The Times of India

With UPSC CSE 2026 applications now live, does a 2,834-post gap signal higher stakes for aspirants?

With UPSC CSE 2026 applications now open, fresh data tabled in Parliament reveals a significant staffing shortfall across the IAS, IPS and IFS. As of 1 January 2025, 15,169 posts are sanctioned across the three services, but only 12,335 officers are in position, leaving 2,834 vacancies. The gap is particularly pronounced in the IAS and IFS. As aspirants prepare for the preliminary exam in May, the numbers signal both administrative strain and rare career opportunity.