for Main. Final merit uses Main written merit marks and the Personality Test.

Is CSAT counted in the Prelims cut-off?

CSAT is qualifying at 33%. GS Paper I is the screening paper on which UPSC determines the qualifying cut-off, subject to the rules.

Is IFS the same as Indian Forest Service?

No. In CSE discussions, IFS generally refers to Indian Foreign Service. Indian Forest Service is commonly written as IFoS and is a separate examination.

Can a final-year student apply?

The 2026 notice permits candidates who have appeared for, or intend to appear for, the qualifying examination to sit provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing by the specified stage and deadline.

Official links

• UPSC CSE 2026 notification and complete rules
• UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026
• UPSC CSE Main 2026 timetable
• UPSC active examinations
• UPSC online application portal
• Department of Personnel and Training

Before you act

This page is a structured guide, not a substitute for the current official notification. Always check the latest UPSC CSE notice for changed dates, vacancies, services, eligibility, age, attempts, fees, examination centres, medical standards, application instructions and service-allocation rules.

This is a structured, current-cycle guide to the syllabus in UPSC's Civil Services Examination 2026 notice. It covers the UPSC IAS exam syllabus, including Prelims, Main written papers and the optional-subject choices. The official notice is the controlling source if a later cycle changes any wording or rule.

Syllabus at a glance

Stage	Papers	What to prepare
Prelims	GS Paper I and CSAT	Screening for Main
Main qualifying	Indian Language and English	Must clear; marks do not count for rank
Main merit	Essay, GS I-IV and two Optional papers	1,750 written merit marks
Personality Test	Interview	No prescribed written syllabus; 275 marks

UPSC Prelims syllabus

General Studies Paper I

Prepare these official areas:

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and the Indian National Movement
• Indian and world geography: physical, social and economic geography
• Indian polity and governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy and rights issues
• Economic and social development: sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics and social-sector initiatives
• General issues on environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change that do not require subject specialisation
• General science

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

CSAT is qualifying at 33%. The official 2026 syllabus lists:

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy at Class X level
• Data interpretation at Class X level: charts, graphs, tables and data sufficiency

Both Prelims papers are objective and two hours each. You must appear in both papers for evaluation. Prelims marks are not added to final rank.

UPSC Main written syllabus

The Main written examination tests intellectual traits, depth of understanding, relevant analysis and concise expression. It contains nine conventional, essay-type papers; two are qualifying and seven count for merit.

Qualifying papers: Indian Language and English

Purpose and standard

These papers test the ability to understand serious discursive prose and express ideas clearly and correctly. They are of matriculation or equivalent standard and do not contribute to rank.

Question areas

English	Indian Language
Comprehension	Comprehension
Precis writing	Precis writing
Usage and vocabulary	Usage and vocabulary
Short essays	Short essays
—	Translation between English and the selected Indian language

Candidates answer English in English and the Indian Language paper in the relevant language, except where translation is involved. UPSC lists exemptions from Paper A for candidates from specified north-eastern states and certain hearing-impaired candidates under the conditions in the notice.

Paper I: Essay

Candidates may be asked to write essays on multiple topics. UPSC expects focused treatment of the topic, orderly ideas, concise writing and effective, exact expression.

Paper II: General Studies I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

• Indian art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times
• Modern Indian history, significant events, personalities and issues
• Freedom struggle and contributions from different parts of India
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation
• World history since the eighteenth century: industrial revolution, wars, colonialism, decolonisation and political philosophies
• Indian society, diversity, women, population, poverty, development and urbanisation
• Globalisation, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
• World physical geography, natural-resource distribution and industrial location
• Geophysical phenomena, environmental/geographical change, water bodies, ice caps, flora and fauna

Paper III: General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

• Constitution: evolution, features, amendments, provisions and basic structure
• Union-state relations, federalism, decentralisation and local government
• Separation of powers, Parliament, state legislatures, executive, judiciary and representation of people
• Constitutional, statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies
• Government policies, welfare schemes, development processes, NGOs, SHGs and other stakeholders
• Health, education, human resources, poverty and hunger
• Governance, transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizens' charters and role of civil services
• India and its neighbourhood, bilateral/regional/global groupings, diaspora and international institutions

Paper IV: General Studies III

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

• Economy, planning, resources, growth, employment, inclusive growth and budgeting
• Agriculture: crops, irrigation, marketing, subsidies, MSP, PDS, food security, food processing and land reforms
• Liberalisation, industrial policy, infrastructure and investment models
• Science and technology, indigenous achievements, IT, space, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and intellectual-property issues
• Conservation, environmental pollution, degradation and environmental impact assessment
• Disaster and disaster management
• Internal security, extremism, terrorism, cyber security, money laundering, border management and security agencies

Paper V: General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

• Ethics and human interface; ethics in private and public relationships
• Human values; role of family, society and education; lessons from leaders, reformers and administrators
• Attitude, moral and political attitudes, social influence and persuasion
• Aptitude and foundational values for civil service: integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, tolerance and compassion
• Emotional intelligence and its application in administration and governance
• Moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
• Public-service values, ethical governance, accountability, international relations and corporate governance
• Probity in governance: public service, RTI, codes of ethics/conduct, citizens' charters, public funds and corruption
• Case studies on the above areas

Papers VI and VII: Optional subject

Choose one optional subject. It has two papers of 250 marks each. The notification's complete 2026 optional-subject list is:

1. Agriculture
2. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
3. Anthropology
4. Botany
5. Chemistry
6. Civil Engineering
7. Commerce and Accountancy
8. Economics
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Geography
11. Geology
12. History
13. Law
14. Management
15. Mathematics
16. Mechanical Engineering
17. Medical Science
18. Philosophy
19. Physics
20. Political Science and International Relations
21. Psychology
22. Public Administration
23. Sociology
24. Statistics
25. Zoology
26. Literature of one listed language: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu or English.

The optional syllabus is broadly honours-degree level. For Engineering, Medical Science and Law, UPSC states that the level corresponds to the bachelor's degree level. Consult the official notice for each optional's complete Paper I and Paper II topic list.

How to use this syllabus

1. Build separate preparation tracks for Prelims GS, CSAT, Main GS, Essay, Ethics and Optional.
2. Map current affairs to the relevant GS paper instead of treating current affairs as a separate Main paper.
3. Keep the two qualifying language papers in your plan: failure to meet their standard prevents merit evaluation.
4. Use the UPSC CSE Exam Pattern page for marks and selection flow, and the CSE overview for eligibility, attempts, services and application steps.

Official source

• UPSC CSE 2026 notice: scheme and complete syllabus

UPSC may revise papers, syllabus wording, optional choices or instructions in a future notice. Verify the current cycle before acting on an application or study plan.