Issues Faced by UPSC Aspirants While Filling the UPSC Application Form

Issues Faced by UPSC Aspirants While Filling the UPSC Application Form: Applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination often presents significant hurdles, primarily involving One Time Registration (OTR) complications and data inaccuracies. 

Aspirants frequently struggle with misplaced Unique Registration Numbers (URNs), spelling errors in personal details, and selecting incorrect reservation categories. These mistakes are critical, as the commission rarely provides a correction window for major details post-submission, potentially leading to disqualification during document verification.

Technical and logistical barriers further complicate the process. Candidates often face payment failures, server crashes during peak traffic, and strict formatting requirements for photo and signature uploads. To ensure a successful submission, aspirants must apply early to secure preferred exam centers, use stable internet connections, and double-check that all uploaded certificates meet the specific financial year criteria for reservation eligibility.

List of Issues Faced by UPSC Aspirants While Filling the UPSC Application Form

Aspirants often encounter several issues faced by UPSC aspirants while filling the UPSC application form. These range from minor mistakes to significant errors impacting candidature. Recognizing these problems helps in preparing a correct application.

1. Unique Registration Number (URN) Issues

The One Time Registration (OTR) system provides a permanent Unique Registration Number (URN).

• Problems: Forgetting URN, confusing URN with application number, creating multiple registrations due to lost passwords, and login problems from wrong URN or password.

• Solutions: Save URN securely. If forgotten, use the "Forgot Password" option on the OTR portal. Enter registered email or mobile number. Verify with OTP. Reset password and save URN.

If you are unable to recall your Unique Registration Number (URN) after creating your account, you can recover it by following the steps below:

Step 1: Select the “Forgot Password” option displayed on the login page.

Step 2: Enter the registered email ID and mobile number used during URN registration.

Step 3: Complete the captcha verification and click on “Send OTP.”
Step 4: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and email ID.
Step 5: Click on “Verify OTP.” Your URN will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 6: Create a new password and securely note down your URN and password for future logins.

2. Personal Information Mistakes

Accuracy in personal details is crucial for UPSC document verification.

• Problems: Incorrect spelling of names (candidate/parents), wrong date of birth, mismatch with Matriculation certificate, and incorrect educational qualifications. These are common errors in UPSC online form.

• Solutions: Verify all details multiple times. Ensure information matches official certificates exactly. There is no correction window for these details post-submission.

3. Incorrect Category Selection

Category choice impacts reservation and eligibility. This is a frequent UPSC form filling issue.

• Problems: Selecting the wrong category (OBC, EWS, SC, ST), uploading expired certificates, misunderstanding creamy layer rules, and assuming reservation without valid documents.

• Solutions: Verify the category before selecting. Ensure OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate is based on FY 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 income details, issued on or after April 1, 2025. EWS certificate must be based on FY 2024-25 income, issued on or after April 1, 2025, and before application closing date.

4. Photo and Signature Upload Problems

Correct image upload is a sensitive step. UPSC application portal issues often relate to this.

• Problems: Wrong format (PNG/PDF instead of JPG), incorrect file size/dimensions, blurred photos, improper background/lighting, old/edited photos, unclear live photo capture, unreadable signatures. These are common UPSC photo and signature upload error scenarios.

• Solutions: Upload JPG format photo (20-200 KB) with white background. Face should cover 75%, eyes open, neutral expression. No sunglasses. For signature, use black ink on white sheet, sign three times vertically, scan as one JPG file (20-100 KB), 350-500 pixels. Capture live photo in good light.

5. Wrong Examination Centre Choice

Centre selection affects travel and convenience.

• Problems: Selecting distant centres due to late submission, ignoring travel convenience, choosing without checking seat availability.

• Solutions: Apply early to secure preferred exam centre. Choose a convenient location near residence. Check travel and stay options in advance.

6. Payment-Related Issues

UPSC application fee payment failure is a significant obstacle.

• Problems: Payment failure due to server issues, money deducted but status incomplete, confusion on fee exemption rules, not checking confirmation.

• Solutions: Pay fee while filling the form. Use stable internet. Verify "Successfully Submitted" status. Check fee exemption eligibility. Save confirmation receipt.

7. Technical Glitches and Slow Website

Heavy traffic can cause UPSC server down issues.

• Problems: Website overload near deadline, slow loading, payment gateway crashes, form submission errors, login session timeout issues. These are typical UPSC application technical glitches.

• Solutions: Submit the form early. Apply during off-peak hours (late night/early morning). Use a stable internet connection. Save progress regularly.

8. Prabitha Setu Consent Confusion

• Problems: Casual selection of consent option without understanding long-term implications. Decision is irreversible.

• Solutions: Read consent details carefully. Make an informed and final decision as changes are not possible.

9. Service Preference Filled Casually

• Problems: Filling service order without research, ignoring cadre allocation rules, not considering career goals.

• Solutions: Research services, job roles, and career growth before filling the Detailed Application Form (DAF). Align preferences with long-term goals.

10. One-Time Correction Illusion

• Problems: Assuming a correction window exists for major errors like wrong category, incorrect attempt count, or wrong personal information. This can lead to wrong details in UPSC form correction attempts.

• Solutions: Fill the application form carefully. Verify all details before final submission. UPSC generally does not permit major corrections.

11. Attempt Count Confusion

• Problems: Believing form filling counts as an attempt. Not understanding category-wise attempt limits.

Solutions: An attempt counts only when a candidate appears in the Preliminary Examination. Check UPSC guidelines for attempt limits by category (General, OBC, SC/ST, PwBD).