Can you transfer between services (say IPS to IAS) or between cadres later in your career?

Inter-service transfer (e.g., IPS → IAS) is not allowed — you cannot change your service after joining. Inter-cadre transfer within the same All India Service is allowed only on narrow grounds: marriage to another AIS officer (most common), or extreme hardship like a serious medical or security threat. Transfer to your home state is explicitly barred. After the 23 Jan 2026 DoPT OM, the cadre group itself is sticky — your only legitimate route to change service is a fresh CSE attempt.