UPSC Application Form 2026 – Process, Timeline, Criteria, Requirements, & Rules

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 application process faced an unexpected postponement, leaving aspirants awaiting clarity on revised timelines as no official dates for notification, start, end, or correction window have been announced yet. Earlier scheduled to begin on January 14, 2026, the delay shifts the typical February-March prelims timeline, impacting preparation for IAS, IPS, and other services with eligibility requiring graduation and age 21-32 years. Candidates must monitor upsc.gov.in closely for updates, as the fee remains ₹100 for General/OBC males (exemptions apply), with documents like photo, signature, and ID proofs needed online.

UPSC Application 2026 Postponed

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially postponed the CSE 2026 notification release, scrapping the earlier January 14 start date without specifying a new schedule. This creates uncertainty around application timelines, potentially pushing prelims beyond the usual May-June slot. Aspirants should prepare documents and eligibility proofs in advance while tracking the official website for announcements. No alternative dates for corrections or withdrawals have surfaced yet.

UPSC Application 2026 New Dates

UPSC has postponed the CSE 2026 application process originally set for January 14, with no revised dates announced yet. Official updates on notification, start, end, and correction windows will appear on upsc.gov.in soon.

UPSC Application 2026 Dates

The UPSC CSE 2026 application timeline remains pending official confirmation following the postponement. Below table lists key application-related dates, all marked as awaiting announcement.

UPSC Application Form 2026 Eligibility

UPSC Application Form 2026 eligibility criteria are very crucial for students. If the student doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria, then their filled form is also not going to make them able to appear for the exam. The major factors on which the eligibility criteria are prepared are nationality, age limit, and educational qualification. Students must keep an eye on every individual requirement before filling out the UPSC CSE Application Form 2026.

UPSC Application 2026 Documents Required

Candidates must have all documents ready before beginning the UPSC Application Form 2026 process. Documents are needed to verify the identity, qualification, and category of students. A correct photo and signature in the specified format are also extremely important for the successful submission of the application.

• Valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport).
• Scanned passport-size photograph in the specified UPSC application photo format.
• Scanned signature of the required size as per UPSC photo and signature size online rules.
• Caste certificate of SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidate, if applicable. 
• Disability certificate of PwD candidate, if applicable. 
• Class 10 certificate as proof of date of birth.
• Class 12 and graduation mark sheets or degree certificate.
• Any other supporting document, as required for category or claim verification.

How to Apply UPSC Application 2026

UPSC Application Form 2026 can be filled easily by students if they follow each and every step in a proper sequence. The complete process is online-based, and the students have to enter all their information carefully. After the form has been submitted, no major corrections will be allowed; therefore, candidates must ensure to do the same with due accuracy.

• Visit the official websites (upsconline.nic.in) or (upsc.gov.in). 
• Click on the link of the UPSC Application Form 2026 under the ‘Active Examinations’ tab.
• One-Time Registration (OTR) can be done by the entry of basic information.
• Candidates have to enter their registered ID and log in to open the UPSC CSE Application Form 2026.
• The candidate must fill in all personal details such as name, date of birth, address, contact number, etc.
• Candidates have to enter their educational qualifications and select the exam centre.
• Upload the scanned copy of the photo, signature, and ID proof in the given format (UPSC Application Photo).
• Payment of fees for UPSC Application Form 2026 can be made through online payment gateways.
• Candidates should recheck the entered information before final submission.
• Download and print the confirmation page for further reference.

UPSC Application Form 2026 Fees

The UPSC Application Form 2026 fees details are very simple. The students of General Category have to pay Rs. 100 as fees. The students of SC/ST/PwD/Female categories are not required to pay any fees. The students can deposit the fees through online modes like debit card/credit card/net banking. The receipt will be generated after the payment of fees. The students have to save it for their further use.

• UPSC Application Form Fee for General/EWS/OBC Candidates: ₹100.
• UPSC Application Form Fee for SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates: Exempted.
• UPSC Application Form Payment Modes: 
  • Online (debit/credit card, net banking). 
  • Offline (SBI e-challan).

UPSC Application Form 2026 Photo and Signature Size

The UPSC photo and signature size online must match the official rules to avoid rejection of the form. The UPSC application photo format needs a clear and recent photo with a plain background, and the signature must also be scanned correctly. If the file size or format is wrong, UPSC will not accept the upload.

• The photograph must be recent, clear, and taken against a plain background.
• The photo should be uploaded only in JPG/JPEG format.
• The signature must be done in black or blue ink on white paper.
• The scanned signature must also be uploaded in JPG/JPEG format.
• Students must resize the files using an online tool to meet UPSC’s required dimensions.
• The photo and signature should not be blurred or too dark.

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