UPSC Revamps Exam Centre Allocation for PwBD Candidates in CSE & IFS 2026
2 minute read
• Updated on 6 Feb, 2026, 11:40 PM, by Disha Yadav
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has overhauled its exam centre allocation framework for candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026, ensuring better access to preferred centres. The revision removes capacity caps for PwBD candidates, introduces expanded centre options, and adds new technology features to simplify the application and examination process.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced major changes to the examination centre allocation process for candidates with benchmark disabilities participating in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility, convenience, and fairness for PwBD aspirants during the prelims and mains stages of these competitive exams.
UPSC New Centre Allocation Framework for PwBD Candidates
Under the revised mechanism, PwBD candidates will no longer be restricted by traditional centre capacity limits that often fill up early due to high application volumes. Previously, once a centre reached its capacity, it became unavailable for candidates, including those with disabilities. UPSC has now ensured that even after full capacity is reached, PwBD candidates can still select their preferred centre. To further support this approach, UPSC will create additional capacity where necessary, so that no PwBD candidate is denied their preferred exam location. This change is designed to eliminate logistical hurdles faced by disabled candidates and improve equitable access to examination facilities.
UPSC Revamps Exam Expansion of Centres and Tech Enhancements
In addition to the policy overhaul, UPSC has expanded its network of exam centres to reduce pressure on major cities. For the preliminary exam, the number of centres has increased, while for the main exam, a total of 27 centres will be available, including newly added locations such as Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, and Imphal. The Commission has also launched a revamped Online Application Portal that incorporates several technology-enabled features, such as:
- A preference dropdown to indicate nearby cities for possible future centre creation
- Photo verification and face recognition systems to improve identification and security
- A simplified application interface to boost transparency and candidate convenience
UPSC Revamps Exam Rationale and Impact
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar explained that an analysis of centre data over the past five years showed centres in high-demand locations like Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, and Lucknow often filled up quickly, leaving limited options for PwBD candidates. The new rules are intended to mitigate these challenges and ensure inclusive participation. These reforms are part of UPSC’s broader efforts to modernise the examination process, enhance accessibility, and uphold fairness while maintaining the merit-based selection ethos of countrywide competitive recruitment tests.
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