
UPSC Apply Online 2026 process can be completed through the new UPSC Online Application Portal. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually conducts the Civil Services Exam (CSE) to recruit candidates for various Group A and B services. This process includes stages like account creation, universal registration, and common application form submission. The application window for UPSC CSE 2026 opens on January 14, 2026, and closes on February 3, 2026. The exam is a multi-stage process involving Prelims, Mains, and a Personality Test.
It highlights key aspects like the conducting body, application method, and official website. Aspirants can use this information to prepare for the upcoming application window.
| UPSC Application Form 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Various Civil Services Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
| Notification Release Date | 14th January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 14th January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd February 2026 |
| UPSC Application Form Correction Window | February 22 to 28, 2026 |
UPSC 2026 notification is scheduled for release on January 14, 2026, alongside the Civil Services Examination details, with the official PDF available for download on upsc.gov.in once published. As of January 13, 2026, it has not been released yet. Check the UPSC website's Examinations section for the PDF link post-release.
The UPSC 2026 application form will be available online from January 14 to February 3, 2026. Upload documents and pay fees during Part I and II of the form. The link to apply is given below, which will be active once it is released
UPSC Application Form 2026 Apply Now Link ( Active Soon)
Meeting the eligibility conditions is essential for applying to UPSC examinations. This section covers the general requirements concerning nationality, age, and educational qualifications as per UPSC standards. Specific details will be provided in the official notification.
Candidates must be citizens of India. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible. Tibetan refugees or persons of Indian origin may apply under specific conditions, requiring an eligibility certificate.
The age limits for the UPSC Application Form 2026 are set by UPSC. Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1, 2025. Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST, OBC, defence personnel, ex-servicemen, ECOs/SSCOs, and PwBD as per government norms.
Candidates must generally possess a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Specific minimum percentage requirements or other qualifications, if any, will be outlined in the official notification for 2026.
Proper preparation of documents is a vital step in the UPSC application process. This section details the necessary documents you will need to upload, including specific format and size guidelines for photographs and signatures.
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UPSC CSE 2026 Documents Required |
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Document Type |
Details and Specifications |
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Identity Proof |
Aadhaar information or any other valid Photo Identity Document. Aadhaar is recommended for smoother verification and exam center access. |
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Category Certificates |
Valid certificates and details for Social Category (General / SC / ST / OBC / EWS) and Disability (PwD / PwBD), including type, percentage, and certificate number, if applicable. |
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Passport-sized Photograph |
- Format: JPG- File Name: photo- File Size: Between 20KB and 200KB- Content Guidelines: Clear, recent photo showing full face (covering ~75% of area); plain white background; frontal view with head centered, both ears visible; eyes open; natural expression (no smiling/frowning); no dark backgrounds, uniforms, colored glasses, shadows, hair over eyes, or glare; unsigned. |
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Signature |
- Preparation: Sign on clean white paper with black pen; scan clearly (well-lit, no shadows); crop to signature only.- Format: JPG- File Name: signature- File Size: Between 20KB and 100KB- Dimensions: 350-500 pixels. |
The application fee for the UPSC CSE Exam 2026 varies by category. For General/OBC candidates fee is ₹100. SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates are exempt from paying the application fee. Payment can be made through online modes such as credit/debit card or net banking.
UPSC Apply Online 2026 process is structured and requires careful attention to detail. Here are the detailed steps to fill out the UPSC online form for 2026:
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How to Apply For UPSC CSE 2026 |
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Step |
Main Action |
Sub-Details/Process |
Important Notes |
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Step 1: Account Creation |
Visit and create an account |
- Click “Account Creation” or “Create Account” - Read instructions, check declaration, proceed - Enter active email, verify OTP - Enter active mobile, verify OTP - Create a password per the guidelines - Success message + email/SMS confirmation |
Use active email/mobile; password must meet specs (e.g., length, character mix) |
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Step 2: Log in to the Portal |
Access login from the homepage or nav bar |
- Methods: Mobile + OTP; URN + password; Email + password - Enter credentials + captcha, click “Sign In” |
Three login options are available post-registration |
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Step 3: Universal Registration (UR) |
Navigate to “Universal Registration” from navbar or the homepage |
- Read instructions, proceed - Mandatory profiles (in sequence): - Identity: Name, Gender, DOB, Parents/Guardian names - Matriculation: Board, Roll No., Year - Aadhaar/Photo ID: Aadhaar or e.g., PAN/Voter ID/Driving License - Review all, click 'Lock and Submit' to generate URN |
No changes allowed after URN generation; complete in exact sequence |
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Step 4: Common Application Form (CAF) |
Fill 10 profiles (any order except Photo/Signature last) |
- Personal: Nationality, Religion, Mother Tongue, Domicile, Marital Status, Birth Place - Parents: Father/Mother/Guardian details - Social Category: General/SC/ST/OBC/EWS + certificate - Disability: PwD/PwBD type, %, certificate (if applicable) - Address: Permanent/Correspondence (States/Districts/PIN); Parents' too - Educational: From 12th/Diploma: Level, Status, Board/Uni, %/CGPA, Stream - Employment: Nature, Income, Employer - Achievements: Prizes, Scholarships, Sports/NCC, Leadership, Extracurriculars - Previous UPSC: Exam Name, Year, Roll No. - Photo & Signature: Upload per guidelines (last) |
Returns to dashboard after completion; follow exact upload formats/sizes |
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Step 5: Applying for Examination |
From 'Examinations' > 'Apply for Examination' or homepage card |
- Select exam, click 'Apply' - Lock CAF: Verify all sub-forms, check consent, lock (no changes post-lock) - Exam-Specific Form: Fill mandatory fields (e.g., center preferences) - Fee Payment: Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking; get acknowledgement - Centre Selection: Choose from list - Final Submit: Review, submit; download Confirmation Page/PDF |
Retain confirmation and payment receipt; view under 'Examinations' dropdown |