Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026- Application, Prelims, Mains & Interview

Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026 include identity proof, photograph, signature, age proof, educational certificates, and category or disability certificates (if applicable). Candidates must submit correct documents during OTR, Mains (DAF), and Interview to avoid rejection and ensure smooth verification.

Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026 are a crucial part of the application and selection process. From One Time Registration (OTR) to the final interview, candidates must submit accurate and valid documents to prove their identity, age, educational qualification, and category status (if applicable). Keeping all certificates, photo ID, photograph, and signature ready in advance helps avoid last-minute mistakes and ensures a smooth UPSC application process.

Understanding which documents are required for UPSC exam registration and the UPSC exam documents list 2026 is essential for every aspirant.

Documents Needed for UPSC Exam 2026 Overview

The UPSC application is divided into two main parts:

Preliminary Registration (One Time Registration – OTR)
Detailed Application Form (DAF) for candidates who qualify Prelims

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Here is the stage-wise list of documents required for UPSC exam 2026:

Documents Needed for UPSC Exam 2026 Overview
Stage	Key Documents Needed
Registration (OTR)	Identity Proof, Educational details, Photo, and Signature
Mains (DAF-I)	Proof of Age, Educational Certificates, Category Certificates (if applicable)
Interview (DAF-II)	Original Certificates for verification, Service preference details

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.

What Documents are Required for UPSC Exam?

During UPSC One Time Registration, candidates must upload certain documents needed for UPSC IAS application form and provide accurate details.

UPSC Identity Proof Documents
Candidates must provide a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted UPSC identity proof documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Any other Central/State Government-issued photo ID
UPSC Photo and Signature Requirements 2026
All digital files must follow UPSC photo and signature requirements 2026:
- Photograph: JPG format, 20 KB–300 KB, recent, with name and date printed at the bottom
- Signature: Black ink on white paper, JPG format, 20 KB–300 KB
Educational and Eligibility Documents
- Proof of Age: Matriculation (Class 10) certificate – the only accepted UPSC age proof document
- Graduation Certificate: Degree or provisional certificate from a recognized university – part of UPSC educational certificates required.

UPSC Category and Disability Certificates 2026

Candidates claiming reservation must submit valid certificates before the application deadline:

Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC): OBC candidates must have Non-Creamy Layer status updated
EWS Certificate: Required for Economically Weaker Section quota
Disability Certificate: Candidates with benchmark disabilities must submit UPSC disability certificate requirements (Form V, VI, or VII)

UPSC Mains Document Checklist 2026 (DAF-I)

After clearing Prelims, candidates must upload the following UPSC mains document checklist 2026:

Matriculation certificate (age proof)
Degree certificate (educational qualification)
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
Undertaking for government service candidates

UPSC Interview Documents Required 2026

During the interview, candidates must bring original documents for UPSC exam document verification:

Original Matriculation certificate
Original Degree or Provisional certificate
Two recent passport-size photographs
Printed copy of DAF-II

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Important Guidelines to Prevent Rejection

To avoid rejection, follow these rules carefully:

Ensure name, date of birth, and other details exactly match your Class 10 certificate
Avoid spelling mistakes or incorrect information in the UPSC application form documents 2026
Upload photograph and signature according to UPSC photo and signature requirements 2026
Use only valid and updated category/reservation certificates (UPSC category certificate requirements 2026)
OBC certificates must mention Non-Creamy Layer status
Rely only on official UPSC notifications and the official website
Complete UPSC one time registration documents well before the deadline

Keep original documents ready for verification during Mains and Interview

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Documents Required for UPSC Form?

Valid photo ID, basic educational details, scanned photograph, and signature during OTR – part of UPSC registration documents required 2026.

Which photo IDs are accepted by UPSC?

Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or other government-issued photo ID (UPSC identity proof documents).

What are the specifications for the photograph and signature?

JPG format, 20 KB–300 KB. Recent photo with name and date printed, and signature on white paper with black ink (UPSC photo and signature requirements 2026).

What documents are required for Mains (DAF-I)?

Matriculation certificate, graduation/provisional certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and undertaking (UPSC educational certificates required, UPSC category certificate requirements 2026).

What documents are needed for the Interview (DAF-II)?

Original Matriculation certificate, original graduation/provisional certificate, two passport-size photos, and printout of DAF-II (UPSC interview documents required 2026).