UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 Application Deadline Extended to February 27
The Union Public Service Commission has extended the registration deadline for Civil Services Prelims 2026 and Indian Forest Service exams to February 27, giving aspirants more time to complete their applications.
AC Team
Good news for UPSC aspirants. The Union Public Service Commission has given candidates a bit more breathing room. The registration deadline for Civil Services Prelims 2026 and Indian Forest Service exams has been pushed to February 27, 2026.
If you've been putting off filling that application form, now is the time to get it done. The Commission has extended the deadline, which means you have a few extra days to submit your application on the official website at upsc.gov.in.
Why This Extension Matters
Sometimes life gets in the way. Maybe you were waiting for a document to arrive, or perhaps you had second thoughts about your optional subject. Whatever the reason, this extension offers a safety net for those who haven't yet completed their registration.
The UPSC Civil Services exam is one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. It opens doors to prestigious services like the IAS, IPS, and IFS. Missing the registration deadline would mean waiting another year, and that's a setback no serious aspirant wants to face.
Who Can Apply
The Civil Services exam is open to Indian citizens who meet specific educational and age criteria. You need to hold a degree from a recognized university. The age limit varies based on your category, with certain relaxations for reserved categories.
The Indian Forest Service exam follows similar eligibility criteria. Both exams share the same Prelims test, which makes this registration window important for candidates targeting either service.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward. Visit upsc.gov.in and look for the Civil Services Prelims 2026 registration link. You'll need to create an account if you're a first-time user.
Keep your basic details ready. This includes your educational certificates, identity proof, and a recent photograph. The photograph needs to meet specific size and format requirements, so check the official notification carefully.
Fill in all sections with accurate information. Double-check everything before you submit. Once you've filled the form, you'll need to pay the application fee. The fee varies based on your category. Female candidates and those from SC/ST/PwBD categories are exempt from the fee.
After payment, download the confirmation page. Keep both a digital copy and a printout for your records. You'll need this during later stages of the selection process.
What Happens Next
Once registration closes on February 27, the Commission will release the admit cards a few weeks before the exam. The Prelims test typically happens in May or June, though the exact date will be announced officially.
The Prelims consists of two objective-type papers. General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (also called CSAT). You need to qualify both papers, though only Paper I marks count for your final Prelims score.
Those who clear the Prelims move on to the Mains exam, which tests your knowledge in greater depth through descriptive papers. After Mains comes the Personality Test, the final hurdle before your dream of joining the civil services becomes reality.
A Word of Advice
Don't wait until the last day to apply. Technical glitches happen. Websites can slow down when thousands of people try to access them at the same time. Give yourself a buffer of at least two to three days.
Read the official notification thoroughly. It contains important details about eligibility, exam pattern, and syllabus. Many candidates make silly mistakes because they skip reading the fine print.
If you face any technical issues during registration, the Commission has a helpline. Contact them early rather than panicking at the last minute.
Keep Your Preparation on Track
While this extension is helpful for registration, it doesn't change your preparation timeline. The exam date remains the same. Use these extra days wisely if you needed them for registration, but don't let this become a reason to postpone your study schedule.
The Civil Services exam rewards consistent effort over last-minute cramming. Whether you're a first-time aspirant or attempting the exam again, stay focused on your preparation strategy.
Make sure you have all your study materials organized. Create a realistic study plan that covers the entire syllabus. Past year papers are your best friends for understanding the exam pattern and question types.
February 27 is your final chance to register for UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026. Mark this date in your calendar. Set a reminder. Better yet, complete your application today and remove this task from your to-do list. Your focus should be on preparation, not paperwork.
