The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially started the Detailed Application Form I (DAF-I) process for candidates who successfully qualified in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. Aspirants aiming for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and Group B services can now complete their UPSC Civil Services Mains Online Form 2026 within the prescribed timeline.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination remains one of the most competitive and respected examinations in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates participate in the recruitment process to secure positions in the country’s administrative framework. Candidates who cleared the Preliminary Examination conducted on 24 May 2026 can now proceed with the Mains application process.
UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains 2026 Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 recruitment process is being conducted for a total of 933 vacancies. The examination includes multiple stages consisting of Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Personality Test or Interview.
Candidates who have qualified in the Preliminary Examination must submit the Detailed Application Form I to become eligible for the Mains Examination. Without completing the DAF-I form, candidates will not be permitted to appear in the next stage of the selection process.
UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note all important dates related to the recruitment process.
Online Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply Online: 27 February 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment: 27 February 2026
Preliminary Examination Date: 24 May 2026
Admit Card Release Date: 15 May 2026
Answer Key Release Date: 27 May 2026
Preliminary Result Date: 15 June 2026
Mains Application Start Date: 19 June 2026
Mains Application Last Date: 29 June 2026
Applicants are advised not to wait until the final date and should complete the DAF-I process as early as possible.
UPSC Civil Services Mains Application Fee 2026
The application fee structure for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is as follows:
General Category: ₹100
OBC Category: ₹100
EWS Category: ₹100
SC Category: No Fee
ST Category: No Fee
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: No Fee
All Female Candidates: No Fee
The fee can be paid through various online payment methods including Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Mobile Wallet, and Cash Card facilities.
UPSC IAS Mains 2026 Age Limit
The age criteria are determined as on 01 August 2026.
Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 32 Years
Candidates must have been born between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005.
Reserved category candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per UPSC rules and government regulations.
UPSC Civil Services Vacancy 2026
UPSC has announced a total of 933 vacancies under the Civil Services Examination 2026.
These vacancies include positions across various prestigious services such as:
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Indian Audit and Accounts Service
Indian Railway Management Services
And several other Central Services
The final allocation of services depends on merit rank, preferences, category, and available vacancies.
UPSC Civil Services Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must fulfill the educational qualification requirements before applying.
For Civil Services Examination (IAS and Other Services):
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India.
For Indian Forest Service Examination:
Candidates should have completed a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects:
Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
Botany
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
Zoology
Equivalent qualifications recognized by the government
Candidates are advised to verify detailed eligibility conditions through the official UPSC notification.
How to Fill UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026
Candidates who have qualified the Preliminary Examination can follow these steps to complete the DAF-I form:
Visit the official UPSC website.
Log in using your Registration Number or Roll Number along with Password or Date of Birth.
Click on the Civil Services Main Examination 2026 DAF-I link.
Enter personal details carefully.
Fill educational qualification information.
Select service preferences.
Choose cadre preferences.
Provide category details if applicable.
Select language papers and examination centre preferences.
Upload required documents in the prescribed format.
Review all information carefully.
Submit the application form.
Complete fee payment if applicable.
Download and print the final confirmation page for future reference.
Accuracy is extremely important because service preferences and cadre choices submitted through DAF-I significantly impact final service allocation.
UPSC Civil Services Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process consists of three major stages:
Preliminary Examination
Mains Examination
Personality Test or Interview
Candidates must successfully qualify each stage to move forward in the selection process.
The final merit list is prepared based on performance in the Mains Examination and Interview.
Why UPSC Civil Services Examination is Considered India’s Most Prestigious Exam
The Civil Services Examination is regarded as one of the toughest competitive examinations in India. Successful candidates become part of the administrative machinery responsible for policy implementation, governance, law enforcement, diplomacy, taxation, and public welfare.
Services like IAS, IPS, and IFS offer opportunities to directly contribute to nation building while enjoying professional growth, leadership responsibilities, and public service recognition.
Every year, thousands of talented candidates dedicate years of preparation to achieve success in this examination.
Documents Required for UPSC IAS Mains DAF-I Form
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before filling the form:
Passport Size Photograph
Scanned Signature
Educational Certificates
Category Certificate if applicable
Disability Certificate if applicable
Government Issued Identity Proof
Relevant Supporting Documents
Ensuring document clarity and correct file size will help avoid application rejection.
Final Words
The UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026 process has officially begun, providing qualified candidates with the opportunity to move one step closer to achieving their dream of becoming civil servants. Since the Detailed Application Form plays a crucial role in the recruitment process, candidates should carefully enter all information and submit the application well before the deadline of 29 June 2026.
Applicants should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates regarding Mains Examination schedules, admit cards, and further recruitment notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did the UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026 start?
The UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Online Form 2026 started on 19 June 2026.
What is the last date to submit the UPSC IAS Mains Form 2026?
The last date to complete the Detailed Application Form I is 29 June 2026.
How many vacancies are available under UPSC Civil Services Recruitment 2026?
A total of 933 vacancies have been announced.
What is the minimum age required for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
Candidates must be at least 21 years old as on 01 August 2026.
What is the maximum age limit for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026?
The maximum age limit is 32 years, with relaxation available for eligible reserved categories.
What is the educational qualification required for IAS Examination 2026?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
What are the stages of the UPSC selection process?
The selection process includes Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview.
Where can candidates apply for UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains 2026?
Candidates can submit the application through the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in