UPSC Revises CSE 2026 Guidelines: Serving IAS/IFS Officers Barred, IPS Allocations Clarified
UPSC in its Civil Services Examination have introduced strict restrictions, highlighting limited re-attempts for candidates who are already in service. In simple terms, Serving IAS and IFS will not be allowed to appear in CSE 2026. The notification also terms conditions on IPS Officers and candidates who have been in Group A service willing to improve their ranking in the next attempt.
Know In Details –
Under the updated notification, officers already serving in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS)or Indian Foreign Service (IFS), appointed through earlier examinations and still in service, will not be permitted to appear in CSE2026 at any stage. This restriction applies even if the appointment occurs after the preliminary exam but before the mains, or after the mains but before final results are declared.
The rules for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers have also been clarified. Candidates previously selected or appointed to the IPS will be allowed to sit for the CSE; however, they cannot be allocated the IPS again based on the 2026 results. They may compete for other services if eligible.
In a notable update, the UPSC has formalised a one‑time improvement opportunity for those allocated to IPS or any Central Service Group ‘A’ through CSE 2026. Such candidates may reappear in CSE 2027 provided they secure a one‑time exemption from joining training for their 2026 allocation. Failure to take this exemption or to join training will result in cancellation of their 2026 service allocation. If a candidate is recommended again in 2027, they must choose between the two allocations, with the unselected one being withdrawn. Additionally, they will not be eligible to contest CSE 2028 or later without resigning from service.
Those who were allotted services based on CSE 2025 or earlier will be granted a one‑time opportunity to appear in either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 without resigning, but must resign if they wish to participate in CSE 2028 or beyond.
By formalising these provisions, the UPSC has structured the improvement window and limited repeated examination attempts after service allocation, compelling aspirants to weigh their options carefully before pursuing another attempt.
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