The Union Public Service Commission has announced major changes to attempt limits and eligibility rules for candidates who are already serving in the civil services. In a major shift from previous norms, the Civil Services Exam (Prelims) 2026 notification introduced stricter restrictions specifically affecting officers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Under these revised regulations, the UPSC has clarified exactly when officers currently serving in the IPS or other Group A services including the IAS and IFS are prohibited from appearing in subsequent examination cycles. These updates are made to streamline service allocation and prevent what is popularly termed as "vacancy hoarding" by candidates already placed in top-tier roles.
Recrutimet Notification
On Wednesday, the UPSC released the detailed notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026. Eligible candidates can apply online through the UPSC portal until February 24. The nationwide exam will recruit officers for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and B services. This year, the UPSC has announced 933 vacancies, down from 979 in 2025 and 1,105 in 2024.
Along with the notification, UPSC has an added eligibility restrictions, with IPS emerging as a key focus group.
IAS & IFS Restrictions
Candidates already appointed to IAS or IFS from an earlier exam and still serving cannot appear in CSE 2026.
If a candidate is appointed to IAS/IFS after prelims but before mains, they cannot sit for the mains, even if they cleared prelims.
If the appointment happens after mains have started but before results, the candidate will not be considered for any service based on CSE 2026.
UPSC has clarified that candidates already selected or appointed to IPS from an earlier exam cannot opt for or be allocated IPS again based on CSE 2026 results. This IPS restriction is stricter and more explicit than previous years.
UPSC rules allow candidates allocated IPS or Central Service Group A in CSE 2026 to reappear in CSE 2027 only if they get a one-time exemption from joining training and defer the foundation course. Without exemption or training, their 2026 allocation will be cancelled. If they qualify again in 2027, they must choose either the 2026 or 2027 service allocation. They cannot sit for CSE 2028 or later unless they resign. Seniority will be based on the service they finally join.
The notification also provides a one-time opportunity for candidates already allocated to any service based on CSE 2025 or earlier. Such candidates can appear in either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 to use their remaining attempt without resigning from service. However, for appearing in CSE 2028 or beyond, resignation from the allocated service will be mandatory.