UPSCExam coming up
UPSC IFoS
Indian Forest Service Examination
- Age
- 21–32
- Qualification
- Graduate (Science)
- Next
- 22 Nov 2026
Civil Services Examination
UPSC CSE · also known as IAS exam, UPSC Civil Services, IAS/IPS
Overview
The exam for the IAS, IPS, IFS (Foreign Service), IRS and about 20 other Group A and B central services. It is widely seen as India's toughest exam: around 10 lakh people apply each year for roughly a thousand posts.
Posts: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and other Group A/B services.
Important dates
| What | Date | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | 13 Jan 2027 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 through CS(P) Examination 2027 |
| Notification | 13 Jan 2027 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 |
| Last date to apply | 2 Feb 2027 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 |
| Last date to apply | 2 Feb 2027 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 through CS(P) Examination 2027 |
| Exam | 23 May 2027 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 |
| Exam | 23 May 2027 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2027 through CS(P) Examination 2027 |
| Exam | 20 Aug 2027 | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2027 |
From the UPSC calendar (source). Dates can change.
Usual yearly cycle
| Notification | February |
|---|---|
| Applications | February |
| Exam | May–June (Prelims), August–September (Mains) |
| Result | April–May of the next year |
Eligibility
Age
21–32 years. Age is counted on 1 August of the exam year.
| Category | Upper age limit | Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| General | 32 years | 6 |
| EWS | 32 years | 6 |
| OBC | 35 years (+3) | 9 |
| SC | 37 years (+5) | No limit |
| ST | 37 years (+5) | No limit |
| PwBD (General) | 42 years (+10) | 9 |
PwBD candidates from OBC/SC/ST get their category relaxation on top (central government rules). Ex-servicemen and some departmental candidates get further relaxation as per the notice.
Qualification
A bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised university. Final-year students can apply for the Prelims and show proof of passing before the Mains.
Nationality
Citizen of India (some posts also accept subjects of Nepal or Bhutan and certain persons of Indian origin, as the notice states).
Exam pattern
1. Preliminary exam
Screening only: Prelims marks don't count in the final merit.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | ⅓ of the marks for that question |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) · Qualifying: you need 33% | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | ⅓ of the marks for that question |
2. Main exam
Written, descriptive. Paper A and B are qualifying (25% each); the other seven count.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A: Indian language · Qualifying | — | 300 | 3 hours | — |
| Paper B: English · Qualifying | — | 300 | 3 hours | — |
| Essay | — | 250 | 3 hours | — |
| General Studies I to IV | — | 250 each | 3 hours each | — |
| Optional subject, Papers I and II | — | 250 each | 3 hours each | — |
3. Personality test (interview)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | — | 275 | — | — |
Syllabus
An outline of the main topics. The official notification has the full syllabus.
Prelims: General Studies I
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian and world geography: physical, social, economic
- Indian polity and governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights
- Economic and social development: sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector
- Environment, ecology, biodiversity and climate change
- General science
Prelims: CSAT
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision making and problem solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class 10 level)
Mains: General Studies I
- Indian heritage and culture
- History of the world and modern India
- Indian society
- World and Indian geography
Mains: General Studies II
- Governance and the Constitution
- Polity and social justice
- International relations
Mains: General Studies III
- Technology and economic development
- Biodiversity and environment
- Security and disaster management
Mains: General Studies IV
- Ethics, integrity and aptitude
- Case studies
Optional subject
- One of 48 subjects (including literature of an Indian language), two papers
Selection process
Prelims → Mains → Interview. Final merit is out of 2,025 marks (Mains 1,750 + Interview 275). Services are allotted by rank and preference.
Salary and vacancies
Pay: Starts at Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 basic). With allowances, about ₹80,000–1,00,000 a month in hand at the start (approx.).
Vacancies: About 900–1,100 posts a year in recent cycles.
Latest notices
- Result
- Result
Frequently asked questions
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, for the Prelims. You must have passed your degree before applying for the Mains.
How many attempts do I get?
General and EWS: 6. OBC and PwBD: 9. SC and ST: unlimited within the age limit.
Is CSAT counted in the merit?
No. You need 33% to qualify; only General Studies Paper I decides who clears the Prelims.
This page summarises the most recent official notification and is approximate: age limits, pattern, fees and vacancies change from year to year. Always read the official notification on upsc.gov.in before applying.