UPSC IFS 2026 Notification – Apply Online

Other Important Information

Age Relaxation:

Photo and Signature Upload Guidelines:

• Applicants are required to upload their photograph and also capture their live photograph while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF).
• Ensure uploaded photograph and live photograph are clear as per instructions on “Instructions and FAQs > Instruction for filling the form > Photos and Signature” on https://upsconline.nic.in.
• Applicants are required to sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using black ink and upload.
• Uploaded signatures should be clear and legible.

Helpline for Candidates:
The Commission has established a dedicated helpline to assist candidates during the application process. Candidates seeking clarification, guidance, or assistance related to the application process or examination details can contact:
Helpline No.: 011-24041001
Email ID: [email protected]
Operational Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during the application window (04.02.2026 to 24.02.2026).Preliminary Examination Centers:

Main Examination Centers:

Penalty for Wrong Answers (Negative Marking):

• For each question with a wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.
• If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer, and the same penalty will apply.
• No penalty for unanswered questions.

Mobile Phones Banned:

• Use of any mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager, electronic equipment, programmable device, storage media (pen drive, smart watches etc.), camera, Bluetooth devices, or any other communication device during the examination is strictly prohibited.
• Candidates are advised not to bring banned items to the examination venue, as no safe-keeping arrangements will be made.

Scribe Facility for PwBD Candidates:

• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the categories of low vision (partially blind) will be provided the facility of scribe, if desired.
• For other PwBD categories (as defined under section 2(r) of RPwD Act, 2016), scribe facility is allowed on production of a certificate from Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent of a Government Health Care institution, stating physical limitation to write and essentiality of scribe.
• For persons with specified disabilities (less than 40% disability but difficulty in writing) covered under Section 2(s) of RPwD Act, 2016, scribe facility is provided on production of a certificate from competent medical authority.
• Candidates have discretion to opt for their own scribe or request the Commission for one.
• The qualification of the Commission’s scribe as well as own scribe will not be more than the minimum qualification criteria of the examination, but should always be matriculate or above.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the category of low-vision will be allowed Compensatory Time of twenty minutes per hour of the examination.
• For other PwBD categories, compensatory time will be provided on production of a certificate stating physical limitation to write.

Important Communication Details:
All communications to the Commission should invariably contain the following particulars:

• NAME AND YEAR OF THE EXAMINATION
• URN (Universal Registration Number)
• Application Number
• ROLL NUMBER (IF RECEIVED)
• NAME OF CANDIDATE (IN FULL AND IN BLOCK LETTERS)
• COMPLETE POSTAL ADDRESS AS GIVEN IN THE APPLICATION
• VALID AND ACTIVE registered E-MAIL I.D and registered Mobile Number

Eligibility for Availing Reservation:

• Benefit of community reservation is only for castes included in the Central Government’s list of reserved communities.
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate must be based on income for FY 2024-25, 2023-24, and 2022-23, issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 24th February, 2026.
• EWS reservation requires Income & Asset Certificate based on income for FY 2024-25, issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 24th February, 2026.
• Candidates must possess all requisite certificates in the prescribed format by the closing date of application.

Change of Category:

• Requests to change category from General to Reserved, or from one reserved category to another (e.g., SC to ST, OBC to EWS), will not be entertained after submission of the Common Application Form.
• No reserved category candidates, other than those who qualified each stage on General Merit, shall be allowed to change their category from Reserved to Unreserved or claim unreserved vacancies after final result declaration.
• Requests for change from General to Reserved may be considered on merit if there was a gap of not more than 3 months between Government Notification enlisting a community and the application submission date.
• No PwBD candidate shall be allowed to change his/her sub-category of disability.

Physical Standards:
Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to Indian Forest Service Examination, 2026 as per regulations given in Appendix-III of the rules for the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2026 published in Gazette of India dated 04th February, 2026.OMR Sheet Instructions:

• Use black ball pen only for marking responses and writing particulars on the Answer Sheet.
• Encode Test Booklet Series, Subject Code, and Roll Number in the circles provided.
• Any omission/mistake/discrepancy in encoding/filling details may lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
• Do not fold, mutilate, damage, or put any extraneous marking on the Answer Sheet.
• Do not write anything on the reverse of the Answer Sheet.