India, Feb. 5 -- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced new rules for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 that significantly change opportunities for IAS, IFS and IPS officers.
For years, serving officers could reappear in the exam to aim for a higher rank or a different service. That option now faces strict limits.
Under the new rules, serving IAS and IFS officers cannot appear for CSE 2026. If appointed after the preliminary exam but before the mains, they cannot write the mains. If appointed after the mains begin but before the final result, they will not be considered for service allocation. Officers can reappear only if they resign from service.
The notification also restricts IPS officers. Candidates alread...