UPSC CSE 2026 Attempt Rules Changed: Notification of UPSC CSE 2026 has been released. New rules have been implemented for IPS-IAS with recruitment on 933 posts. Now there will be new terms and conditions for appearing in the examination repeatedly while in service. Know the details.
UPSC CSE 2026 New Attempt Rules IPS IAS: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification of Civil Services Examination 2026. Let us tell you that this time not only the vacancies and dates have been announced for this examination held every year for IAS, IPS and IFS posts, but important changes have also been made in the rules related to the selection process and attempts (UPSC Attempts). According to the official notification issued by the Commission, this time a total of 933 posts will be recruited. The application process has started and interested candidates can apply online till 24 February 2026.
Face authentication mandatory before entry into UPSC CSE exam center
This time UPSC has taken steps towards making the examination process more strict and transparent. Face authentication has been made mandatory before entry into the examination centre. That is, now the candidate will be allowed to appear in the examination only after his identity is verified through face. Along with this, there has also been a major change in the rules related to re-examination while in service, which are much more stringent than before.
It will be difficult to appear for the exam again while in UPSC service.
According to the new rules, now after selection in UPSC, the freedom to take civil services examination again and again will not be the same as before. If a candidate gets selected in Group-A service or IPS, he will get only one chance to improve his rank. This opportunity will be given only in the next examination i.e. CSE 2027, that too when the candidate gets one-time exemption for not joining the training. This exemption will also be limited to foundation courses only. If a candidate neither joins the training nor takes relaxation within the stipulated time, his/her service availed on the basis of both CSE 2026 and CSE 2027 will automatically stand cancelled. At the same time, it will be mandatory for the candidate to resign from his/her current service to appear for the CSE exam in 2028 or later.
Only one chance to improve rank while being an IAS and IPS, resignation necessary for re-examination
However, at present no change has been made in the rules related to IAS and IFS. The Commission has retained the system already in place for these services. The selected officer will get a chance to improve his performance once. For example, if a candidate is selected in IPS in 2026, he can appear for the exam to improve his rank in 2027. After this, if he wants to appear in the examination again, he will have to resign from the service.
If you are already an IPS then you will not be able to become an IPS by taking the exam again.
UPSC has also made it clear this time that the candidates who are already selected or appointed in IPS will not be able to get IPS again through CSE 2026. Also, if a candidate gets selected in IAS or IFS after clearing Prelims but before Mains, he/she will not be allowed to write Mains exam.
UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Important Dates and Details
The notification for UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 has been released on 4 February 2026. Last date of application is 24 February 2026. The preliminary exam will be held on May 24, 2026, while the main exam is likely to begin on August 21, 2026. Interview or personality test can be conducted in February-March 2027.
More than 10 lakh candidates had applied in 2025
Every year the level of competition in this examination is continuously increasing. More than 10 lakh candidates had applied in 2025, out of which about 14 thousand passed the prelims and reached the mains. 2,736 candidates were called for interview and final selection took place on 979 posts. Whereas in 2024, about 13 lakh applications were received and selection was made on 1,009 posts. In 2023 also, about 13 lakh applications were received and the final selection of 1,016 candidates was done.
UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Detailed Notification
UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 Direct link to Apply