UPSC IAS IFS Civil Services Pre Admit Card 2026

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Admit Card for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Preliminary Examination 2026. The exam is scheduled for 24 May 2026 (Sunday). This is the first stage for selection to India's most prestigious services — IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B central services.

Vacancy Summary

Key Dates

Eligibility (Quick Reference)

• IAS/Civil Services: Any bachelor's degree from a recognised university (even final year students may apply)
• IFS: Bachelor's degree with at least one subject from: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, or Agriculture / Forestry
• Age: 21–32 years as of 1 August 2026 (SC/ST +5 yrs, OBC +3 yrs, PwD +10 yrs)
• Attempts: General: 6 | OBC: 9 | SC/ST: unlimited (till age limit)
• Application Fee: ₹100 (SC/ST/Women/PH: Exempt)

Prelims Exam Pattern

Both papers are 2 hours each. Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer. CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying only — its marks are not counted for merit.

What to Carry on Exam Day

Carry your UPSC admit card printout and the original photo ID document you used during application. UPSC is strict — no electronic device of any kind is allowed inside the exam hall. Both papers are held on the same day: Paper I in the morning session and Paper II in the afternoon. Do not leave the premises between papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I appear for both IAS and IFS with one application?

Yes. The Civil Services Prelims and IFS Prelims are held together as a single examination. If you are eligible for IFS and opted for it in your application, you appear for the same Paper I and Paper II — and your score determines eligibility for both Mains.

Q: CSAT is qualifying — how many marks do I need?

You need at least 66 marks (33% of 200) in CSAT (Paper II) to qualify. If you score below 66, your Paper I will not be evaluated regardless of how well you did.

Q: What happens if my admit card has a mistake in name or photo?

Carry a valid government ID matching your name. Contact UPSC at the venue help desk — they typically allow you to sit for the exam with a clarification note. Raise a written objection with UPSC immediately after the exam.

Q: Is there an interview at the Prelims stage?

No. Prelims is entirely written (MCQ). Only candidates who clear Prelims are called for the Mains, and only Mains qualifiers appear for the Personality Test (interview) — which is the final stage.

Q: What is the cut-off for GS Paper I?

UPSC does not pre-announce cut-offs. Historical cut-offs have ranged from 87–110 marks for the General category. The Prelims cut-off is declared along with the result (typically 6–8 weeks after the exam).