The Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) has expanded its rules for candidates taking the Civil Services Examination (CSE) from 2026. Candidates allotted the Indian Police Service (IPS) or any Group A Central Services will face new restrictions, the UPSC said on February 4, 2026. A major change is the mandatory face authentication at all exam venues. Additionally, live photo capture during form filling will be required. The notification also detailed that about 933 vacancies are to be filled this year, with 33 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability. While rules remain unchanged for those allotted the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) previously, new conditions apply to candidates allotted IPS or Group A services this year. Such candidates can appear again in CSE 2027 only if they get a one-time exemption from training and join the foundation course. They cannot appear for CSE 2028 or later exams unless they resign from the allocated service. Those who got services based on CSE 2025 or earlier have a one-time chance to appear in 2026 or 2027 exams without resigning. To attempt from 2028 onwards, they must resign. The Group A services include Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Indian Civil Accounts Service, Indian Corporate Law Service, Indian Information Service, Indian Postal Service, Indian Railway Management Service, Indian Revenue Service, and Indian Trade Service, besides IPS. Candidates not joining training or without exemption will have their service allocation canceled. Candidates allotted services in both 2026 and 2027 may choose which to retain; the other will be canceled. Failing to join training for either means cancellation of both. The UPSC also said candidates could continue using remaining attempts if they have availed the one-time exemption and do not join the allotted services from 2026 or 2027 exams. The notification caused buzz on social media, especially due to spelling errors noted by users.