Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 e-Admit Card for candidates who qualified in the preliminary examination. The recruitment examination is conducted for appointment to the IAS, IPS, IFS and other Central Civil Services; the admit-card release does not specify a revised total vacancy count, so candidates should verify the figure in the detailed CSE 2026 notification.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Civil Services, including IAS, IPS, IFS and allied services |
| Total Vacancies | Refer to the detailed CSE 2026 notification; not specified in the admit-card notice |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | January 14, 2026 |
| Last Date | February 3, 2026 |
| Exam Date | From August 21, 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
Candidates should check the date, reporting time and examination venue printed on their individual e-Admit Card. The schedule shown on the hall ticket will take precedence if there is any change in the published timetable.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or possess an equivalent qualification.
- Candidates who appeared provisionally must provide proof of passing the required degree examination within the prescribed timeline.
- Only candidates declared qualified in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 are eligible to appear for the Main examination.
- Candidates must meet the service-specific medical, physical and nationality conditions prescribed in the official notification.
Age Limit
- The general age limit is 21 to 32 years as on August 1, 2026.
- Relaxation is generally available by up to three years for OBC candidates and five years for SC/ST candidates.
- Eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities may receive relaxation of up to 10 years, subject to category and service rules.
- Other relaxations apply to eligible defence personnel, ex-servicemen and specified categories under government regulations.
Fees
- The preliminary examination application fee is generally ₹100 for candidates required to pay.
- Candidates admitted to the Main examination may be required to pay the prescribed Main examination fee through the notified online facility.
- Female, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates are exempt from payment, subject to the official rules.
- Bank or transaction charges, where applicable, may be payable separately.
Selection Process
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination: An objective-type screening examination consisting of General Studies papers. Preliminary marks are not added to the final merit score.
- Civil Services Main Examination: A descriptive written examination covering qualifying language papers, Essay, General Studies and optional-subject papers.
- Personality Test/Interview: Candidates shortlisted after the Main examination are called for an interview. Final ranking is prepared using Main written examination and interview marks.
How to Apply
The CSE 2026 application window is closed. Eligible candidates can now download the Main e-Admit Card by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in using a secure browser.
- Open the Admit Cards section on the homepage and select the link for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026.
- Read the displayed instructions carefully and proceed to the login page.
- Sign in using the registration ID or roll number along with the required date-of-birth details.
- Download the e-Admit Card and check the candidate’s name, photograph, roll number, examination centre, date and reporting time.
- Print a clear copy on A4 paper. Candidates should carry it with the original photo identity document whose number was provided during registration.
- Contact UPSC promptly through the official communication channels if the hall ticket contains an error or cannot be downloaded. Candidates should not wait until the examination day to report a discrepancy.
Electronic devices, smartwatches, communication equipment and prohibited study material must not be taken inside the examination venue. Candidates should also follow all centre-specific instructions printed on the admit card.
Important Links
FAQs
1. Where can I download the UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026?
The e-Admit Card can be downloaded from upsc.gov.in by entering the registration ID or roll number and the requested login details.
2. Will UPSC send a printed admit card by post?
No. Candidates are expected to download and print the electronic admit card from the official portal. A clear printout must be carried to the examination centre.
3. What should I carry with the e-Admit Card?
Candidates should carry the printed e-Admit Card, the required original photo identity document and permitted stationery. They must follow the reporting time and all examination-day instructions mentioned on the hall ticket.
