UPSC Rule Change: In the official notification issued on February 4, 2026, UPSC has taken several major and strict decisions regarding service allocation, re-examination rules and digital security.
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UPSC Rule Change: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has made changes to the Civil Services Examination 2026 that will make the entire administrative services process more transparent, secure, and disciplined in the future. Every year, millions of young people prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and dream of joining prestigious services like the IAS, IPS, and IFS. However, this path is now set with slightly different and more clear rules than before.
In an official notification issued on February 4, 2026, the UPSC has made several major and strict decisions regarding service allocation, re-examination rules, and digital security. Specifically, regarding the IPS system, the Commission has clarified that there will no longer be scope for repeatedly changing options. These new rules aim to ensure that candidates who have been selected for a particular service do not misuse the system and that deserving candidates receive fair opportunities.
Re-selection for IPS is no longer permitted.
According to the new UPSC rules, if a candidate has already been selected for the IPS (Indian Police Service), they will not be able to re-select for IPS through CSE 2026. This means that once selected for IPS, it will no longer be possible to re-appear for the same service. This rule is especially important for candidates who repeatedly took the exam to improve their rank.
Strictness also imposed on IAS and IFS officers
The Commission has also clarified that candidates already serving in the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) or IFS (Indian Foreign Service) will not be able to reappear in the Civil Services Examination. Furthermore, if a candidate is appointed to the IAS or IFS before the Mains exam, they will not be permitted to appear in the Mains exam.
One last chance for previously selected candidates
The UPSC has granted relief to candidates who were selected for a service in CSE 2025 or earlier. Such candidates will be given one final opportunity in 2026 or 2027 to use their remaining attempts. They will not be required to resign during this period. This opportunity will be a one-time opportunity.
New Rules for Group A Services
Regulations have also been changed for candidates who are selected for Group A services in 2026 but wish to reappear for the UPSC exam. These candidates will now need to obtain permission from their department stating that they are not attending training. If a candidate neither joins training nor takes an exemption, their 2026 application will be cancelled. If the same candidate is successful again in 2027, they will be required to choose only one of the two services; the other will be automatically cancelled.
High-Tech System to Prevent Fraud
UPSC has now made AI-based facial recognition and Aadhaar verification mandatory to enhance the security of the examination process. Candidates will now be required to register on a new four-step online portal. This entire system will be fully linked to Aadhaar. This will prevent fake identities, duplicate applications, and exam fraud.
