IAS Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

IAS Recruitment 2026: A Comprehensive Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually, which is the gateway to becoming an IAS officer. For 2026, candidates can expect a similar recruitment pattern, focusing on merit and comprehensive evaluation.

Job Profile & Responsibilities

IAS officers are entrusted with significant administrative and executive responsibilities. Their roles typically involve:

• Implementing government policies and programs at district, state, and national levels.
• Overseeing public welfare schemes and ensuring their efficient execution.
• Maintaining law and order within their jurisdiction.
• Advising political leadership on policy matters.
• Managing public finances and resources.
• Resolving public grievances and ensuring administrative justice.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

To be eligible for the IAS exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A graduate degree from any recognized university in India or abroad. Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply provisionally.
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
• Age Limit: The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years for the General category. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST) as per government norms. (e.g., 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST).
• Number of Attempts: A limited number of attempts are allowed for each category.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection for IAS is a multi-stage process conducted by UPSC:

• Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type): This includes two papers - General Studies (Paper-I) and Aptitude Test (Paper-II). Paper-II is qualifying in nature. Topics include Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, General Science, Comprehension, Logical reasoning, and Analytical ability.
• Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive Type): Consists of nine papers including essay, general studies papers, optional subject papers, and language papers (one Indian language and English).
• Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview): A panel evaluates the candidate's suitability for the administrative service based on their intellectual capabilities, critical thinking, and personality traits.

Salary Structure & Allowances

IAS officers receive a competitive salary and benefits as per the 7th Pay Commission. The salary ranges are:

• Basic Pay: Starts from Rs. 56,100 (Pay Level 10) and increases with promotions.
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perquisites are provided.
• Grade Pay: Applied on top of basic pay, increasing with seniority.
• Senior Scales: Senior scale officers can draw salaries up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs or more, with Apex scale salaries going significantly higher.

How to Apply

Applications for IAS vacancies are invited through the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates must:

• Visit the UPSC Online portal (upsconline.nic.in).
• Look for the 'Civil Services Examination 2026' notification.
• Complete the one-time registration (OTR) and the application form carefully.
• Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature.
• Pay the application fee online.
• Submit the application before the deadline. Essential documents and further instructions are provided within the official notification.