UPSC Unveils Tech Reforms, Expands Centres for CSE and IFoS 2026 Exams

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a series of major technological and accessibility-focused reforms for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS) 2026, aimed at improving candidate convenience, inclusivity and examination security.

According to the 2026 notifications, UPSC will fill 933 vacancies through the Civil Services Examination and 80 vacancies through the Indian Forest Service Examination.

Revamped Online Application Portal

As part of its broader digital transformation, UPSC has launched a redesigned Online Application Portal for the submission of applications and conduct of examinations. The upgraded platform is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency while simplifying the application process for candidates.

The Commission said the revamped portal strengthens integrity across multiple stages of the examination cycle, from application and centre allocation to candidate verification.

Major Accessibility Reform for PwBD Candidates

In a significant step towards inclusivity, UPSC has overhauled its examination centre allocation system for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Under the revised framework:

• There will be no cap on examination centre capacity for PwBD candidates

• Centres will initially be shared by PwBD and non-PwBD candidates

• Once a centre reaches capacity, it will close only for non-PwBD candidates

• PwBD candidates will continue to have access to their preferred centres

• Additional capacity will be created wherever required to ensure no PwBD candidate is denied their chosen centre

Explaining the rationale, UPSC Chairman Dr Ajay Kumar said analysis of data from the past five years showed that high-demand centres such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna and Lucknow fill up very early, often disadvantaging PwBD candidates.

"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," he said.

Expansion of Examination Centres Nationwide

To reduce pressure on high-demand locations, UPSC has expanded its examination centre network:

Preliminary Examination

• New centres added: Meerut, Kanpur and Bhubaneswar

• Total prelims centres increased from 80 to 83

Mains Examination

• New centres added: Bhubaneswar, Srinagar and Imphal

• Total mains centres increased from 24 to 27

The additions aim to decongest existing centres, particularly in the Delhi-NCR, Lucknow and Cuttack regions.

New Feature to Guide Future Centre Planning

The upgraded application portal introduces a new data-driven feature allowing candidates to:

• Select notified examination centres

• Indicate preferred nearby cities via a dropdown menu

UPSC said this information will be used as a preference survey to identify potential locations for future examination centres, subject to feasibility.

Face Recognition and Photo Verification Introduced

To further strengthen examination integrity, the portal now incorporates technology-enabled photo verification and face recognition. This measure enhances identity authentication across multiple stages of the examination process, reinforcing fairness and transparency.

Merit-Based, Inclusive Examinations

Dr Kumar emphasised that UPSC's reforms reflect a balanced approach between technology, inclusion and merit.

"The Commission has adopted the use of the latest technology to ensure a free, fair, inclusive and accessible examination process, while ensuring that selections are made strictly on the basis of merit," he said.

Part of UPSC's Centenary Year Initiatives

These reforms form part of UPSC's Centenary Year celebrations, underscoring the Commission's commitment to evolving with contemporary requirements while maintaining the highest standards of credibility, transparency and institutional integrity.