UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rolled out a series of technology-driven reforms for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS) 2026. These reforms aim to improve candidate accessibility, enhance exam security, and ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
The official notification for UPSC CSE 2026 and IFoS 2026 was released on February 4, along with the opening of the online application window. Eligible candidates can submit their applications until February 24. Through these examinations, UPSC plans to fill 933 vacancies under Civil Services and 80 vacancies under the Indian Forest Service.
Revamped UPSC Online Application Portal
As part of its modernization efforts, UPSC has introduced a revamped Online Application Portal for application submission and examination-related processes. The upgraded portal is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and candidate convenience, while reinforcing integrity at every stage of the examination process.
The new system simplifies the application journey for candidates and strengthens monitoring mechanisms to prevent malpractice during exams.
Major Reform for PwBD Candidates
One of the most significant changes announced by UPSC focuses on Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), particularly in relation to exam centre allocation.
Under the revised policy, there will be no cap on examination centre capacity for PwBD candidates. Initially, the existing capacity of each examination centre will be shared between PwBD and non-PwBD candidates. Once a centre reaches full capacity, it will no longer be available for selection by non-PwBD candidates. However, PwBD candidates will continue to have the option to select the same centre.
To ensure inclusivity, additional capacity will be created wherever necessary, guaranteeing that no PwBD candidate is denied their preferred examination centre.
Why This Change Was Introduced
Explaining the rationale behind the reform, UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar stated that an analysis of exam centre data from the past five years revealed that certain centres—such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, and Lucknow—reach full capacity very early due to high application volumes. This often created challenges for PwBD candidates during centre selection.
“With the revised mechanism, every PwBD candidate will be assured of their preferred examination centre, ensuring greater ease and convenience while appearing for UPSC examinations,” Dr. Ajay Kumar said.
Expansion of UPSC Examination Centres
To reduce pressure on high-demand locations, UPSC has expanded its examination centre network across the country.
- Meerut has been added to ease congestion in Delhi-NCR
- Kanpur has been introduced to reduce pressure around Lucknow
- Bhubaneswar has been added to supplement centres near Cuttack
With these additions:
- The number of Preliminary Examination centres has increased from 80 to 83
- The number of Mains Examination centres has increased from 24 to 27, with Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, and Imphal newly included
New Centre Preference Feature for Candidates
The upgraded UPSC application portal now includes a new centre preference feature. Along with selecting from officially notified centres, candidates will be required to indicate preferred nearby cities through a dropdown list.
This feature will function as a preference survey, helping UPSC identify potential locations where new examination centres may be set up in the future, wherever feasible.
Technology-Enabled Identity Verification
To further strengthen examination security, UPSC has incorporated technology-enabled photo verification and face recognition systems into the application and examination process. These tools enhance identity verification at multiple stages, ensuring a more secure, transparent, and tamper-proof examination system.
UPSC’s Focus on Fairness and Accessibility
Highlighting the Commission’s broader vision, UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar stated:
“The Commission has adopted the use of the latest technology to ensure a free, fair, inclusive, and accessible examination process, with a strong focus on enhancing candidate convenience and ease of participation, while ensuring that selections are made strictly on the basis of merit.”
Key Takeaway
The UPSC CSE 2026 tech reforms mark a significant step towards inclusive governance, digital transparency, and candidate-friendly examination systems, especially benefiting PwBD aspirants and candidates from high-demand regions.