List of Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026

List of Documents Required for the UPSC Exam 2026: The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 is a multi-stage process, including Prelims, Mains, Personality Test, and Medical Examination. At every stage, proper documentation is crucial for eligibility verification, smooth entry to exam centers, and final selection.

From government-issued ID proofs, educational certificates, and photographs to category-specific documents and medical records, candidates must keep all required documents ready in the prescribed format. Knowing the complete list in advance helps avoid errors, delays, and disqualification during the UPSC 2026 application and selection process.

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in multiple stages. Each stage serves a specific purpose. Candidates must qualify at one stage to move to the next. The entire examination process takes place over several months, and documentation plays a role at every level of the UPSC Exam 2026.

List of Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026

The UPSC application form 2026 has released through the official website of the commission. Candidates must apply online as offline applications are not accepted. During the application process, candidates are required to upload documents in the prescribed format.

Knowing the documents required for UPSC exam in advance helps candidates fill the form correctly. It also helps avoid errors and delays during the later stages of the selection process of upsc 2026 documents required.

List of Documents Required for UPSC 2026 Online Application

Candidates applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 must keep certain documents ready before filling out the online application form. These documents are mandatory for completing the registration process and are verified by the Commission at various stages of the examination.

1. Valid ID Proof

• Candidates must upload a government-issued photo ID with accurate personal details.

• Accepted ID proofs include:

  • Aadhaar Card

  • Voter ID (EPIC)

  • Passport

  • PAN Card

  • Driving License

• The ID must be valid, clear, and scanned in the prescribed format.

• The same ID must be used at all stages of the UPSC examination.

• Any mismatch in ID details can lead to cancellation of candidature.

2. Educational Qualification Certificates

• Candidates must provide proof of minimum educational eligibility for UPSC CSE 2026.

• Requirements:

  • A graduation degree certificate is mandatory.

  • If the final degree is not yet issued, a provisional certificate can be uploaded.

  • The 10th class mark sheet is required for date of birth verification.

• These documents are used by UPSC to confirm academic eligibility.

3. Recent Photograph and Signature

• Upload a recent passport-size photograph:

  • Must be not older than 10 days from the start of application.

  • Candidate’s name and date of taking the photograph must be visible.

  • Face should cover about 3/4 of the photograph.

• Upload a scanned signature:

  • Sign on white paper with black or blue pen.

  • Ensure the signature is clear and legible.

• Your appearance during Prelims, Mains, and Interview must match the uploaded photograph

4. Category Certificates for UPSC 2026

In addition to basic documents, candidates belonging to reserved categories must submit valid certificates for their category during the UPSC 2026 application process:

• SC/ST candidates: Submit a caste certificate issued by a competent authority.

• OBC candidates: Provide an OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued in the relevant financial year.

• EWS candidates: Submit an Income and Asset Certificate as per government norms.

• PwBD candidates: Provide a disability certificate issued by a government medical board.

• Ex-servicemen: Submit a service or discharge certificate.

5. Proof of Date of Birth

UPSC strictly verifies the age eligibility of all candidates.

Accepted documents for date of birth verification include:

• Class 10 / Matriculation Certificate

• Birth Certificate

• Passport

Important:

• The date of birth entered in the application form must exactly match the date mentioned in the submitted documents.

• Any discrepancy may lead to rejection of the application.

How to Apply for UPSC Exam 2026?

(a) Candidates must apply online through the official website: https://upsconline.nic.in.

Before filling the form, candidates are advised to carefully read:

• General Instructions

• Profile/Module-wise Instructions

• Instructions for Uploading Documents

Candidates applying for the Civil Services Examination are required to submit:

• Requisite personal information and supporting documents for claims such as date of birth, educational qualifications, etc.

• Universal Registration Number (URN)

• Common Application Form (CAF)

• Examination-Specific Module (including details of fees, exam centre, etc.)

Important: Failure to provide the required information or documents along with the CAF will result in cancellation of candidature.

NOTE 1 – Updating URN Profile:

The Commission allows candidates a one-time facility to update or modify their Universal Registration Number (URN) profile. However, any changes made to the URN profile will not affect applications already submitted. The updated information will apply only to applications submitted after the changes are made and the URN profile is successfully re-locked.

NOTE 2 – Live Photo Capture for Common Application Form (CAF):

While filling the Common Application Form (CAF), candidates are required to:

• Upload a photograph and

• Capture a live photograph.

Candidates must ensure that both the uploaded and live photographs are clear and meet the specifications provided under:

NOTE 3 – Uploading Signature:

Candidates must:

• Sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using black ink and

• Upload the scanned signatures while filling the CAF.

The signatures must be clear and legible. Detailed instructions for uploading signatures are available under Instructions and FAQs on the Commission’s website.

NOTE 4 – Submission and Corrections:

• No withdrawal of the application is allowed after submission.

• No corrections, alterations, or modifications in any field of the application form are permitted after submission.

NOTE 5 – Candidates in Government or Private Service:

• All candidates, whether in Government service, government-owned industrial undertakings, other similar organizations, or private employment, must submit their applications directly to the Commission.

• Candidates already in Government service (permanent, temporary, or work-charged employees, excluding casual/daily-rated employees) or serving under Public Enterprises must submit an undertaking confirming they have informed their Head of Office/Department in writing about their application.

• If the Commission receives any communication from an employer withholding permission, the candidate’s application may be rejected or candidature cancelled.

Documents Required for UPSC Prelims Exam

The UPSC Prelims exam is the first stage of the UPSC CSE 2026 exam. To be eligible for this stage, candidates of upsc required documents that are essential to the exam center:

1. Admit Card: The UPSC Prelims Admit Card is a mandatory document. It must be downloaded from the official UPSC website and printed.

2. Government ID Proof: Carry an original and valid government ID, such as the Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport, that you mentioned in the UPSC application form.

3. Passport-Sized Photograph: It is advisable to carry 2 recent passport-sized photos as uploaded in the application form.

These documents ensure smooth entry into the examination hall and form a key part of the List of Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026.

Documents Required for UPSC Mains Exam

This year, candidates who qualify in UPSC Prelims and are in their final year can appear for the Mains Examination. After the written results of the Mains exam are declared, candidates who qualify for the Personality Test/Interview will have a limited period to update their educational details and upload proof of their qualifications. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification from the Interview.

Once the admit cards are issued, candidates must carry the following UPSC Mains exam documents to the examination centre:

• UPSC Mains Admit Card: A printed copy of the admit card is mandatory to gain entry to the exam hall.

• Valid Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving Licence. The ID must match the one submitted during the application process.

• Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs may be required for verification purposes.

• Disability Certificate (if applicable): Candidates with disabilities seeking special accommodations or additional time must carry a valid disability certificate issued by a recognized medical authority.

Keeping these documents required for UPSC Mains ready will simplify the process and help candidates focus on their exam without last-minute stress.

Documents Required for UPSC Interview

The UPSC Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the selection process. During this stage, candidates must carry original documents to the UPSC Bhawan for verification. Selected candidates are required to carry the following UPSC interview documents:

• Call Letter: The interview call letter issued by UPSC must be carried to gain entry to the interview centre.

• Valid ID Proof: An original government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving Licence.

• High School Marksheet: Required as proof of age if it was uploaded during the application process.

• Three Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: These should be the latest and match the photograph uploaded during the online application.

• Degree Certificate: Original degree certificate or provisional certificate uploaded in the UPSC Detailed Application Form (DAF).

• Caste/Disability Certificates (if applicable): Original certificates must be submitted to verify category or disability status.

• Experience Certificates (if applicable): For government employees, certificates from employers detailing job roles, pay, and service may be required.

• TA Bill Form (for outstation candidates): Available on the UPSC website. Outstation candidates can fill this form to claim travel reimbursement.

• Attestation Form: This form should be downloaded from the UPSC website, filled out, and carried to the interview for verification purposes.

All UPSC interview documents must be organized and carried in their original form. Carrying them properly ensures smooth verification and prevents delays at the interview stage.

Documents Required for UPSC Medical Test

After successfully clearing the UPSC Interview, candidates must appear for a mandatory medical examination. This medical test is usually conducted on the next day. Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the medical examination centre. The following documents are required for the UPSC medical test:

• Medical Test Call Letter: This document is provided by the authorities on the interview day. It must be presented at the medical examination centre.

• Government-Issued ID Proof: Candidates must carry a valid and original photo identity card, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving Licence.

• Previous Medical Reports (if any): Candidates with a history of medical conditions should bring relevant medical reports or prescriptions for reference.

• Disability Certificate (if applicable): PwBD candidates must carry their original disability certificate for verification during the medical examination.

Carrying all documents required for the UPSC medical test ensures a smooth medical verification process. Medical fitness plays an important role in the final allocation of services after the documents required for upsc 2026.

 Preparing for the UPSC 2026 exam? Explore UPSC courses offered by Physics Wallah for guidance and support.