UPSC Apply Online 2026: How to Apply, General Instructions PDF, Essential Documents

UPSC Apply Online 2026 opens soon for CSE, IFoS, and other exams. Check documents required, fees, and step-by-step registration process at upsc.gov.in before deadlines.

UPSC Apply Online 2026 is described here. Here’s how to register for Civil Services (CSE), IFoS, and CDS exams. Eligibility, fees, documents, and direct links, start your application now at the official UPSC portal once it is released. 

UPSC Apply Online 2026 registration for Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is expected to commence soon on upsc.gov.in . UPSC facilitates recruitment for various civil services posts across India. The application process for UPSC examinations in 2026 will be conducted entirely online through its updated portal.  Check here step by step process and essential documents list.

UPSC Application Form 2026 Overview

It highlights key aspects like the conducting body, application method, and official website. Aspirants can use this information to prepare for the upcoming application window.

UPSC Application Form 2026 Overview
Particulars Details 
Exam Name Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post Name Various Civil Services Posts
Application Mode Online
Official Website upsconline.nic.in
Notification Release Date 14th January 2026
Application Start Date 14th January 2026
Last Date to Apply 3rd February 2026
UPSC  Application Form Correction Window February 22 to 28, 2026

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UPSC Apply Online 2026 Form Release Date

UPSC 2026 notification is scheduled for release on January 14, 2026, alongside the Civil Services Examination details, with the official PDF available for download on upsc.gov.in once published.

General Instructions UPSC Apply Online 2026 PDF

Here is the PDF for general instructions for UPSC Apply Online 2026. Candidates can download these general instructions documents so that they can fill out their forms accurately without any discrepancies. Click the link below to download. 

UPSC Apply Online 2026 Link

UPSC Apply Online 2026 Form will be available online from January 14 to February 3, 2026. Upload documents and pay fees during Part I and II of the form. The link to apply is given below, which will be active once it is released 

UPSC Apply Online 2026 Link ( Active Soon) 

Eligibility Criteria For UPSC Apply Online 2026

Meeting the eligibility conditions is essential for applying to UPSC examinations. This section covers the general requirements concerning nationality, age, and educational qualifications as per UPSC standards. Specific details will be provided in the official notification.

Nationality

Candidates must be a citizens of India. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible. Tibetan refugees or persons of Indian origin may apply under specific conditions, requiring an eligibility certificate.

Age Limit

The age limits for the UPSC Application Form 2026 are set by UPSC. Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1, 2025. Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST, OBC, defence personnel, ex-servicemen, ECOs/SSCOs, and PwBD as per government norms.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must generally possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Specific minimum percentage requirements or other qualifications, if any, will be outlined in the official notification for 2026.

Essential Documents For UPSC Apply Online 2026

Proper preparation of documents is a vital step in the UPSC application process. This section details the necessary documents you will need to upload, including specific format and size guidelines for photographs and signatures.

  • Identity Proof: Aadhaar information or any other valid Photo Identity Document. Aadhaar is recommended for smoother verification and exam center access.
  • Category Certificates: Valid certificates and details for Social Category (General / SC / ST / OBC / EWS) and Disability (PwD / PwBD), including type, percentage, and certificate number, if applicable.
  • Passport-sized Photograph:
    • Format: JPG
    • File Name: photo
    • File Size: Between 20KB and 200KB.
    • Content Guidelines: The photograph must be clear, recent, and show your full face. Your face should cover approximately 3/4th (75%) of the photo area. Use a plain white background. Ensure a frontal view of the full face, with the head centered and both ears visible. Eyes must be open, and the edges of your face must be clearly visible. Maintain a natural facial expression; avoid smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Do not use dark backgrounds, uniforms, or have eyes hidden under colored/dark glasses. Avoid shadows on your face or background, hair covering your eyes, or glares on your eyeglasses. The photograph should NOT be signed.
  • Signature:
    • Preparation: Sign on clean white paper using a black pen.
    • Scanning: Scan the signature; ensure the image is clear, well-lit, and without shadows. Crop the image to show only the signature.
    • Format: JPGHow to Apply For UPSC CSE 2026
    • File Name: signature
    • File Size: Between 20KB to 100KB.
    • Dimensions: The signature image should be between 350 pixels to 500 pixels.

Application Fee For UPSC Apply Online 2026 

The application fee for the UPSC CSE Exam 2026 varies by category. For General/OBC candidates fee is  ₹100. SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates are exempt from paying the application fee. Payment can be made through online modes such as credit/debit card or net banking.

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UPSC Apply Online 2026 Steps 

The UPSC Apply Online 2026 process is structured and requires careful attention to detail. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to navigate the new UPSC online portal, ensuring you complete each stage accurately.

Here are the detailed steps to fill the UPSC online form for 2026:

How to Apply For UPSC CSE 2026
Step Main Action Sub-Details/Process Important Notes Image
1: Account Creation Visit 

upsconline.nic.in

 and create an account

– Click “Account Creation” or “Create Account”

– Read instructions, check declaration, proceed

– Enter active email, verify OTP

– Enter active mobile, verify OTP

– Create a password per the guidelines

– Success message + email/SMS confirmation

Use active email/mobile; password must meet specs (e.g., length, character mix) UPSC Apply Online 2026
2: Log in to Portal Access login from the homepage or the nav bar – Methods: Mobile + OTP; URN + password; Email + password

– Enter credentials + captcha, click “Sign In”

Three login options are available post-registration UPSC Apply Online 2026
3: Universal Registration (UR) Navigate to “Universal Registration” from the navbar or the homepage – Read instructions, proceed

– Mandatory profiles (in sequence):

– Identity: Name, Gender, DOB, Parents/Guardian names

– Matriculation: Board, Roll No., Year

– Aadhaar/Photo ID: Aadhaar or e.g., PAN/Voter ID/Driving License

– Review all, click ‘Lock and Submit’ to generate URN

No changes allowed after URN generation; complete in exact sequence UPSC Apply Online 2026
4: Common Application Form (CAF) Fill 10 profiles (any order except Photo/Signature last) – Personal: Nationality, Religion, Mother Tongue, Domicile, Marital Status, Birth Place

– Parents: Father/Mother/Guardian details

– Social Category: General/SC/ST/OBC/EWS + certificate

– Disability: PwD/PwBD type, %, certificate (if applicable)

– Address: Permanent/Correspondence (States/Districts/PIN); Parents’ too

– Educational: From 12th/Diploma: Level, Status, Board/Uni, %/CGPA, Stream

– Employment: Nature, Income, Employer

– Achievements: Prizes, Scholarships, Sports/NCC, Leadership, Extracurriculars

– Previous UPSC: Exam Name, Year, Roll No.

– Photo & Signature: Upload per guidelines (last)

Returns to dashboard after completion; follow exact upload formats/sizes UPSC Apply Online 2026
5: Applying for Examination From ‘Examinations’ > ‘Apply for Examination’ or homepage card – Select exam, click ‘Apply’

– Lock CAF: Verify all sub-forms, check consent, lock (no changes post-lock)

– Exam-Specific Form: Fill mandatory fields (e.g., centre preferences)

– Fee Payment: Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking; get acknowledgement

– Centre Selection: Choose from list

– Final Submit: Review, submit; download Confirmation Page/PDF

Retain confirmation and payment receipt; view under ‘Examinations’ dropdown UPSC Apply Online 2026

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the UPSC 2026 application form be released?

The official release date for the UPSC 2026 application form will be released soon. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates.

Can I make corrections to my UPSC application form after final submission?

UPSC usually provides a correction window after the application submission period closes. Specific details regarding the UPSC application correction window 2026 will be available in the official notification.

What is the fee for the UPSC 2026 application?

The specific application fee for UPSC 2026 will be released soon." Fee amounts generally vary by category (General/OBC/EWS vs. SC/ST/PwD) and are payable online.

What are the guidelines for uploading the photograph and signature in the UPSC online form?

Detailed guidelines for photo and signature upload are provided in the "Documents Required" section above. Key requirements include specific file formats (JPG), sizes (photo 20-200KB, signature 20-100KB), and content specifications (e.g., plain white background for photo, signature on white paper with black pen).

Is the Universal Registration Number (URN) permanent?

Yes, once generated by locking your Universal Registration profile, the URN is permanent. You cannot make further changes to the personal, matriculation, and Aadhaar/Photo ID details linked to that URN.

UPSC Apply Online 2026: How to Apply, General Instructions PDF, Essential Documents

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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