How to Fill UPSC CSE Application Form 2026: Step-by-Step Process

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification has been officially released, marking the beginning of one of India’s most competitive recruitment processes. Filling the application form correctly is the first and most crucial step. Even a minor mistake can create issues during document verification or final selection.

This detailed guide covers important dates, eligibility documents, One Time Registration (OTR), form-filling steps, photo-signature rules, and common mistakes candidates must avoid.

How to Fill UPSC CSE Application Form 2026

The Civil Services Examination is conducted annually to recruit officers for prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.

Candidates must carefully complete the online application through the official UPSC portal. The process includes registration, document upload, photo and signature submission, exam centre selection, and fee payment.

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UPSC Civil Services 2026 Important Dates

Tip: Do not wait until the last day. Server load and exam centre availability become major issues.

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR) Process

Before filling the application form, candidates must complete OTR.

Account Creation

• Register using Email ID and Mobile Number

• OTP verification is mandatory

• Create a strong password

  • Minimum 8 characters

  • One uppercase letter

  • One lowercase letter

  • One number

  • One special character

Personal Details Entry

Enter details exactly as per Class 10 Certificate:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Gender

Upload 10th Certificate

• Format: PDF

• Size: 50 KB – 300 KB

Identity Proof

• Aadhaar is recommended

• Other IDs allowed: PAN, Passport, etc.

• Non-Aadhaar users may need early reporting at the exam centre

Step 2: Filling the Common Application Form

Category Details

If applying under reservation:

• Certificate Number

• Issuing Authority

• Issue Date

For OBC Candidates:
Must confirm Non-Creamy Layer status.

Educational Qualification

Fill details chronologically:

• 12th

• Graduation

• Post Graduation (if applicable)

Bachelor Degree Upload

• Format: PDF

• Size: 50 KB – 300 KB

Address Details

• Correspondence Address

• Permanent Address

Step 3: Photo and Signature Upload (Most Rejection Happens Here)

UPSC has strict image guidelines.

Passport Size Photograph

• Format: JPG

• Size: 20 KB – 200 KB

• White Background Mandatory

• Face Coverage: 75%

• No cap, mask, or shadow

Live Photograph

Candidates must capture a live photo during the application.

How to Capture

• Webcam OR

• Mobile QR Scan (Recommended)

Guidelines

• White or Light Background

• Good Lighting

• Face Coverage: 80%

Signature Upload (Triple Signature Rule)

• Format: JPG

• Size: 20 KB – 100 KB

• Sign three times vertically on white paper

• Upload as single image file

Step 4: Exam Centre Selection

Centres are allotted on a First Apply First Allot Basis.

Popular centres fill fast:

• Delhi

• Lucknow

• Prayagraj

• Jaipur

If the centre becomes full, it turns red in the portal.

Best Strategy: Apply within the first week.

Step 5: Mains Examination Choices

Candidates must choose:

• Medium of Exam (Essay + GS Papers)

• Optional Subject

Choose the optional carefully because it continues till the Mains stage.

Step 6: Attempts and Service Rules

• Selected IAS or IFS candidates cannot reapply for the same service

• IPS officers can reapply, but cannot choose IPS again

Step 7: Application Fee Payment

Payment Modes:

• UPI

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Net Banking

Always confirm the payment success message.

Documents Checklist for UPSC 2026 Application

Keep these ready:

• Class 10 Certificate

• Graduation Degree

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

• Aadhaar or ID Proof

• Passport Photo

• Triple Signature Scan

Common Mistakes to Avoid in UPSC Application Form

Personal Detail Mistakes

• Name mismatch with the 10th certificate

• Wrong date of birth

Category Errors

• Wrong OBC Creamy Layer selection

• Old certificate upload

Image Upload Errors

• Dark background photo

• Blurred image

• Wrong signature format

Last Date Rush

• Server failure

• Centre not available

• Payment failure

Pro Tips for UPSC 2026 Aspirants

• Fill the form during non-peak hours (morning or late night)

• Double check spelling of the name and the parents’ names

• Savethe  application PDF after submission

• Use a stable internet connection

• Keep scanned documents ready before starting

Why Early Application is Important

Applying early helps you:

• Get the preferred exam centre

• Avoid technical issues

• Reduce stress

• Allow correction time if needed

Final Words

The UPSC Civil Services Application 2026 is more than just a formality. It is the gateway to India’s most prestigious career. Accuracy, patience, and preparation are key while filling the form.

Always verify every detail before final submission. A small mistake today can cause major problems during document verification or interview stage.

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