The UPSC has now released the Reserve List for the Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE 2024), recommending 114 additional candidates to fill vacancies in services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Central Services.
This article breaks down what the reserve list means, how it works, how many candidates were added, how to download the official PDF, and what aspirants should know going forward.
What Is the UPSC Reserve List?
- After the main merit list is declared for the CSE (Main + Interview), the UPSC maintains a Consolidated Reserve List under Rules 20(4) & 20(5) of the CSE Rules.
- This list comprises those candidates who:
- Qualified both written (Main) and interview/personality test,
- But we were not recommended in the main list because all announced vacancies got filled.
- Are next in line by category and merit, ready to be appointed if any vacancies remain/unfilled.
- Purpose: To ensure no post goes vacant, merit is preserved, and the government’s notified vacancies are filled before scheduling a new cycle.
UPSC CSE 2024 Reserve List Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial notified vacancies for CSE 2024 | 1,129 (for IAS, IFS, IPS, other Group A & B services) |
| Candidates recommended in main result (22 Apr 2025) | 1,009 |
| Additional candidates recommended now via Reserve List | 114 |
| Category-wise breakup of 114 | General: 94 EWS: 5 OBC: 13 SC: 1 ST: 1 |
How to Download the Reserve List PDF
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
- Look for the link labelled “Recommended Candidates based on Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 – Reserve List”.
- Download the PDF, then press Ctrl + F (or search) to check for your roll number.
- Save a copy for your records—appointment/intimation will follow from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
Why This Reserve List Matters
- Completing the recruitment cycle: Vacancies often remain unfilled if recommended candidates decline joining, transfer elsewhere or fail to report. The reserve list closes that gap.
- Upholding merit & reservation: Even though the candidates weren’t in the main list, they qualified and are placed in order of merit within their categories.
- Transparency & predictability: Aspirants know that being just below the cut-off may still lead to appointment via the reserve list—so staying prepared matters.
Key Differences: Main List vs Reserve List
| Feature | Main List | Reserve List |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Released later, once the DoPT indent arises | Fill the remaining vacancies due to non-joining / late vacancies |
| Purpose | Fill most notified vacancies | Released later, once the DoPT indent arises |
| Scale | Large (1,009 recommended for 1,129 posts) | Smaller (114 added) |
| Appointment | Immediately processed | After verification & allocation by DoPT |
What Happens Next for Reserve List Candidates
- DoPT will issue appointment letters, allocate services/cadres.
- Candidates will undergo the standard joining procedure: verification, medical exam, and training (e.g., Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for IAS).
- Aspirants who missed the cut-off should stay alert for future notifications and understand that being in reserve provides a second shot.
How to Interpret This as an Aspirant
- If you found your roll number: Congratulations! Respond promptly to DoPT communication, complete formalities.
- If you’re just below the cut-off: Use this as motivation—reserve list appointments happen. Keep preparing for next year or follow up on status.
- If you’re planning for CSE 2025/26: Understand that performance close to cut-off pays off. Focus on a strong mains + interview strategy from now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the reserve list the same as the main list?
No—it’s a backup list of qualified candidates kept for unfilled posts, not part of the initial main recommendations.
What % do reserve-list candidates form historically?
Roughly 6-11% of the initial recommended candidates. For example, 2023 cycle had 120 added.
Can anyone from the general category get in via the reserve list?
Yes—selection is still based on rank + category. For CSE 2024, 94 of the 114 added were from the General category.
Where to check for updates?
Always check the UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and DoPT notifications.
