UPSC Unveils Stricter Rules for Civil Services Exam 2026, Bars IAS and IFS Appointees
In a significant regulatory move, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced updated rules for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, aimed at curbing repeated attempts by candidates already selected for top-tier services. The new guidelines, notified on Wednesday, explicitly prohibit candidates who have been appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) from appearing in CSE 2026.
Even if such an appointment occurs after the preliminary exam in 2026, the candidate will not be permitted to write the mains exam or be considered for any service allocation from CSE-2026. This strict provision is designed to streamline the recruitment process and ensure that selected candidates commit to their allocated roles without seeking further attempts.
Revised Attempt Policies for IPS and Group A Services
However, the rules offer some flexibility for candidates appointed to the Indian Police Service (IPS) from earlier CSE cycles. Such candidates can apply and appear in CSE-2026, but they are barred from relisting IPS as their service preference. If a candidate is allocated IPS or any Group ‘A’ central service through CSE-2026, they will be granted one improvement attempt in CSE-2027 by utilizing a one-time training exemption.
Failure to join training or avail of this exemption will result in the cancellation of their 2026 service allocation. In cases where a candidate reappears in CSE 2027 and secures a better service, they must choose between the 2026 and 2027 batches. If no service is obtained in the 2027 exam, the candidate can revert to joining the service allocated based on CSE 2026.
Not joining the training for the finally chosen service (whether from 2026 or 2027) will lead to the cancellation of both allocations. After availing the one improvement attempt in CSE-2027, candidates cannot appear in CSE-2028 or beyond unless they resign from their service.
Transitional Provisions for Existing Service Holders
Candidates already in service from CSE-2025 or earlier will have one opportunity to reappear in either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 without resigning. For attempts in CSE 2028 and subsequent years, resignation from the allocated service is mandatory. This phased approach aims to balance career progression with administrative stability.
Enhanced Accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities
In a progressive step, UPSC has eliminated the cap on examination center capacity for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates, ensuring they are accommodated on a priority basis. Initially, both PwBD and non-PwBD candidates will utilize the existing capacity of each center. Once a center reaches full capacity, it will no longer be available for selection by non-PwBD candidates, while PwBD candidates can continue to choose it.
Expansion of Examination Centers and Candidate Preferences
CSE 2026 will feature additional examination centers to reduce congestion and improve accessibility. New locations include Meerut to decongest Delhi-NCR, Kanpur to ease pressure around Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar to supplement centers near Cuttack. Furthermore, candidates will now have the option to indicate their preferred nearby cities from a dropdown menu, in addition to the notified examination centers.
This data will serve as a survey of candidate preferences and may inform the creation of new examination centers in feasible locations, enhancing convenience for aspirants across India.
