Table of Contents
The UPSC Application Form 2026 for Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most crucial steps for candidates who are planning to sit for the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other elite services. The Union Public Service Commission holds the Civil Services Examination every year, and the entire process is online.
For UPSC CSE 2026, candidates need to fill out the UPSC Application Form 2026 very carefully, as even a minor error can result in disqualification. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the online application process, including application fees, required documents, key guidelines, and application tips.
Latest Update – UPSC Form 2026 Released
The UPSC Application Form 2026 for Civil Services Examination (CSE) has been released officially on 4 February 2026. Candidates can now apply online through the UPSC Online Application Portal using the Universal Registration Number (URN) system.
Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid server traffic on the last date.
UPSC Application Form 2026 Overview
The UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form process for UPSC is organized and online. Candidates have to undergo several processes to finally submit the application form successfully.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form Mode | Online Only |
| UPSC 2026 Application Form Registration System | Universal Registration Number (URN) Based |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Release | 4th February 2026 |
| UPSC Online Form 2026 Start Date | 4th February 2026 |
| UPSC Registration 2026 Last Date to Apply | 24th February 2026 (Evening Deadline) |
| UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC 2026 Application Fee | ₹100 (Gen/OBC/EWS), Free (SC/ST/PwBD/Women) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Photo Requirement | Upload Photo + Live Photo Capture |
| Verification Process | Digital Verification + Face Authentication at Exam Centre |
| Correction Facility | Not Allowed After Final Submission |
| UPSC CSE Apply Online 2026: Official Website | UPSC Online Application Portal |
UPSC Application Form 2026 Direct Link
Aspirants can submit the UPSC Application Form 2026 using the official UPSC Online Application Portal, which is available on the Union Public Service Commission website. Candidates are required to register using the Universal Registration Number (URN), submit the Common Application Form, attach documents, and finally, submit the exam form. Candidates should apply for the exam using the official website to avoid any mistakes in the application process.
UPSC CSE Apply Online 2026 Link
How to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026?
Filling the UPSC Application Form 2026 is a completely online process. Candidates must complete registration, fill personal and educational details, upload documents, pay fees, and submit the form before the deadline. Below is a simple step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Process to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit Official UPSC Portal |
| Step 2 | Complete Registration / OTR Profile |
| Step 3 | Fill UPSC Application Form (Part-II) |
| Step 4 | Upload Required Documents |
| Step 5 | Pay Application Fee |
| Step 6 | Preview and Final Submit |
| Step 7 | Download Confirmation |
Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Online Portal
Candidates must open the official UPSC online application website and start the registration process. UPSC accepts applications only through online mode.
Step 2: Create UPSC Account
New candidates must:
-
Register using email ID
-
Register using mobile number
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Create login password
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Complete OTP verification
Existing candidates can directly log in.
Step 3: Universal Registration Number (URN) Registration
URN is a permanent registration number used for all UPSC exams.
Details Required for URN
-
Personal Details
-
Date of Birth
-
Category
-
Address
-
Photo ID Details
Using Aadhaar is recommended for easier verification.
Step 4: Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
CAF is the main form where most candidate details are entered.
Information Required
Personal Information
-
Name
-
Parent Details
-
Nationality
-
Category
Educational Details
-
Graduation Details
-
University Details
-
Passing Year
Communication Details
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Address
-
Mobile Number
-
Email ID
Photo and Signature Upload Rules
Passport Size Photo
Must be:
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Recent
-
Clear
-
Proper background
Live Photo Capture (New Feature)
Candidates must capture live photo during application filling.
Purpose:
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Identity verification
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Prevent impersonation
Signature Upload
-
Sign 3 times on white sheet
-
Use black ink
-
Upload scanned copy
Step 5: Fill Exam Specific Details
Candidates must enter:
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Exam Centre Preference
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Category Reservation Details
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Service Preference (Later stage confirmation)
-
Optional Subject (If required later stage)
Choose exam centre carefully because availability is limited.
Step 6: UPSC Application Fee 2026
Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹100 |
| OBC | ₹100 |
| EWS | ₹100 |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
| Female | Exempted |
Payment Methods
-
Net Banking
-
Debit Card
-
Credit Card
-
UPI
Fee once paid is not refundable.
Step 7: Final Submission
Before final submission, verify:
✔ Name spelling
✔ Date of Birth
✔ Category
✔ Uploaded documents
✔ Exam centre selection
Important Rules:
-
No correction allowed after submission
-
No withdrawal allowed after submission
Documents Required for UPSC Application Form 2026
| Document Category | Documents | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Documents | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Government Photo ID | Any one valid Photo ID required. Must be valid and clearly scanned. |
| Educational Documents | Graduation Degree OR Final Year Proof | Final year candidates can apply but must produce proof later. |
| Photo Requirement | Passport Size Photograph | Must be recent, clear, and as per UPSC format guidelines. |
| Live Photo | Live Photo Capture During Application | Mandatory during online application process. |
| Signature | Signature (3 Times on White Sheet) | Must be signed using black ink and clearly scanned. |
| SC / ST Certificate | SC Certificate or ST Certificate | Must be issued by competent government authority. |
| OBC Certificate | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate | Must be valid and follow latest financial year rules. |
| EWS Certificate | EWS Certificate | Must be based on latest financial year income criteria. |
| PwBD Documents | Disability Certificate | Must be issued by authorized Government Medical Authority. |
UPSC CSE Apply Online 2026 Last Date
The final date to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is 24th February 2026, by 6:00 PM IST. The application process started on 4th February 2026. Candidates are required to finish their application process on the official UPSC websites: upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. It is recommended to apply for the examination well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical problems.
Top Reasons UPSC Rejects Application Forms
Filling the UPSC application form carefully is very important because even small mistakes can lead to rejection or problems during verification. Below are the most common mistakes candidates should avoid.
| Mistake | Why It Is Risky | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Uploading Wrong Photo | May lead to rejection or identity mismatch | Upload clear, recent photo as per format rules |
| Blurred or Wrong Signature | Document verification may fail | Sign clearly using black ink and scan properly |
| Wrong Category Selection | May cause disqualification during verification | Select category exactly as per certificate |
| Incorrect Date of Birth | Leads to eligibility issues | Match DOB with Class 10 certificate |
| Entering Wrong Name Spelling | May create identity mismatch issues | Enter name exactly as per official documents |
| Waiting Till Last Date | Risk of server crash or payment failure | Apply early to avoid technical issues |
| Wrong Exam Centre Selection | Centre may not be available later | Choose carefully and apply early |
| Uploading Invalid Certificates | Leads to rejection at later stages | Upload only valid and latest certificates |
| Entering Wrong Educational Details | May cause document mismatch | Fill details as per degree certificate |
| Not Checking Before Final Submit | No correction allowed after submission | Always preview and verify all details |
Most Serious Mistakes (High Risk)
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Entering fake information
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Uploading edited or fake documents
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Selecting wrong reservation category intentionally
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Multiple incorrect attempts data
These can lead to cancellation or debarment.
Safe Form Filling Tips
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Keep documents ready before filling form
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Use laptop/desktop instead of mobile
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Use stable internet connection
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Double check all details before final submit
Who Should Apply for UPSC CSE 2026?
Candidates who:
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Have completed graduation
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Are in final year of graduation
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Meet age limit criteria
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Want to join IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS or Central Services
UPSC Application Form 2026 FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for UPSC 2026 now?
Answer: Yes. The application window is open from 4 February to 24 February 2026. Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.
Q2. What is the last date for UPSC Prelims 2026 application?
Answer: The last date to submit the application form is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM IST).
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC Application 2026?
Answer: As on 1 August 2026:
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Minimum Age: 21 years
-
Maximum Age:
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General / EWS: 32 years
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OBC: 35 years
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SC / ST: 37 years
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PwBD: 42 years
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For General category, candidates must be born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005.
Q4. यूपीएससी आवेदन 2026 के लिए आयु सीमा क्या है?
उत्तर:
-
न्यूनतम आयु: 21 वर्ष
-
अधिकतम आयु (1 अगस्त 2026 को):
-
सामान्य / ईडब्ल्यूएस: 32 वर्ष
-
ओबीसी: 35 वर्ष
-
एससी / एसटी: 37 वर्ष
-
दिव्यांग (PwBD): 42 वर्ष
-
Q5. यूपीएससी 2025 के लिए आवेदन करने का अंतिम दिन कब था?
उत्तर: UPSC 2025 आवेदन की अंतिम तिथि 24 फरवरी 2025 थी।
वर्तमान में UPSC 2026 आवेदन प्रक्रिया चल रही है, जिसकी अंतिम तिथि 24 फरवरी 2026 है।
Q6. Who gets 6 attempts in UPSC?
Answer:
-
General / EWS: 6 attempts
-
OBC: 9 attempts
-
SC / ST: Unlimited attempts (till age limit)
-
PwBD: Attempts as per their category rules
Q7. What is the 7/5/3 rule in UPSC?
Answer:
It is an unofficial preparation concept:
-
7 years → Average preparation journey
-
5 years → Above average
-
3 years → Exceptional candidates
It is not an official UPSC rule.
Q8. Can I clear UPSC 2026 if I start preparation now?
Answer: Yes. With focused preparation, strong basics, and disciplined study, candidates can still perform well in UPSC 2026.
Q9. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC 2026?
Answer: Around 933 vacancies have been announced for UPSC CSE 2026 across IAS, IPS, IFS and other services.
| Important Links |
|---|
| UPSC Syllabus 2026 |
| UPSC 2026 Eligibility |
| UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 |
| UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 |
| UPSC Syllabus in Hindi 2026 |

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