The UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 has been released for candidates who qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination and completed the required Mains application process. The UPSC IAS Mains examination is scheduled from 21 August to 30 August 2026.
Candidates can now check their UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 using their registration details through the official UPSC portal. The admit card contains important information such as the examination centre, date, timing, candidate details and instructions for the written examination.
Aspirants should download the admit card well before the examination and carefully verify all details printed on it.
UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 |
| Mains Exam | Civil Services IAS Mains |
| Mains Exam Date | 21–30 August 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card | 14 August 2026 – Available Now |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Result | 15 June 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,013 |
| IAS Vacancies | 933 |
| IFS Vacancies | 80 |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains & Interview |
UPSC IAS Mains Exam Date 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 is scheduled to be conducted from 21 August to 30 August 2026.
The Mains examination is a crucial stage of the Civil Services selection process. Candidates who qualified the Preliminary Examination and submitted their Detailed Application Form for the Main examination are required to appear as per the schedule mentioned on their admit card.
The examination timetable should be checked carefully because different papers are conducted on different dates.
UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 Release Date
The UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card was made available on 14 August 2026.
Candidates should download the admit card from the official UPSC website and check the examination venue in advance. It is advisable to visit or identify the examination centre before the examination day, particularly for candidates travelling from another city.
UPSC Civil Services 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 February 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Civil Services Preliminary Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Admit Card | 15 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Answer Key | 27 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Result | 15 June 2026 |
| IAS Mains Form Start | 19 June 2026 |
| IAS Mains Form Last Date | 29 June 2026 |
| IFS Mains Form Start | 13 July 2026 |
| IFS Mains Form Last Date | 22 July 2026 |
| IAS Mains Exam | 21–30 August 2026 |
| IAS Mains Admit Card | 14 August 2026 |
UPSC IAS Mains Application Fee
The application fee details provided for the examination are:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST | ₹0/- |
| PwBD Candidates | ₹0/- |
| Female Candidates | ₹0/- |
The prescribed fee was payable through the payment methods specified by UPSC during the application process.
UPSC Civil Services 2026 Age Limit
The age limit for the Civil Services Examination is calculated as on 01 August 2026.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
| Date of Birth Range | 02 August 1994 to 01 August 2005 |
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available to eligible candidates according to the applicable UPSC examination rules.
UPSC Civil Services Vacancy 2026
The examination has a combined 1,013 vacancies for the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations.
| Post / Service | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 933 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) | 80 |
| Total | 1,013 |
The actual service allocation is subject to the applicable examination rules, candidate preferences, merit and availability of vacancies.
UPSC IAS Eligibility 2026
Candidates appearing for the Indian Administrative Service through the Civil Services Examination must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates who have completed the required degree qualification can participate subject to the other conditions prescribed in the examination notification.
For the Indian Forest Service, the educational qualification is more specific. Candidates generally need a bachelor's degree with eligible subjects such as Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture or an equivalent qualification as prescribed.
Candidates should refer to the examination notification for the complete eligibility conditions.
UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card – Details to Check
After downloading the admit card, candidates should verify:
- Candidate name
- Roll number
- Registration details
- Photograph and signature
- Examination centre
- Examination date
- Paper and session
- Reporting time
- Examination instructions
If there is any serious discrepancy in the admit card, candidates should contact UPSC through the prescribed communication channels rather than making assumptions about the correction.
What to Carry to UPSC IAS Mains Exam Centre?
Candidates should carry the documents and items permitted by UPSC. In particular, the printed admit card and a valid photo identity document should be kept ready.
Candidates should also read the instructions printed on the admit card regarding prohibited items, reporting time and examination-day requirements.
Avoid carrying unnecessary electronic devices or prohibited material into the examination venue.
UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination Pattern
The Civil Services Main Examination is the second major stage after the Preliminary Examination. Unlike the objective-type Preliminary examination, the Mains stage involves descriptive written papers.
Candidates who qualify the required Mains papers are subsequently considered for the Personality Test/Interview.
The final ranking is prepared according to the marks obtained in the applicable Mains written papers and Personality Test, subject to the examination rules.
UPSC IAS Selection Process 2026
The Civil Services Examination follows three broad stages:
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination
- Civil Services Main Examination
- Personality Test / Interview
The Preliminary Examination is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Candidates qualifying at the Mains stage are then called for the Personality Test according to the applicable rules.
How to Download UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026
Candidates can download their admit card by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Open the Admit Card / e-Admit Card section.
- Select the Civil Services Main Examination 2026 link.
- Enter the required login details.
- Submit the information.
- Download the IAS Mains admit card.
- Check the examination centre and schedule carefully.
- Take a clear printout for the examination.
Candidates should keep a digital copy of the admit card safely stored until the examination process is completed.
Important Instructions for UPSC IAS Mains Candidates
The Mains examination involves multiple papers spread across several days, so candidates should check their individual schedule carefully. Reaching the examination venue late can create avoidable problems.
Candidates should also make sure that their admit card is readable and that their photograph, roll number and other details are clearly visible.
The UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 is now available from 14 August 2026, so candidates should download it without waiting for the examination date.
UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 – FAQs
Is the UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 released?
Yes. The UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 was released on 14 August 2026.
When will the UPSC IAS Mains examination be conducted?
The UPSC IAS Mains examination is scheduled from 21 August to 30 August 2026.
What is the total number of UPSC Civil Services and IFS vacancies?
There are 1,013 posts, including 933 IAS vacancies and 80 IFS vacancies.
What is the UPSC IAS age limit?
The prescribed age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 01 August 2026, subject to applicable relaxation.
What qualification is required for the IAS examination?
Candidates must generally hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
What is the selection process for UPSC IAS?
The selection process consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview.
What should candidates check on the IAS Mains admit card?
Candidates should verify their name, roll number, examination centre, date, session, reporting time and examination instructions.
When was the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 held?
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination was scheduled for 24 May 2026.
Final Update
The UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains Admit Card 2026 is OUT, and the Main examination will be conducted from 21 to 30 August 2026. Candidates who have qualified for the Mains stage should download their admit card, verify the examination centre and carefully follow all instructions provided by UPSC.
For the latest UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2026, exam date, examination centre and recruitment updates, candidates should rely on the official UPSC website and the latest examination notice.