The UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains Online Form 2026 has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates who have successfully qualified in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026. Eligible candidates can now submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) for the Civil Services (IAS) Mains Examination 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Examination 2026 through the official UPSC portal.
The Detailed Application Form (DAF) is an important stage in the recruitment process. Candidates are required to fill in their personal details, educational qualifications, service preferences, examination centre, category details, and upload the required documents before the last date. Only candidates who complete the online DAF submission will be allowed to appear in the Mains Examination.
UPSC Civil Services & IFS Mains Online Form 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Forest Service | Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 |
| Form Name | Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) |
| Form Status | Online Form Started |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains Online Form 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Result | Declared |
| DAF-I Online Form Start | 13 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit DAF | 22 July 2026 |
| Civil Services Mains Exam | September 2026 |
| IFS Mains Exam | November 2026 |
Candidates should regularly visit the official UPSC website for the latest schedule and updates.
UPSC Civil Services & IFS Mains 2026 Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Qualify the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026.
- Meet all eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.
- Upload all required certificates while filling the DAF.
- Submit the form before the deadline.
Required Documents for UPSC DAF-I 2026
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Photo Identity Proof
- Educational Certificates
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- Disability Certificate (PwBD), if applicable
- Age Proof
- Graduation Marksheet/Degree
- Other supporting documents as required
Application Fee
Generally, no additional application fee is required while submitting the DAF for candidates who have already completed the Preliminary application process. Candidates should verify the latest fee details in the official notification.
How to Fill UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains Online Form 2026
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Open the DAF-I Civil Services/IFS 2026 link.
- Log in using your Registration ID and Password.
- Fill in personal, educational, and service preference details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Preview the application carefully.
- Submit the form.
- Download and print the confirmation page.
UPSC Civil Services & IFS Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Personality Test (Interview)
- Final Merit List
- Document Verification
Civil Services Posts Included
Selected candidates may be appointed to prestigious services such as:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Audit & Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Management Service
- Indian Defence Accounts Service
- Indian Information Service
- Indian Postal Service
- Other Central Civil Services (Group A & B)
Indian Forest Service (IFS)
Candidates qualifying for the Indian Forest Service examination may be appointed as officers responsible for:
- Forest Conservation
- Wildlife Protection
- Environmental Management
- National Parks Administration
- Biodiversity Conservation
Important Instructions
- Fill the DAF carefully.
- Upload only clear scanned documents.
- Check service preferences before submission.
- Keep a printed copy for future reference.
- No correction may be allowed after final submission.
Why is DAF-I Important?
The Detailed Application Form is not just an application form—it plays an important role during the personality test. Information provided in the DAF is used by the UPSC interview board while assessing candidates during the final selection stage.
Benefits of Joining UPSC Civil Services
- Highest Prestige in Government Jobs
- Attractive Salary and Allowances
- Job Security
- Government Accommodation
- Medical Facilities
- Pension Benefits
- Leadership Opportunities
- Opportunity to Serve the Nation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains Online Form 2026?
It is the Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) that qualified Prelims candidates must submit to appear in the UPSC Mains Examination.
2. Who can fill the DAF-I?
Only candidates who have qualified in the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026.
3. Is the DAF mandatory?
Yes. Without submitting the DAF, candidates cannot appear in the Mains Examination.
4. What documents are required while filling the DAF?
Photograph, signature, educational certificates, identity proof, category certificate (if applicable), and other supporting documents.
5. Can I edit my DAF after submission?
Generally, no. Candidates should verify all details before final submission.
6. What is the official website of UPSC?
The official website is https://upsc.gov.in.
7. Is there any fee for the DAF?
Usually, no additional fee is required after qualifying the Preliminary Examination. Candidates should verify the latest notification.
8. What happens after submitting the DAF?
Candidates receive their Mains Examination Admit Card before the exam.
9. Can I change my service preference later?
No. Service preferences should be filled carefully before final submission.
10. What is the selection process?
Prelims → Mains → Interview → Final Merit → Document Verification.
11. What is the salary of an IAS Officer?
The starting basic pay of an IAS officer is generally ₹56,100 per month (Level-10), excluding allowances.
12. What is the salary of an IFS Officer?
The salary follows the 7th Pay Commission and starts from Level-10 with additional government benefits.
13. When will the UPSC Mains Examination 2026 be held?
As per the official examination calendar, the Civil Services Mains examination is scheduled for September 2026.
14. Can final-year students apply for UPSC Mains?
Only candidates meeting the eligibility conditions specified by UPSC can submit the DAF.
15. Is UPSC Civil Services one of the toughest exams in India?
Yes. It is considered one of the most competitive and prestigious examinations in the country.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Government of India, or any other Government authority. This article is published solely for informational and educational purposes. All official notifications, logos, trademarks, and names belong to their respective owners. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details through the official UPSC website before submitting their application.