Instruction for Filling UPSC Application Form 2026, Mistakes to Avoid

Instruction for Filling UPSC Application Form 2026: Filling the UPSC Application Form 2026 is the first and most crucial step for candidates aspiring to appear in the Civil Services Examination. Since the entire application process is conducted online, even a small mistake in personal details, document upload, or form submission can lead to rejection. 

Therefore, it is essential to clearly understand and follow every official instruction before starting the registration. The Instruction for filling UPSC Application Form 2026 explains the complete process in a simple and step-by-step manner to help candidates complete their application smoothly and accurately.

UPSC Application Form 2026 Overview

The UPSC application process is conducted entirely online through the official One-Time Registration (OTR) platform. Candidates must complete the OTR before proceeding to the specific exam application.

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What are Instructions for Filling UPSC Application Form 2026?

Before starting, ensure you have a stable internet connection and all necessary documents scanned according to official specifications.

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

If you are a first-time applicant, you must register on the OTR portal. This is a permanent registration that saves your basic details for all future UPSC applications.

• Provide your Name, Gender, Date of Birth, and Father’s/Mother’s Name exactly as recorded in your Matriculation Certificate.
• Enter a valid Email ID and Mobile Number for OTP verification.

Step 2: Filling the Application Form

Once logged in, select the “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026” link. The form is divided into two parts:

1. Part-I Registration: Filling in personal details, educational qualifications, and address.
2. Part-II Registration: Payment of fee (if applicable), selection of examination center, and uploading files.

Instructions for Uploading Documents

Properly uploading your photo and signature is critical to avoid rejection. Pay close attention to UPSC photo and signature instructions.

Photo Upload Instructions

• File Format & Size: Use JPG format. File size must be between 20KB and 200KB. Save as ‘photo.jpg’.
• Clarity & Coverage: Photo must be clear, recent, and show your full face. Face coverage should be 3/4th (75%) of the photo area.
• Background: Use a plain white background.
• Facial Features: Frontal view, head centered, both ears visible, eyes open, natural expression (no grinning or frowning). Avoid shadows on the face or background.
• Avoid: Dark backgrounds, uniforms, eyes hidden by glasses or hair. Do not sign the photograph.
  These guidelines ensure compliance with upsc photo and signature size online and upsc photo and signature size 2026 requirements.

Signature Upload Instructions

• Method: Sign on clean white paper using a black pen.
• Scanning: Scan your signature. Ensure the image is clear, well-lit, and without shadows.
• File Format & Size: Save in JPG format. File size must be between 20KB and 100KB. Dimensions should be between 350 pixels to 500 pixels. Save as ‘signature.jpg’. This meets UPSC document upload size 2026 standards.

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Mistakes to Avoid While Filling the UPSC Application Form 2026

To ensure your application is “ready to go in one go,” avoid these common errors:

• Discrepancy in Name: Ensure your name matches your 10th-standard marksheet exactly.
• Incomplete Part-II: Many candidates complete Part-I but forget to pay the fee or upload documents in Part-II.
• Blurred Images: If the upsc photo and signature size 2026 specifications are met but the image is blurry, the application may be rejected.
• Wrong Exam Center: Centers are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Apply early to get your preferred location.

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