The UPSC DAF Form (Detailed Application Form) is a crucial part of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) process. It is submitted at two stages of the exam — DAF-I (after clearing Prelims) and DAF-II (after clearing Mains). The DAF form collects candidates’ personal, educational, and employment-related details, which are later used during the UPSC interview (Personality Test). The UPSC DAF-II process will be available from December 13, 2024, to December 19, 2024. Here we have provided a comprehensive to help understand what is DAF from in UPSC, the differences between DAF-I and DAF-II, and step-by-step instructions on how to fill them out.

What is DAF Form in UPSC?

The Detailed Application Form (DAF) is a document that every candidate must fill out to proceed to the next stages of the UPSC exam. It serves as the official record of the candidate’s personal information, academic background, work experience, achievements, and preferences for services like IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.

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Types of UPSC DAF Form

The UPSC DAF is categorized into two forms. One is released for the candidates who have qualified for the Mains exam. Meanwhile other is released for candidates who have qualified for the interview round. 

How to Fill UPSC DAF Form?

The following step-by-step guide explains how to fill out UPSC DAF-I and DAF-II:

Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website: Go to upsc.gov.in and click on the DAF link available on the homepage.

Step 2: Log in to Access form: Use your login credentials (username and password) created during the UPSC registration process.

Step 3: Fill Personal Information: Provide details such as name, date of birth, gender, address, contact number, and email ID.

Step 4: Educational Qualifications: Fill in the details of your class 10th, 12th, and graduation.

Step 5: Employment Details (If Any): If you have work experience, provide your job title, company name, tenure, and responsibilities.

Step 6: OBC/EWS Annexure: Please specify if you belong to the OBC or EWS category and upload your caste certificate and income proof if applicable.

Step 7: Choice of Services: In DAF-I, candidates must prioritize their preferences for services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. DAF-II allows candidates to modify or review these preferences before the interview.

Step 8: Other Details: Fill in details about your achievements, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.

Step 9: Upload Document: Upload scanned documents like photos, signatures, and ID proof as specified.

Step 10: Final Review and Submission: Cross-check all the details, submit the form, and download a copy for future reference.

Difference Between DAF-I and DAF-II UPSC

The Detailed Application Form (DAF) is a crucial document for candidates appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). It is filled in two stages — DAF-I (after clearing Prelims) and DAF-II (after clearing Mains). Both forms serve distinct purposes and contain specific information required for the different stages of the selection process. Below is a detailed comparison of DAF-I vs. DAF-II for better understanding.

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Key Components of DAF-II UPSC Form

Candidates who clear Mains must submit the DAF-II form to be eligible for the UPSC Personality Test (Interview). This form plays a crucial role in determining the types of questions asked in the interview. Interview panelists refer to details like hobbies, past achievements, and DAF entries to frame personalized questions for the candidate. Here are some key components of DAF II:

• Language Preference for Interview: Candidates must specify the language (English, Hindi, or regional language) in which they wish to give their interview.
• Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities: Mention hobbies, sports, and co-curricular activities that demonstrate your personality.
• Changes from DAF-I: Candidates can update work experience, new achievements, or changes in service preferences.
• Document Upload: Candidates must upload their Degree certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and EWS certificate (if applicable).

Documents Required for DAF-II UPSC Form

Candidates must upload scanned copies of the following documents for verification:

• Class 10th and 12th certificates
• Graduation degree certificate
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
• Work Experience (If have any)

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Tips to Fill UPSC DAF Form Correctly

Candidates are advised to fill out the DAF form carefully to avoid any last-minute hassle. Here are some tips for candidates to help them in filling the UPSC DAF Form correctly:

1. Be Honest: Only mention those hobbies and achievements that you can confidently discuss during the interview.
2. Avoid Errors: Double-check all personal and academic information before submission.
3. Keep Documents Ready: Ensure all required documents are scanned and in the correct format.
4. Review and Submit: Cross-check the form thoroughly before submission, as corrections are not allowed after submission.

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