New UPSC Civil Servants in Limbo
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Foundation Course Delay for UPSC Recruits
The commencement of the Foundation Course for the 958 candidates who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 has been delayed. Traditionally, this course begins at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie by late August or early September. However, due to ongoing legal proceedings, the course has not yet started.
Impact on New Recruits
The delay in the Foundation Course has left the new batch of civil servants in uncertainty, affecting their service allocation and long-term career progression. Seniority in the civil services is typically calculated from the start of this course, making its postponement a significant issue for the recruits.
OBC Creamy Layer Controversy
The delay is linked to a Supreme Court ruling on March 11, 2026, concerning the OBC creamy layer criteria. The court ruled that income alone should not determine the creamy layer status, which has affected about 100 candidates who cleared the CSE since 2016. The government has sought clarifications to prevent retrospective application of this ruling.
Key facts
- 958 UPSC civil servants affected.
- Foundation Course delayed since August 2026.
- Supreme Court ruling on March 11, 2026.
- 100 OBC candidates' status uncertain.
- Creamy layer income ceiling is Rs 8 lakh per annum.


