Career: Can you take the UPSC examination again after becoming an IAS officer? Find out the rules..

Millions of people dream of becoming an IAS or IPS officer by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, yet only a few get the opportunity. Some individuals even clear the UPSC exam multiple times, eventually choosing the position they prefer. However, this does not apply to everyone; there are certain services that, once joined, preclude an individual from appearing for the UPSC examination again. In this context, let us explore whether an IAS officer is permitted to take the UPSC examination again.

Rules for appearing for the exam after becoming an IAS officer
Once selected as an IAS officer, one cannot simply appear for the UPSC examination again. If you have already joined the service, you must first resign from your position as an IAS officer before you are eligible to sit for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The same rule applies to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS); IFS officers are also prohibited from retaking the UPSC examination. This rule was introduced a few years ago.

Why was this rule introduced?
This rule was implemented for IAS officers because it was observed that some individuals, after becoming IAS officers, would retake the exam in an attempt to secure a different state cadre. Since candidates are assigned a cadre based on their rank, some were dissatisfied with their allotted cadre and would attempt the UPSC exam again to try and move to a different state. To put an end to this practice, the new rule was introduced, mandating that one cannot appear for the UPSC examination without first resigning from their current post. Consequently, very few people are now willing to take the risk of resigning from their IAS position to retake the exam.

What are the rules for IPS officers?
A similar rule exists for IPS officers. If you have cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), you are permitted to take the UPSC exam again; however, if you qualify, you cannot opt ​​for the IPS once more. In other words, by clearing the UPSC exam again, you could potentially join the IAS, IFS, or any other service—but not the IPS. However, only one attempt will be permitted for this purpose. If an officer wishes to take the examination again thereafter, they must resign from their service.

A trend had been observed among IPS officers where they placed significant importance on their 'home cadre.' Consequently, many would reappear for the UPSC examination in an attempt to secure a different cadre—a practice that created considerable disorder within the entire system. To address this, the current rule was introduced for IPS officers.

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