The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has revised attempt limits and eligibility rules for candidates already inducted into the civil services, as notified in the CSE Prelims 2026 notification. Compared to earlier years, the changes provide clearer and more explicit guidelines, especially for officers of the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group ‘A’ Central Services.
The revised framework clarifies provisions related to improvement attempts, training exemptions, resignation norms, and penalties for non-joining, making it essential for serving and selected candidates to fully understand the implications before applying.
UPSC CSE 2026: Revised Rules Explained
| Candidates already appointed to IAS / IFS from an earlier CSE and still in service |
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| Candidates already appointed to IPS from an earlier CSE |
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| Candidates allocated IPS / Group ‘A’ Central Services through CSE-2026 |
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| CSE-2026 selectees who neither join training nor take training exemption |
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| Candidates appearing in CSE-2027 after availing training exemption |
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| Candidates who appear in CSE-2027 but do not get any service |
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| Candidates who do not join training for the finally chosen service (2026 / 2027) |
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| Candidates after using the one improvement attempt (CSE-2027) |
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| Candidates already in any service from CSE-2025 or earlier |
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| Candidates currently in service wishing to appear in CSE-2028 or later |
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