UPSC Civil Services: 2,834 vacancies in IAS, IPS, IFS, says ministry

A total of 2,834 posts in India’s civil services remain vacant, official data tabled in the Rajya Sabha shows. As of January 1, 2025, there were 1,300 vacancies in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 505 vacancies in the Indian Police Service (IPS), and 1,029 vacancies in the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

As per the response to a question raised in parliament, out of the sanctioned 6,877 IAS posts, 5,577 officers are currently in service. In IPS, 4,594 posts out of 5,099 posts were filled; in IFS, 2,164 officers are in place, out of 3,193 sanctioned posts.

Across all categories, Uttar Pradesh has the highest total sanctioned strength for IAS with 652 posts and IPS with 541 posts. For IFS, Madhya Pradesh has the highest sanctioned strength with 296 posts.

In terms of officers in position, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of IAS officers with 571 and IPS officers with 510, whereas Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of IFS officers in position with 209.

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During the last five years, from Civil Services Examinations (CSE) 2020 to 2024, a total of 245 OBC, 135 SC, and 67 ST candidates were appointed to the IAS through direct recruitment. In the IPS, 255 OBC, 141 SC, and 71 ST candidates were appointed, while in the IFS, 231 OBC, 95 SC, and 48 ST candidates were appointed through direct recruitment.

UPSC: UP leads in IAS, IPS strength

The details of the total number of IAS, IPS and IFS officers sanctioned, the number of officers in service and the vacant posts for each cadre is given below.