UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026 For IAS, IPS, IFoS, Download PDF

The UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026 has been released by the Department of Personnel & Training, under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, on 23rd January 2026 at the official portal. The Central Government, after due consultation with the State Governments, has revised the cadre allocation policy for the All India Services, namely the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

What is UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy?

The UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy is a framework under which candidates selected for All India Services are assigned to a particular State Cadre or Joint Cadre. The allocation is done after the final result of the UPSC Civil Services Examination and before the commencement of training.

Services Covered Under UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026

The UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026 applies to the following All India Services:

1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
2. Indian Police Service (IPS)
3. Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

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Grouping of States/Cadres Under UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026

Under the UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026, all State Cadres and Joint Cadres are arranged in alphabetical order and systematically divided into four distinct groups. This grouping helps in ensuring balanced cadre distribution and smooth implementation of the insider-outsider principle.

UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026 PDF Download

Download the UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy 2026 PDF, which has been released on 23rd January 2026 to understand the detailed rules on cadre grouping, insider–outsider allocation, reservation principles, and allocation cycles. This document is useful for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination and those seeking clarity on how cadres are allotted to candidates.

Allocation Against Insider Vacancies

Allocation against insider vacancies is done first and strictly in the order of merit, subject to availability of vacancies and the candidate’s willingness to be allotted to their home State/Cadre. Separate category-wise merit lists (UR/OBC/SC/ST) are prepared, and only willing candidates are considered for insider allocation. 

• Insider allocation follows rank, category, and vacancy availability.
• Allocation is done in cycles of 25 based on the number of cadres.
• Only the highest-ranked candidate occupies a cycle; others move to the next cycle.
• Reserved category candidates are allotted using the same cycle-based method.
• PwBD candidates of the relevant category get priority during adjustments.
• Unfilled insider vacancies are converted into outsider vacancies and not carried forward.

Allocation Against Outsider Vacancies

Allocation against outsider vacancies is carried out after completing insider allocation and follows a roster-based system to ensure balanced distribution across cadres. The process is conducted in two stages: first for PwBD candidates and then for non-PwBD candidates.

• Outsider allocation starts only after all insider vacancies are filled/adjusted.
• PwBD candidates are considered first and may get allocation in a preferred cadre other than their home cadre.
• If required, an additional vacancy can be created for PwBD candidates.
• Remaining vacancies are filled by non-PwBD candidates in order of merit.
• Allocation follows a group-wise rotational cycle (Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV).
• If a candidate is allotted their home cadre as an outsider, an exchange with the next candidate is done.