| Candidates already appointed to IAS / IFS from an earlier CSE and still in service | - Not permitted to appear in CSE-2026 at any stage.
- Even if appointment happens after Prelims 2026, such candidates cannot write Mains or be considered for any service through CSE-2026
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| Candidates already appointed to IPS from an earlier CSE | - Allowed to appear in CSE-2026.
- However, they cannot be allocated IPS again under any circumstances
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| Candidates allocated IPS / Group ‘A’ Central Services through CSE-2026 | - Eligible for one improvement attempt in CSE-2027.
- This is allowed only if they avail the one-time training exemption
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| CSE-2026 selectees who neither join training nor take training exemption | - Their 2026 service allocation stands cancelled automatically
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| Candidates appearing in CSE-2027 after availing training exemption | - If a better service is secured in 2027, the candidate must choose between the 2026 and 2027 allocations.
- The unselected allocation is cancelled
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| Candidates who appear in CSE-2027 but do not get any service | - They are permitted to return and join their 2026 allotted service
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| Candidates who do not join training for the finally chosen service (2026 / 2027) | - Both service allocations are cancelled
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| Candidates after using the one improvement attempt (CSE-2027) | - Not eligible to appear in CSE-2028 or later,
- Unless they resign from the service
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| Candidates already in any service from CSE-2025 or earlier | - Given one final opportunity to appear in either CSE-2026 or CSE-2027,
- Without resigning from their current service.
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| Candidates currently in service wishing to appear in CSE-2028 or later | - Mandatory resignation from service before applying.
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