UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility: Know What Changes for IAS, IFS, IPS Candidates

UPSC Civil Services Updates: UPSC has stated eligibility conditions and restrictions for serving IAS, IFS and IPS officers appearing in CSE 2026. Check details here 

UPSC CSE 2026 Eligibility

UPSC Civil Services Eligibility: Union Public Service Commission has introduced important rules regarding eligibility of candidates for Civil Services Examination 2026, especially for those already selected or appointed to services like IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Group ‘A’ services. These rules clarify who can appear in UPSC CSE 2026 and under what conditions.

IAS and IFS officers not eligible for CSE 2026

Candidates who have already been appointed to Indian Administrative Service or Indian Foreign Service through an earlier Civil Services Examination and are continuing in service will not be allowed to appear in CSE 2026. Further, candidates who are appointed to IAS or IFS after UPSC CSE Prelim 2026 will also be barred from appearing in maib exam, even if they have qualified Preliminary round.

In cases where a candidate is appointed to IAS or IFS after commencement of CSE Main 2026 but before final result is declared, they will not be considered for appointment to any service or post based on results of UPSC CSE 2026.

IPS candidates cannot opt for IPS again

UPSC has also clarified that candidates who have already been selected or appointed to Indian Police Service through an earlier exam will not be eligible to opt for or be allocated IPS again based on UPSC CSE 2026 results. However, they will be eligible to be appointed to all the services other than IPS. 

One-time chance for IPS and Group A officers to appear in UPSC CSE 2027

Candidates who are allocated to IPS or any Central Service Group A through UPSC CSE 2026 result will be allowed to appear in Civil Services Examination 2027, provided they meet eligibility and follow specific conditions. They must obtain one time exemption from joining training from concerned authority to appear in CSE 2027. 

This exemption is allowed only once. If they join training, they can join only Foundation Course. If any candidates neither join training nor take exemption, the service allocation made based on UPSC CSE 2026 will stand cancelled. 

Choice of service after UPSC CSE Result 2027 

If a candidate is finally recommended based on UPSC CSE 2027, they will have option to accept either the service allotted through CSE 2026 or service allotted through CSE 2027. The training will be joined as per CSE 2027 schedule and service not chosen will be cancelled. However, if the candidate does not get any service through UPSC CSE 2027, they may continue with the service allotted through CSE 2026. If they fail to join training for service allotted through either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027, both service allocations will be cancelled.

Seniority and future attempts

The seniority of such candidates will be decided based on the service they finally join, and their seniority will not be reduced. UPSC has further stated that they will not be allowed to appear in CSE 2028 or any subsequent exam unless they resign from the service.

Candidates who wish to use their remaining attempts after taking the one-time training exemption must not join any service allotted through CSE 2026 or 2027. In such cases, the service allocation will be cancelled automatically.

What is One Time Opportunity? 

Candidates who were allotted any service based on CSE 2025 or earlier exams will be given a one time opportunity to appear in either UPSC CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 as per their choice, to use their remaining attempt without resigning from service. However, to appear in CSE 2028 or later exams, resignation from allotted service will be mandatory.

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• UPSC 2026 Notification Released @upsc.gov.in: Apply till February 24