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UPSC Announces Civil Services Exam 2026 Notification

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Civil Services Examination 2026. This year, significant changes have been introduced in the examination rules, which will notably impact candidates who previously attempted the exam multiple times to improve their ranks. Let's delve into these new provisions and understand which candidates will be disqualified from participating in the exam under the new regulations.

In the notification issued on Wednesday, UPSC announced that recruitment will be conducted for 933 positions, with candidates able to apply until February 24. The option for multiple attempts has been eliminated. Additionally, the application process remains unchanged. In simpler terms, candidates already in service will now have only one opportunity to enhance their performance.

Eligibility Changes for IAS and IFS Candidates

- Candidates will not be eligible to participate in the IAS or IFS examinations in 2026 if they have already become IAS or IFS officers through previous exams before the main examination.

- This rule applies even if they have passed the preliminary examination. Furthermore, if a candidate becomes an IAS or IFS officer before the final results of 2026 are declared, their appointment will not be considered.

- For instance, if a candidate applies for the 2026 examination but becomes an IAS officer during the selection process, they will not be able to join the service through the 2026 examination, even if they pass the preliminary exam.

Rules for Existing IPS Officers

Can IPS Officers Reappear for the Exam?

- Existing IPS officers will not be able to become IPS officers again based on the 2026 results. In other words, those already serving as IPS officers will have only one chance to improve their rank.

- Candidates who become IPS officers based on the 2026 results can participate in the 2027 examination. They will be granted a one-time exemption from training for this purpose, provided they obtain permission from their service training officer.

- If an IPS officer neither attends training nor takes leave from it, their service will be terminated. Candidates selected through CSE 2026 wishing to appear for CSE 2027 must seek permission. Resignation will be necessary to participate in CSE 2028 or subsequent examinations.

Rules for Candidates Not Currently in Service

What Are the Rules for Non-Serving Candidates?

- For those not currently in service, the rules remain the same. They can appear for the exam 6 or 9 times, depending on their category.

Number of Attempts Allowed

How Many Attempts Are Allowed?

- Candidates participating in the Civil Services Examination will be granted 6 attempts. There is no limit for candidates from SC/ST reserved categories, while OBC candidates can appear 9 times. PWBD candidates are also allowed 9 attempts.

Age Limit Regulations

What Are the Age Limit Rules?

- Candidates who are 21 years old as of August 1, 2026, but have not yet turned 32, are eligible to take the exam. This means their birth date should not be before August 2, 1994, or after August 1, 2005. There are age relaxations for reserved categories, with SC/ST candidates receiving a maximum of five years and OBC candidates a maximum of three years. Certain defense personnel and ex-servicemen are also granted age relaxations.