UPSC announces 933 2026 civil services vacancies; strict rules bar current IAS/IFS/IPS officers from reappearing.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced 933 vacancies for the 2026 Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam, with applications open from February 4 to February 24, 2026. Strict new rules bar candidates already serving as IAS, IFS, or IPS officers from appearing in the CSE 2026, even if they previously cleared the preliminary exam. Those appointed to Group A services must resign to reattempt the exam, with limited exceptions allowing one-time participation in CSE 2027 without joining training. The selection process includes a preliminary exam on May 24, main exam on August 21, and an interview.