UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: Vacancy Details and New Regulations

The UPSC has announced significant updates for the 2026 Civil Services Examination, revealing a total of 933 vacancies across various services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. With a lower number of posts compared to last year, candidates can expect new regulations, including mandatory face authentication at examination centers. The selection process will continue to follow a three-stage format, and candidates currently serving in IAS or IFS roles will not be eligible to apply. Stay informed about these changes as you prepare for the upcoming examination.

By Sourabh Singh Mar 5, 2026, 14:19 IST

Vacancy Overview for IAS, IPS, and IFS

The latest figures from the Public Service Commission indicate that there are currently 180 vacant positions for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This includes 72 unreserved posts, 27 reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), 14 for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 49 for Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 18 for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

In a significant update for those preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2026, the Department of Personnel and Training has disclosed the distribution of 933 vacancies across various services. Notably, the total number of posts available this year is lower compared to the previous year. The examination will recruit officers for the IAS, Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and several Group A and B services. The preliminary examination is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

Detailed Vacancy Breakdown

Current Vacancies in IAS, IPS, and IFS

As per the UPSC's data, the IAS has 180 vacancies, with the following distribution: 72 unreserved, 27 SC, 14 ST, 49 OBC, and 18 EWS. The IPS has 150 vacancies, broken down into 62 unreserved, 19 SC, 17 ST, 37 OBC, and 15 EWS. The IFS has 40 vacancies, including 16 unreserved, 6 SC, 3 ST, 11 OBC, and 4 EWS. Additionally, there are 94 vacancies in the Indian Revenue Service and 180 in the IRS, contributing to a total of 933 vacancies across central services.

Category-Wise Distribution of Total Posts

The UPSC has categorized the total of 933 posts as follows: 397 for unreserved candidates, 243 for OBC, 133 for SC, 72 for ST, and 88 for EWS. Furthermore, 33 positions are reserved for candidates with disabilities.

UPSC Selection Process Explained

The Civil Services Examination is structured in three phases: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains, and the Interview. Candidates who pass the Prelims are invited to take the Mains, and those who excel in the Mains proceed to the interview stage. The final merit list is compiled based on the scores from the Mains (1750 marks) and the interview (275 marks).

New Regulations for 2026

Face Authentication Requirement

Starting in 2026, all candidates will need to undergo face authentication at the examination center for UPSC exams, including the Civil Services. This measure aims to utilize artificial intelligence for candidate verification, thereby reducing the chances of impersonation. Additionally, candidates with disabilities will have the option to select their preferred examination center. The timeframe for submitting objections regarding question papers and answer keys has been shortened from seven days to five days post-examination. Notably, individuals currently serving in IAS or IFS roles will be ineligible to participate in the UPSC 2026 examination.