How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2026 Step-by-Step?

The UPSC Notification 2026 has been released. It is available on the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in. Along with the release of the notification, the UPSC Application Form 2026 is now available. It is important to note that candidates must apply online before the window closes. The deadline for application submission is February 24, 2026, at 6:00 pm IST.

In this article, we will look into the details regarding the UPSC 2026 application process and guide you to apply step-by-step.

Check now : UPSC Notification 2026 out

UPSC Application Form 2026

UPSC has released the UPSC Notification 2026, initially scheduled for January 14, 2026. This marks the start of the UPSC Application Form 2026.

Eligible aspirants can apply online at upsc.gov.in. The process involves online registration, filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee.

Candidates should follow the steps outlined in the article for UPSC Apply Online 2026.

Click here to download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF

UPSC Application Form 2026: Pre-Requisites

Before applying for the UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims, candidates must check the prerequisites:

1. Active Mobile Number/ Contact Number

2. Active Email Address

3. Details from the Graduation certificate

4. Recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant

5. Scanned image of the applicant’s signature

6. A valid Photo ID in scanned format.

Apply Online UPSC 2026: Stages

The Apply Online UPSC 2026 was activated on February 4, 2026. Candidates can apply online by visiting the official UPSC website, www.upsconline.gov.in. The official authority for the UPSC CSE has released the UPSC Online Form 2026.

1. (OTR Profile)

2. (Application Form)

3. (DAF)

4. (Fees, Photograph, Signature, & Examination Centre Selection)

Steps to Fill UPSC Application Form 2026

The UPSC Application Form 2026 comprises two parts: Part I and Part II. Here are the steps to fill out the UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form:

1. Part I (OTR Profile)

To register for UPSC OTR, please follow the steps below:

Steps to Fill Part I of UPSC Application Form 2026

Step: 1

Visit the official website www.upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in to download the latest notifications released by the commission.

Step: 2

Click on the ‘Apply Online‘ link on the right-side panel of the Home page.

Step: 3

Click on ‘Online Application for Various Examinations‘, then choose ‘Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC‘.

Step: 4

Click on the ‘Part I Registration‘ link. Read the important instructions for filling out the application form carefully before proceeding.

Step: 5

After reading the instructions, click ‘Yes‘ to access the Part I registration page. Fill in personal details like Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Nationality, and Address.

Step: 6

Provide your educational qualifications and contact details.

Step: 7

Enter your photo identity details, number of attempts made, graduation marks, and the Prelims exam center.

Step: 8

After entering the details, review the application and make any necessary edits. Note that editing is not permitted after final submission.

Step: 9

After previewing, click ‘Submit‘. Upon completing Part I registration, you will receive a Registration ID (RID).

2. Part-II (Application Form)

To register for Part II (Steps to fill UPSC Application Form 2026), please follow these steps:

Step: 1

Enter your photo identity details, number of attempts made, graduation marks, and the Prelims exam center.

Step: 2

Log in with your Registration ID (RID) and Date of Birth to proceed with Part II registration.

Step: 3

Pay the application fee through online or offline mode, or choose Pay by Cash via SBI Challan.

Step: 4

Select your preferred centre for the prelims exam.

Step: 5

Upload all the required documents:

• Photograph in JPG format – 20 KB to 300 KB
• Signature in JPG format – 20 KB to 300 KB
• Photo ID in PDF format – 20 KB to 300 KB

Step: 6

Click ‘Upload‘ after uploading all the documents in the prescribed size format.

Step: 7

A final declaration will appear on the screen. Check the box and submit the application.

Step: 8

Upon final submission, you will receive a confirmation message at your registered mobile number and email address, confirming the successful completion and submission of your application.

3. Part III (Detailed Application Form)

This section is necessary for applicants to qualify for the prelims exam. For the UPSC CSE 2026, there are specific changes:

• After completing Part II, proceed to fill out the DAF (Detailed Application Form).
• Include details such as service preferences and other relevant data.
• Click ‘Submit’ to finalize the registration. After submission, Part III of the registration is complete.

4. Part-IV (Fees, Photograph, Signature, & Examination Centre Selection)

The final step to submit your UPSC Application Form 2026 is to complete the payment and upload the necessary documents. This process includes:

• Pay the UPSC Application Fees 2026 of Rs 100 for General, EWS, OBS candidates, no fee for SC/ST/SC/ST/Female/PWD candidates using online banking or credit/debit cards.
• Upload the necessary images in the required formats with a size limit of 20 KB to 300 KB.
• Select your preferred exam center from the provided list.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UPSC application form 2026 process is important for aspiring candidates. First, ensure you meet all prerequisites before applying. Next, follow the step-by-step guide carefully to avoid mistakes. 

Remember, the deadline for submission is February 24, 2026. Finally, stay updated with any notifications from the UPSC. Completing the application accurately will enhance your chances of success. Good luck with your preparation and the UPSC CSE 2026 journey!