Documents Required for UPSC Exam 2026, Check List

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:

1. Preliminary Registration (One Time Registration – OTR)
2. 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:

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.

1. 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
     
2. 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
     
3. 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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