EPSO AD5 2026: 174,922 Candidates for 1,490 Spots

The numbers are in. The EPSO AD5 Generalist 2026 competition, officially referenced as EPSO/AD/427/26, has attracted 174,922 applicants competing for 1,490 places on the reserve list.

That is a success rate of roughly 0.85% — less than 1 in 100 candidates will make it onto the reserve list.

What Do These Numbers Mean?

The reserve list is not the same as being hired. Being placed on the reserve list means you are eligible to be recruited by EU institutions, but there is no guarantee of a job offer. However, getting on the list is the essential first step.

With nearly 175,000 candidates, the competition is intense. But not all 174,922 will actually sit the exam. Historically, a significant portion do not show up. Still, even with attrition, the ratio remains highly competitive.

Where Are the Candidates From?

According to official EPSO data, the candidate pool is heavily concentrated:

• Italy — 79,450 candidates (45.7%)
• Spain — 13,796 (7.9%)
• Germany — 11,705 (6.7%)
• France — 10,939 (6.3%)
• Greece — 10,087 (5.8%)

The top 5 countries account for over 72% of all candidates.

What This Means for Your Preparation

The sheer volume means marginal differences in preparation quality determine who passes. A structured, systematic approach is not optional — it is essential. Focus on abstract reasoning and situational judgement, where most candidates lose points.