UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam in May
The prelims exam of Civil Services (UPSC CSE) can be conducted on 24 May 2026. From this time onwards there will be Artificial Intelligence (AI) face authentication of the candidates at the examination centre. To ensure a safe and smooth examination process, all candidates will have to undergo mandatory face authentication at the examination centre. Candidates have been advised to reach the examination center well in time for face authentication/identity verification and frisking.
Who can apply?
- Educational qualification: Candidates having Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognized university are eligible for this exam. Candidates with Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in subjects like Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture can apply for Indian Forest Service (IFS).
- Age Limit: The age of eligible candidates should be minimum 21 years and maximum 32 years as on 01 August 2026. That means birth should not be before August 2, 1994 and after August 1, 2005. Additional age relaxation will be given as per UPSC Exam 2026. For more information read the official notification before applying.
People from 14 countries including Pakistan can also give UPSC exam.
Yes, you may be surprised to know but people from 14 countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, East African countries Kenya, Uganda, Republic of Tanzania can also become officers in the Government of India by giving the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The notification issued by UPSC clearly states that for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), a candidate must be a citizen of India. But for other services, candidates from other countries can also give the exam.
For other services, a candidate must be either a citizen of India, or a citizen of Nepal, or a citizen of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India with the intention of permanently settling in India before January 1, 1962. Apart from this, candidates of Indian origin who have come from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries Kenya, Uganda, Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India can also appear in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
This is the only condition
Provided that a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India in favor of such candidates. A candidate in whose case the eligibility certificate is necessary may be admitted to the examination but will be offered appointment only when the necessary eligibility certificate is issued by the Government of India. Candidates are advised to read the UPSC CSE 2026 notification carefully for more details.
UPSC CSE rules changed
Let us tell you that this time there has been a big change in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The biggest change is the strictness on giving repeated exams while in service. The Commission has clearly said that while in IAS, IPS, IFS and other services, you will get only one chance to apply. If you have to appear for the exam more than once to improve your rank, you will have to resign from your post and apply. Apart from this, IPS cannot choose IPS for the second time.
