UPSC CSE 2026 latest rules for serving civil servants: What has changed?

In its latest notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has updated the rules on the number of attempts and eligibility for candidates already serving in the civil services.

According to the notification, candidates who were appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) through an earlier examination and who continue to serve in those cadres will not be eligible to appear for the CSE 2026.

The revision will impact 23 categories of posts under civil services examination, UPSC remarked.

What does UPSC rules mention about the restriction?

The rules laid by UPSC mentioned that a candidate who is appointed to the IAS or the IFS based on the results of an earlier Examination and continues to be a member of that Service will not be eligible to appear at the CSE 2026.

The UPSC’s latest revision states, “ If such a candidate is appointed to the IAS or IFS after the commencement of the Civil Services (Main) Examination-2026 but before the result thereof is declared by the Commission and continues to be a member of that Service, the candidate shall not be considered for appointment to any Service/Post on the basis of the result of the CSE-2026”.

However, a candidate allocated to IPS or a Central Service Group ‘A’ will get the option to appear in civil services examination-2027 if he/she is granted exemption from allocated service training.

The UPSC on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) released the notification, laying out the rules and procedures governing the conduct of the examination, from application to final service allocation. Additionally, it listed exam centres, application deadlines, fees, and online submission requirements.

The candidates could apply this year for civil services examination by logging to website https://upsconline.nic.in. The last date for the application is February 24 till 6 p.m. following which, the link will be disabled.

Number of attempts

The apex body announced a maximum of six attempts permissible at civil services examination. However, a relaxation will be provided to SC/ST/OBC and PwBD category candidates. While SC and ST candidates are permitted unlimited attempts, OBC and PwBD candidates have the option to apply for nine times.

Preliminary examination date and venue

The preliminary examination of the Civil Services examination will be held by the UPSC on 24th May. The number of vacancies to be filled through the examination is expected to be approximately 933, which include 33 vacancies reserved for persons with disability category. The venue for preliminary exam of CSE will be held across 83 cities across 28 States and 8 Union Territories.