The much-awaited UPSC application form 2026 has finally been released. If you have been preparing for the Civil Services Examination or planning to begin your journey this year, this is your official starting point. Filling the UPSC application form is not just a procedural step—it is your formal entry into the race for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other prestigious services.
The application window is now active on the official UPSC portals, and candidates must complete the process within the prescribed deadline. In this detailed article, you will find everything you need to know about the UPSC application form 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, fees, required documents, and a complete step-by-step application process.
UPSC Application Form 2026: Important Dates
Before anything else, mark these dates clearly:
- Application Start Date: February 4, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM IST)
- UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Date: May 24, 2026
- Mode of Application: Online only
- Official Websites: upsc.gov.in / upsconline.gov.in
Do not wait until the final day to fill out the UPSC application form. Every year, candidates face server issues and payment failures due to the last-minute rush.
Who Can Fill the UPSC Application Form 2026? (Eligibility Criteria)
Before applying, ensure that you meet the following eligibility conditions.
Nationality
- For IAS, IPS, and IFS: Candidate must be a citizen of India.
- For other services: Citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and certain other eligible categories as per UPSC rules.
Educational Qualification
To fill the UPSC application form, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, OR
- Be in the final year of graduation (subject to producing proof later).
There is no restriction on the stream. Candidates from Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical, or any other background are eligible.
Age Limit (As on August 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (General category)
Age relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwBD: As per government norms
Number of Attempts
- General: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
- PwBD: As per category rules
While filling out the UPSC application form 2026, mention your attempts accurately. UPSC verifies this information carefully.
UPSC Application Fees 2026
The fee structure for the UPSC application form 2026 is simple:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC: Exempted
- ST: Exempted
- Female (All Categories): Exempted
- PwBD: Exempted
Payment Modes
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI (if available)
- SBI Challan (if offline option is provided)
Always check payment confirmation before closing the page. If payment fails and the deadline passes, your application will not be accepted.
Documents Required Before Filling UPSC Application Form
Keep the following documents ready before starting the process:
- Active mobile number
- Active email ID
- Graduation details (year, marks, university)
- Passport-size photograph (JPG format, 20 KB – 300 KB)
- Signature (JPG format, 20 KB – 300 KB)
- Valid Photo ID (PDF format, 20 KB – 300 KB)
- Identity details (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, etc.)
Ensure that all scanned images meet the size and format specifications mentioned in the UPSC application form instructions.
Stages of UPSC Application Form 2026
The application process consists of multiple stages:
- One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Part I Registration
- Part II Registration
- Detailed Application Form (DAF – after Prelims qualification)
Let’s understand each stage clearly.
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
If you are a new candidate:
- Visit upsconline.gov.in
- Click on “One Time Registration”
- Enter basic details like name, date of birth, email, and mobile number
- Create login credentials
- Verify using OTP
If you have already registered in previous years, you can use the same login credentials.
Step 2: Part I of UPSC Application Form 2026
After logging in, select the Civil Services Examination 2026 application.
In Part I, you will fill:
- Personal details (Name, DOB, Gender, etc.)
- Parent’s details
- Nationality
- Category
- Address
- Educational qualification
- Number of attempts
- Preferred Prelims exam center
Before clicking submit:
- Carefully preview all details
- Ensure the spelling of your name matches official documents
- Check the category and date of birth
After submission, you will receive a Registration ID (RID). Save it carefully.
Step 3: Part II of UPSC Application Form 2026
In this stage, you will:
- Log in using RID and Date of Birth
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Upload photograph
- Upload signature
- Upload photo ID
- Confirm the examination center
Make sure:
- The photo and signature are clear
- Files are within the prescribed size
- Upload preview is correct
After uploading documents, complete the final declaration and submit the application.
You will receive:
- Confirmation message
- Email notification
- SMS confirmation
Download and keep a copy of the submitted UPSC application form for future reference.
What Happens After Submitting the UPSC Application Form?
After successful submission:
- The admit card will be released before the Prelims exam
- A limited correction window may open
- Preparation for May 24, 2026, Prelims continues
From this stage onward, your focus must shift entirely to preparation and revision.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling UPSC Application Form
Many candidates lose valuable time due to simple mistakes. Avoid these errors:
- Entering an incorrect date of birth
- Selecting the wrong category
- Uploading unclear or incorrectly sized photographs
- Waiting until the last day
- Not verifying payment confirmation
- Making spelling errors in the name
Even minor mismatches between your application and official documents can create complications during document verification.
Correction Window: Important Points
UPSC usually provides a limited correction window after the application deadline. However:
- Not all fields can be edited
- Major details may remain locked
Therefore, treat your first submission as final.
Why Filling the UPSC Application Form Is a Crucial Step
Submitting the UPSC application form 2026 is more than a formal requirement. It marks the beginning of a serious commitment. Once the form is submitted, the exam becomes real. The countdown to Prelims begins. Your preparation shifts from theoretical planning to practical execution.
Thousands of candidates will fill the UPSC application form this year, but only those who stay disciplined and consistent will move ahead. The form is only the beginning; the journey requires strategy, revision, mock tests, and continuous improvement.
Final Words
The UPSC application form 2026 is now live, and the deadline is approaching. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents in advance, fill every detail carefully, verify your payment, and submit the form well before February 24, 2026.
This is the first official step toward becoming a civil servant. Complete it with attention, accuracy, and confidence. Once submitted, focus entirely on preparation for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026.
Your journey begins with this application. Make sure you start it the right way.
Also read: UPSC Mains syllabus