Documents Required for UPSC Prelims Exam
Documents required for UPSC Prelims Exam include identity proof, admit card, and other essential certificates to ensure smooth verification at the exam centre.
Anil Solonki5 Dec, 2025
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Documents Required for UPSC Prelims Exam: Before appearing for the UPSC Prelims Exam, candidates must ensure they have all the necessary documents ready. These documents are essential for verification at the exam centre and to confirm the candidate’s identity and eligibility.
Properly organising and carrying the required documents helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures a smooth entry into the examination hall. Being aware of what to carry is a crucial part of UPSC Prelims preparation.
Documents Required for UPSC Prelims Exam
The application process for the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires candidates to complete a One-Time Registration (OTR) and then fill out the online application form. At this stage, candidates must upload scanned copies of several documents and provide details for their eligibility proof.
Here is the list of documents and details you must prepare for the online application:
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Documents Required for UPSC Prelims Exam |
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Document Type |
Requirement |
Format & Size (Approx.) |
|
Scanned Photograph |
Recent (not older than 10 days) passport-sized photo. Must include the candidate's name and the date the photo was taken. |
JPG/JPEG, 20 KB to 300 KB |
|
Scanned Signature |
Clear signature in black or blue ink on white paper. |
JPG/JPEG, 20 KB to 300 KB |
|
Government-Issued Photo ID |
Scanned copy of the same ID proof whose number will be provided in the application (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID). |
PDF, 20 KB to 300 KB |
|
Proof of Age |
Details and sometimes a scanned copy of your Matriculation Certificate (Class 10th Certificate) or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) to prove your Date of Birth (DOB). |
Required details must match Class 10th certificate. |
|
Educational Qualification |
Details and sometimes a scanned copy of your Graduation Degree Certificate or Provisional Certificate from a recognised university. |
Required details must be accurate. |
Mandatory Documents to Carry on UPSC Prelims Exam Day
The day of the UPSC Prelims examination requires strict adherence to rules, especially regarding the documents you carry. Candidates, also referred to as aspirants or students, must carry the following physical documents to gain entry into the exam hall:
Printed E-Admit Card
The UPSC Prelims Admit Card is the single most essential document. It must be downloaded from the official UPSC website and printed out. Candidates without a hard copy of the e-Admit Card will be denied entry to the examination venue.
Original Valid Photo ID Proof
You must carry the original copy of the valid government-issued photo ID that you uploaded/registered during the online application process. A soft copy or a photocopy is typically not accepted.
Passport-Size Photographs
It is highly advisable to carry at least two recent passport-size photographs. These are specifically required if the photograph on your e-Admit Card is unclear or missing. These photos should be the same as the ones uploaded in the application form and may need to have your name and the date of clicking printed on them.
Black Ballpoint Pen
Candidates must carry a Black Ballpoint Pen only, as it is mandatory for marking responses on the OMR sheet. Pencils, gel pens, or other colored pens are not allowed.
Valid Photo ID Proofs Accepted for UPSC Prelims
The Photo ID is required for verification of your identity, ensuring the person taking the exam is the registered candidate. The following are the valid government-issued photo identity proofs accepted by UPSC for the Prelims exam:
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Aadhaar Card
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Voter ID Card
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PAN Card (Permanent Account Number)
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Indian Passport
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Driving Licence
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Any other Photo ID Card issued by the Central or State Government.
Important Note: Ensure that the ID you carry is the same one whose details (number) were provided while filling out the online application form. The details on the ID, especially your name and Date of Birth, must exactly match those on your Admit Card.
Documents Required for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
While the full verification of these documents occurs during the Detailed Application Form (DAF) stage for the Mains examination, all candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must have these certificates ready as their category is selected during the Prelims application itself.
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SC/ST Certificate: A valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed format.
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OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate: This certificate must be in the format prescribed by the UPSC and should be based on the income of the last three financial years. It should mention that the candidate belongs to the Central List of OBCs.
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EWS (Economically Weaker Section) Certificate: An Income and Asset Certificate must be produced in the format prescribed by the UPSC, based on the relevant financial year as specified in the official notification.
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PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) Certificate: A valid disability certificate issued by a recognised medical authority, specifying the type and percentage of disability.
Important Instructions and Prohibited Items on UPSC Prelims Exam Day
To ensure a smooth and fair examination, the UPSC has stringent rules that candidates must follow on the exam day:
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Important Instructions and Prohibited Items on UPSC Prelims Exam Day |
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Allowed Items (DO's) |
Prohibited Items (DON'Ts) |
|
Printed E-Admit Card (Mandatory) |
Mobile phones (even in switch-off mode) |
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Original Valid Photo ID Proof (Mandatory) |
Smartwatches, digital watches, or any other electronic gadgets |
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Two Passport-size Photographs (If photo is unclear on admit card) |
Calculators, pagers, or other communication devices |
|
Black Ballpoint Pen |
Books, notes, sheets, or any study material |
|
Simple Analog Wristwatch |
Bags, purses, or other luggage |
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Transparent Water Bottle |
Metallic accessories, ornate jewellery, or thick-soled shoes |
Documents Required for UPSC Prelims Exam FAQs
Is a photocopy of the ID proof acceptable on the UPSC Prelims Exam Day?
Do I need to carry a separate photograph if my picture is clear on the UPSC Admit Card?
What documents are required for UPSC age proof during the application?
Can I carry a digital copy of the UPSC Prelims Admit Card on my phone?
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