The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026. Candidates can apply online until 27 February 2026 (Extended). Total Vacancies: 1,013 Posts. Application Fee for General candidates is ₹ 100/-. Eligibility age criteria: 18 to 35 Years. Direct server links to apply, view merit list, and download syllabus PDF are available in the Direct Useful Links table below.
Exam Day Instructions & Entry Rules
1. Center gates close strictly 30 minutes before exam commencement. Late entry is never entertained.
2. The photograph on the admit card must clearly match your physical appearance; bring identical passport photos.
3. Aadhaar card printout should show full Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY); otherwise bring PAN or Voter ID as secondary proof.
Important Dates
- Online Apply Start Date 04 February 2026
- Online Apply Last Date 27 February 2026 (Extended)
- Last Date For Fee Payment 27 February 2026
- Pre Exam Date 24 May 2026
- Admit Card 15 May 2026
- Answer Key 27 May 2026
- Result Date 15 June 2026
- IAS Mains Form Start Date 19 June 2026
- IAS Mains Form Last Date 29 June 2026
- IFS Mains Form Start Date 13 July 2026
- IFS Mains Form Last Date 22 July 2026
- IAS Mains Exam Date 21 – 30 August 2026
- IAS Mains Admit Card 14 August 2026 Available Now
Application Fee & Payment
- General, OBC, EWS ₹ 100/- (Exempted)
- SC / ST ₹ 0/- (Exempted)
- PH Candidates ₹ 0/- (Exempted)
- All Female Category ₹ 0/- (Exempted)
Age Limit & Eligibility
- Age Calculated As On As on 01 August 2026
- Upper Age Relaxation As Per Government Norms
Total Vacancy Overview
Salary, Pay Scale & 7th CPC Allowances
Selected candidates for UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 receive remuneration as per the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix.
- Pay Matrix: Pay Level 10 / Grade Pay ₹ 5,400 (₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500/-)
- Basic Pay: ₹ 56,100/- per month
- Metro (X-City) In-Hand: ₹ 92,000/- (Class X Cities)
- State/Town (Y/Z City): ₹ 84,000/- (Class Y Cities)
- Allowances Included: Dearness Allowance (DA 50%), HRA (9%-27%), Transport Allowance (TA), NPS Contribution & Medical
| Post Name / Cadre | Department | Total Posts | Educational Qualification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | General / Respective Cadre | 933 Posts | |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | General / Respective Cadre | 80 Posts |
| Candidate Category | Permissible Age Relaxation | Mandatory Document / Verification Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non Creamy Layer) | 3 Years | Must produce valid OBC-NCL certificate issued in prescribed format |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 Years | Applicable for all central and state reservations |
| PwBD / Divyangjan (General / Unreserved) | 10 Years | Minimum 40% permanent benchmark disability certificate needed |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 13 Years | Cumulative relaxation (10 yrs PwD + 3 yrs OBC) |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 Years | Cumulative relaxation (10 yrs PwD + 5 yrs SC/ST) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 Years + Service Rendered | Deduction of military service from actual age |
| Stage / Paper | Subjects & Question Distribution | Total Marks / Questions | Duration & Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination / CBT | General Awareness, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General English/Hindi & Domain Subject | 100 Questions / 100 Marks | 90 to 120 Minutes 1/3rd or 1/4th Negative Marking as per board guidelines |
| Stage 2: Skill / Typing / Practical Test | Trade proficiency or clerical typing test on computer console | Qualifying Only | 15 to 30 Minutes Must meet minimum qualifying accuracy threshold |
| Stage 3: Document Verification & Medical Examination | Original certificate verification & medical fitness assessment | Final Clearance | Prescribed schedule Disqualification upon document failure |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download Admit Card
- Visit the Official Examination Portal: Navigate to the authorized portal of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Access Admit Card Section: Click on the 'Download Admit Card / Hall Ticket' link on the home page notification marquee.
- Select Examination Link: Click on the active link for UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026.
- Log In with Credentials: Enter your Registration ID / Application Number and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) or Password, along with the displayed Captcha code.
- Verify Exam Center & Shift Timings: Check your allotted examination date, shift, reporting time, and exact test venue address.
- Print Admit Card: Download and print 2 colored or clear black-and-white copies on A4 paper. Ensure the barcode and photograph are sharp and legible.
- Check Exam Day Instructions: Carefully read instructions regarding mandatory original Government Photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID) and passport photographs required at the test centre.
Mandatory Checklist: What to Carry to the Examination Center
| Download IAS Mains Admit Card | Click Here |
| Check IAS Mains Exam Date Notice | Download PDF |
| Check IFS Mains Form Notice | Download PDF |
| Apply Online IAS Mains Form Link | Apply Online |
| Check IAS Mains Form Notice | Download PDF |
| Download Name Wise Result | Click Here |
| Download Pre Result (IAS) | Click Here |
| Download Pre Result (IFS) | Click Here |
| Download Pre Answer Key (Paper-I) | Click Here |
| Download Pre Answer Key (Paper-II) | Click Here |
| Check Date Extend Notice | Download PDF |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Portal / Organization Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (Candidate FAQs)
UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 — Comprehensive Guide & Key Details
The issuance of UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 provides registered candidates with official authorization to sit for the scheduled examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The admit card functions as your primary entry credential and contains critical operational details regarding allotted shifts, exam center location, and test day guidelines.
1. Critical Verification of Hall Ticket Particulars
Immediately after downloading your call letter, ensure the following fields are legible and accurate:
- Candidate Name, Roll Number, and Registration ID matching your original application form.
- Clear photograph and legible facsimile signature.
- Exact examination venue address, reporting time, and gate closure time.
2. Mandatory Items Permitted Inside Exam Center
- Printed copy of E-Admit Card on clean A4 paper (color or crisp black & white).
- Original Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
- Two recent passport-sized color photographs identical to the application upload.
- Transparent ballpoint pen (blue or black ink) if written or offline OMR test.
3. Strictly Prohibited Articles
Candidates must refrain from carrying electronic gadgets, mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth earphones, calculators, notes, or bags into the test venue. Violation of security guidelines leads to immediate debarment.
4. Biometric Attendance, IRIS Scan, and Special PwD Scribe Rules
Modern examination centers implement digital biometric thumb impressions and IRIS scanning before permitting candidates inside the CBT terminals. Candidates must ensure fingers are free of ink, henna (mehendi), or chemical coatings that could impede digital sensor capture. Candidates requiring scribe accommodations must carry authorized medical board certificates and pre-approved scribe admission credentials.
Advisory: Plan your travel itinerary in advance to reach the allotted exam venue at least 60 minutes before gate closure to complete biometric verification smoothly.