The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit officers for India’s most prestigious services such as the IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. One of the most common questions among aspirants is: “How many vacancies are there in UPSC every year?”
The answer is that the number of vacancies is not fixed and varies each year depending on government requirements, cadre strength, retirements, and promotions.
UPSC Vacancies – An Overview
- On average, UPSC notifies 700–1200 vacancies each year.
- Vacancies are distributed among IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group ‘A’ & Group ‘B’ services.
- Reservation is applied for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD candidates as per government rules.
Recent 10-Year Trend of UPSC Vacancies
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UPSC 2015 | 1164 |
| UPSC 2016 | 1079 |
| UPSC 2017 | 980 |
| UPSC 2018 | 782 |
| UPSC 2019 | 896 |
| UPSC 2020 | 796 |
| UPSC 2021 | 712 |
| UPSC 2022 | 861 |
| UPSC 2023 | 1105 |
| UPSC 2024 | 1056 |
| UPSC 2025 (Expected) | 1000 – 1200 (official notification awaited) |
Factors Determining Vacancies
1. Cadre Strength
Every service (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) has a fixed sanctioned strength. Vacancies are created when positions need to be filled.
2. Retirements and Promotions
When senior officers retire or move up, new posts open up at the entry level.
3. Government Decisions
Policy changes, cadre restructuring, or new posts in services can increase or reduce vacancies.
4. Reservation Norms
Distribution of vacancies among categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD) is done as per rules.
Why Vacancies Matter for Aspirants
Competition vs Vacancies
- Every year, about 10–12 lakh aspirants apply for UPSC CSE.
- Only ~10,000–12,000 clear Prelims, and finally around 1000 candidates make it to the final list.
- The selection ratio is less than 0.1%, making it one of the toughest exams in the world.
Cut-Off Impact
- A higher number of vacancies may result in a slightly lower cut-off.
- Fewer vacancies usually increase the cut-off, making selection harder.
Conclusion
The number of UPSC vacancies fluctuates every year, usually between 700 and 1200. While the exact number affects competition levels, aspirants should focus less on vacancies and more on consistent preparation, strong concepts, and exam strategy. Ultimately, even if vacancies vary, dedicated candidates always find a place in the final merit list.
UPSC Vacancies Every Year with Top FAQs Answered
What is the average number of UPSC vacancies every year?
On average, UPSC releases 700 to 1200 vacancies every year, depending on cadre requirements and government policies.
How many vacancies were there in UPSC 2024?
In UPSC 2024, the total number of vacancies announced was 1056, distributed across IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other services.
What is the expected number of UPSC vacancies in 2025?
The UPSC 2025 vacancies are expected to be in the range of 1000–1200, but the final number will be confirmed in the official notification.
Which year had the highest UPSC vacancies in the last decade?
The year 2015 recorded the highest vacancies in recent times, with 1164 posts notified by UPSC.
Do UPSC vacancies affect the cut-off marks?
Yes, the number of vacancies directly impacts the UPSC cut-off. Higher vacancies usually lower the cut-off slightly, while fewer vacancies increase competition.
