The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the much-awaited notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 on February 4, after a delay from its originally scheduled release in the second week of January. An updated notice issued on February 6 incorporated several new rules, marking significant procedural changes to the application and eligibility process.
The notification invites applications for around 933 vacancies in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and other central services of Groups A and B. The preliminary examination is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026, while the main examination will begin on August 21, 2026. The last date to submit the online application is February 24.
One of the key changes is the introduction of a four-stage online application system aimed at improving security and permanence. The process begins with account creation, followed by the generation of a Universal Registration Number (URN), which will serve as a unique lifetime identifier for candidates. The URN cannot be changed retrospectively and any changes will apply to future exams only. This is followed by the submission of the Common Application Form (CAF) and finally the exam-specific form.
To curb fraud and identity-related discrepancies, UPSC has made live photo capture mandatory during the CAF stage. The uploaded photo must match the live captured image. Signature upload rules have also been tightened, requiring exactly three signatures on a single white page using only black ink. Errors in photographs or signatures will result in complete rejection of the application and may result in disciplinary action.
In a major procedural change, the commission has eliminated the correction window entirely. There will be no provision to withdraw, edit or review the application after it is submitted, and category changes are not permitted. Aspirants have been advised to check all details carefully before submitting and treat the application form with the same seriousness as an exam answer sheet.
Applicants in Pune have expressed mixed reactions to these changes, particularly the removal of the correction window and new restrictions on new attempts by already selected candidates.
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On removal of correction window, Akash Kamble (26), an aspirant, said: “Removal of correction window seems unfair. UPSC is not just an exam – it represents an opportunity for candidates from all corners of India. The application form is long and technical, and even a small genuine mistake can cost someone a year. A correction window was not a loophole, it was a genuine safeguard. Removing it adds unnecessary pressure to an already demanding civil services journey.”
The notification also introduces stricter eligibility norms for candidates already selected through previous exams. Those appointed to IAS or IFS through previous CSE and still in service will be completely ineligible to appear for CSE-2026, even if their appointment occurs after the Preliminary examination. They will not be allowed to write the main exam or be considered for the CSE-2026 allotment.
Candidates appointed to IPS through a previous CSE will be eligible to appear for CSE-2026 but will not be eligible for IPS again. For candidates posted to IPS or any Group ‘A’ central service through CSE-2026, a one-time improvement attempt was allowed in CSE-2027, along with exemption from training. If such candidates do not participate in the training or take advantage of the waiver, their 2026 assignment will be cancelled. The detailed rules also govern scenarios involving appearing in CSE-2027 after waiver, including choices between assignments and consequences for not joining, effectively limiting new attempts without waiver.
Gauri Gomase (24), a UPSC aspirant, welcomed these restrictions and said, “I really feel that this is a positive decision by UPSC. For many first-time aspirants, a fair chance means everything. When already selected candidates return to the process, it silently reduces opportunities for those still waiting for their first selection. This rule may limit options for some, but it protects the hopes of thousands who are honestly preparing for the civil services. I think this decision brings a sense of balance and fairness to the exam.”
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Additional security measures include mandatory facial authentication at examination centres, and Aadhaar-based verification is highly recommended to ensure smoother processing.
Reflecting on the overall rigor of the new process, Pramod Kedar (28), another aspirant, said: “Filling out the UPSC CSE 2026 form feels unusually long and mentally exhausting. Every step demands attention and there is a constant fear of making even a small mistake. I understand why it is so strict. These layers of verification, live photo capture and no-correction rules are meant to stop manipulation and ensure fairness. If the system is harsh at the form stage itself, we may be disappointed. “He is preparing for the responsibility that service demands.”