UPSC Application Form, Apply Online, & Admit Card 2025-2026
Topics Covered: UPSC CSE Application Form 2025-2026, Steps to Apply Online, Important Instructions for Filling the Application Form, Application Fees, Admit Card 2025-2026 & Steps to download Admit Card, Admit Card Important Instructions, Forget UPSC IAS Registration ID & Exam Day Instructions
To appear for an exam like UPSC there are certain requirements that the candidates must fulfill.
Having prior knowledge about these necessary conditions will prove to be beneficial for candidates in their exam journey.
As the UPSC online registration process entails a comprehensive application form, the aspirants must be guided step by step to ensure their successful application.
Talking about another important element, the UPSC admit card is a key document which is used for verifying candidate’s suitability for the exam.
Failing to carry the document on the exam day, the applicants shall be denied entry to exam premises.
Also, the soft copies of the admit card are not accepted, only by carrying the hard copy of the same, the candidates are allowed to appear for the exam.
Hence, it is crucial to know all details regarding the admit card which includes the steps to download the document.
To help you with that, I will be explaining all the necessary information about the UPSC application process which will include the steps to apply online and the process to download the UPSC admit card.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s begin the section.
Table of Content – UPSC Application Form, Apply Online, & Admit Card
UPSC Apply Online 2025
Latest Update: The process for filling the Detailed Application form (DAF- I) for UPSC Mains Examination 2025 has started from 16th June 2025 and is available till 25th June 2025 (06:00 PM).
To fill this form, the candidates can click on the UPSC Mains DAF -I.
The application process for UPSC CSE 2025 has been started on 22nd January 2025 on the same date as the release of official notification and will continue accepting applications until 11th February 2025.
You can click on the link to apply online for UPSC CSE 2025.
The revised annual calendar for UPSC Recruitment 2025 was released on 07th November 2024, on the official website of the UPSC.
In case any change was needed to be made by the candidate, the correction window was available from 11th February to 18th February 2025.
To know more about other such important details, you can take a look at the latest UPSC Notification 2025.
The following table provides a detailed overview of the important dates related to the UPSC CSE 2025:
| UPSC Application form 2025 Dates | |
|---|---|
| Events | Important Dates |
| UPSC CSE Notification 2025 | 22nd January, 2025 |
| Start date of the Application | 22nd January, 2025 |
| Last date of Application | 11th February, 2025 |
| Date of Correction Window | 12th-18th February 2025 |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 | 25th May, 2025 |
| Detailed Application form (DAF- I) | 16th June 2025 - 25th June 2025 |
| UPSC Mains Exam 2025 | 22nd August, 2025 (5 Days) |
| Detailed Application form (DAF- II) | TBA |
| UPSC Interview | TBA |
UPSC Apply Online 2026
Latest Update: The application process for UPSC Exam 2026 will begin on 14th January 2026 and will remain open till 03rd February 2026.
The UPSC will provide a correction window for candidates to make changes to their forms after the application process closes, and it will remain open for approximately 8 to 10 days.
The UPSC opens a DAF-1 (Detailed Application Form) before the Mains exam where candidates need to fill their personal information with educational qualification, employment history, subject related questions and other important details.
The UPSC DAF-2 opens before the Personal Interview round where candidates are asked to fill their personal details, educational background, professional life and mainly your interests and hobbies. Make sure that all these details are provided without any error since you will be asked questions based on what have been filled in the form.
You must have already read about the salary, but you can know about the UPSC IAS Officer Salary in detail on the page linked here.
| UPSC Application form 2026 Dates | |
|---|---|
| Events | Important Dates |
| UPSC CSE Notification 2026 | 14th January, 2026 |
| Start date of the Application | 14th January, 2026 |
| Last date of Application | 03rd February, 2026 |
| Date of Correction Window | TBA |
| Detailed Application form (DAF- I) | TBA |
| Detailed Application form (DAF- II) | TBA |
UPSC 2025 Online Application Fee
The application fees that the candidates must pay for UPSC 2025 is as follows:
- General category: – The application fees for candidates to pay 100 INR/-
- SC/ST/PwBD/ Females: The application fee that the candidates are liable to pay is 0 INR/- i.e., they are exempted from paying the fee.
| Category | UPSC Prelims Exam Fee | UPSC Mains Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General/ EWS/ OBC Candidates (Male) | INR 100 | INR 200 |
| SC/ ST/ PwBD candidates/ Female candidates (All Categories) | Exempted from fee payment | Exempted from fee payment |
For online payment of fees, you can pay through any one of the following means online:
- Net banking portal of the State Bank of India
- RuPay Credit
- Debit Card
- MasterCard
- Visa.
Now that you know about the UPSC Online application process, I think you’ll easily be able to register for the exams.
UPSC Apply Online Process 2025
Though the procedure for filling the “UPSC Application Form 2025” hasn’t started yet; however, you can refer to the following steps for future UPSC apply online process.
OR
Directly visit to www.upsconline.nic.in and click on “One- time registration for examinations of UPSC and online application.
Note: Be careful while filling in the details for CSE mains examination, as no change will be allowed to make later.
But before you submit your application form, make sure that you are thorough with the latest UPSC Eligibility criteria.
How to Withdraw UPSC Application form?
In the year 2020, UPSC introduced the provision for candidates to withdraw their application who later decide to not appear for the exam that particular year.
The applicants can withdraw their registration form by following these steps mentioned below:
- Visit the UPSC website and click on the “What’s new” section.
- Go to the “Withdrawal of Application: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination”
- After the new page appears, click on the link for withdrawal
- On the right corner, select the link for “Application Withdrawl”
- Upon reading the instructions carefully, click on the “Yes” button.
- Enter your registration ID and click on continue.
- Fill in your details like Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Fathers Name, Mothers Name, Mobile Number, et’c.
- Finally, click on the option for withdrawal of the application and select on the button for “Agree”.
After following these steps, your application will be withdrawn and your attempt for UPSC exam shall not be counted.
Important Instructions to filling the UPSC Application Form
There are a few things that you must be mindful of while filling in the UPSC application form 2025, Here are the following points mentioned below you must take note of:
- Do not leave out the fields with the (*) mark on them as they are mandatory to fill.
- If you want to make any changes, submit a fresh application with updated information before the registration window closes.
- Only the registration- ID of the latest application will be taken into consideration, and previous applications will be canceled.
- There are 2 parts to the online UPSC application form, Part-1 Registration and Part-2 Registration.
- In Part-1 Registration, you are required to fill in your personal details, educational qualification, and address.
- In Part-2 Registration, you must provide your payment details, your choice of Exam Center, photograph, signature, photo id documents, and declarations.
- Note that details like optional subjects, exam center, choice of Indian language for Indian language paper, and medium of examination cannot be changed after form submission.
Image Details for UPSC Form 2025
The candidates are required to upload the scanned images of documents such as photograph, signature and photo – identity card in their UPSC application form.
These documents are to be uploaded in the size and dimensions mentioned as follows:
| Documents | Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | 20 KB – 300 KB | PDF Format |
| Signature | 20 KB – 300 KB | Minimum: 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height)Maximum:1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height) |
| Photo | 20 KB – 300 KB | Minimum: 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height)Maximum:1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height) |
UPSC Admit Card 2025
Latest Update: The admit card for the UPSC Prelims exam was officially released on 13th May 2025. The exam for the same will be conducted on 25th May 2025.
To download the UPSC Prelims admit card, click on the link given here.
The UPSC released its revised Annual Calendar for UPSC Exam 2025 on 7th November 2025 on their official website. This Calendar includes the Exam dates for both UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains Exam 2025.
Based on past trends, UPSC ought to release the admit cards 2-3 weeks before the date of respective exams, i.e., 22nd August 2025 for the CSE Mains Exam 2025.
You should note that UPSC releases the Admit Card for Civil Services Exams on their official websites through online mode only.
The table below provides an overview of important dates for UPSC CSE Admit Card 2025.
| UPSC CSE Admit Card 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Events | Important Dates |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 | 25th May, 2025 |
| Prelims Admit Card | 13th May, 2025 |
| UPSC Mains Exam 2025 | 22nd August, 2025 (5 Days) |
| Mains Admit Card | TBA |
| UPSC Interview Dates | TBA |
| UPSC Interview Call Letter | TBA |
UPSC Admit Card 2026
As per the official calendar of 2026, the UPSC Preliminary examination is scheduled to be conducted on 24th May 2026.
The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination will be held on 21st August 2026. It is usually conducted approx. 2-3 months after the Prelims examination.
The UPSC admit card, also known as the hall ticket, is a mandatory document that candidates must carry to the examination center.
Without the hall ticket, your entry to the exam hall will not be allowed. The admit card contains essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date and time etc.
It may also include important instructions that candidates must follow on the exam day.
The admit cards for both Prelims and Mains will be released around 15 to 20 days before the respective exam dates.
| UPSC CSE Admit Card 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Events | Important Dates |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 | 24th May, 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card | TBA |
| UPSC Mains Exam 2025 | 21st August, 2026 (5 Days) |
| Mains Admit Card | TBA |
| UPSC Interview Dates | TBA |
| UPSC Interview Call Letter | TBA |
Steps to Download Admit Card:
To download your UPSC admit card, you must follow the steps that I have mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit over to upsc.gov.in and click on the “Admit Cards” link.
Or
Go to upsconline.nic.in and click on the link for, “E-Admit Cards for various examinations of UPSC”.
Step 2: You will then be redirected to a page where there is a list of the various UPSC exams for which e-admit cards are available.
Step 3: Next, click on the link for “CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2025.”
Step 4: Enter your Roll no. or Registration ID to proceed.
Step 5: The admit card will then open as a PDF. Download it and take a printout of it. You’ll need to carry the admit card to your exam center to be able to sit for all the mains papers.
Alongside downloading your admit card you can also go through the UPSC previous year papers to assess the difficulty level and nature of questions asked in the exam.
UPSC Admit Card Important Instructions
For all three stages of the exam – Prelims, Mains and the Interview, the candidates are required to carry a hall ticket which is known as UPSC admit card.
To avoid any potential inconvenience regarding the document, you must go through the following instructions:
- Carefully note details like the exam date, the reporting time and the address of the examination centre.
- Cross-check your name, roll number and registration number.
- In case of any discrepancy in any of the particulars, you must contact the concerned authorities.
- Read the instructions given along the admit card to know about the documents required to be carried along.
- No mobile phones or other gadgets are allowed to be carried inside the exam premises.
You must pay careful attention to these instructions as on the exam day you will have to perform your best, and for that to happen everything else needs to be sorted.
To prepare your best, you must first understand the requirements of the exam. For that, you must go through the latest UPSC exam pattern 2025.
How to download UPSC Admit Card if I forget UPSC IAS Registration ID?
In case, you have forgotten your registration ID, then you must follow these steps mentioned below to re-generate your registration ID.
Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC, and search for the admit card link.
Step 2: Click on the admit card link and read the instructions provided.
Step 3: Click on “Yes” and after that click on the link “Forget RID”
Step 4: At this stage, a new page will open which will ask you your particulars, such as, your Name, your father’s and mother’s name, your date of birth, and of course a captcha code will be given for final submission.
Step 5: Upon filling the details, you have to click on the submit button.
Step 6: Click on it and what you were seeking will be at your disposal. Your IAS Registration ID will be re-generated.
UPSC Admit Card Exam Day Instructions
Before you visit your exam centre, you must know about certain instructions that you will be required to follow on the exam day.
To help you understand the same, I have provided the UPSC Admit Card exam day instructions below as follows:
- The applicants must carry UPSC Admit Card to the exam hall and preserve it till the declaration of the final results.
- The candidate must reach the examination hall at least 30 minutes before the reporting time.
- Candidates must refrain from using any unfair means in the exam as it would lead to permanent prohibition from appearing in the exam.
- Candidates are required to mark their answers on an OMR sheet using only a black ball point pen.
That’s the end of the UPSC Admit card section. I think I have given you adequate information about how to go about downloading your admit card.
Like downloading of admit card has a step-wise procedure, there is a dedicated process associated with the exam preparation as well. You can access the UPSC free study material and kick-start your preparation now.
Conclusion
“Every step of preparation brings you closer to your goal in the UPSC journey.”
On that note, I have comprehensively covered all the details you need to know about the UPSC 2025 Application Process, including steps to apply online and information about the UPSC admit card.
I hope this information will be helpful in enhancing your understanding of the exam.
Wishing you all the best in your journey towards success.
About Anuj Jindal
━━━━━
Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
UPSC CSE – Related Resources
FAQs: UPSC Application Form, Apply Online & Admit Card
- When will the UPSC Mains Admit Card for 2025 release?
The admit card for the UPSC Mains exam usually gets released within 2-3 weeks prior to the examination. The UPSC Mains exam is scheduled for 22nd August 2025.
- What all information does the UPSC IAS Admit card have?
The information written on the IAS admit card pertains to all the important inputs made by the candidate during the registration process, such as:
- Date of Examination
- Name of the Candidate
- Roll Number
- Photo ID Card (e.g., Aadhar Card etc.)
- Name of the Candidate’s Father
- Name of the Candidate’s Mother
- Physically Handicapped Status
- Center & Venue of Examination
- Time of the Examination
- Candidate’s Photograph & Registration ID
- What happens if a candidate submits multiple online applications?
In case where a candidate applies for the IAS exam multiple times, only the last UPSC application form submitted successfully shall be considered for further processing. This means that all the previous application forms filled and submitted by the candidate will be ignored.
Therefore, it is advised that you fill only one UPSC application form.
- Can I withdraw my application from this exam?
The UPSC applicants can withdraw their registration form by following the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit the UPSC website and click on the “What’s new” section.
Step 2: Go to the “Withdrawal of Application”.
Step 3: After that, click on the link for withdrawal
Step 4: On the right corner, select the “Application Withdrawl” link.
Step 5: Upon reading the instructions, click on the “Yes” button.
Step 6: Enter your registration ID and click on continue.
Step 7: Fill in your details.
Step 8: Click on the withdrawal option of the application.
Step 9: Then select the button for “Agree”.
Now, your UPSC application form has been withdrawn successfully.
- How can I get my UPSC IAS Application Form Corrected?
In case there is any error or discrepancy you want to rectify in your IAS application form, you can contact the concerned authorities or officials. I mentioned the UPSC contact details as follows:
- UPSC Help Desk/Phone numbers: 011-23098543 / 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098591.
- UPSC Official Website – https://www.upsc.gov.in/.
- What should be kept in mind while filling the UPSC Application Form?
Make sure to fill out the application form with utmost care. Double-check whether you have given accurate information. Also, stay wary of any spelling mistakes, as they can lead to a bigger issue later on.
- What to do If I have lost my registration ID for admit card?In case you have lost the registration ID for UPSC admit card, I have provided below the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC.
Step 2: Search for the admit card link.
Step 3: Click on the admit card link and read the instructions given.
Step 4: Click on “Yes”, then click on the link “Forget RID”.
Step 5: Here, a new page will open which will ask you for your details.
Step 6: Then, a captcha code will be given for final submission.
Step 7: Upon filling in the details, click on the submit button.
Step 8: Click on it, and your IAS Registration ID will be re-generated.
- Is the UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2025 out?According to the revised UPSC Annual Calendar 2025, the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 25th May 2025. The admit card for the exam has already been released on 13th May 2025.
- What are the things that I cannot carry inside the examination hall of UPSC IAS Exam?You cannot carry gadgets of any form such as a Smartphone, Digital Calculator, or any Bluetooth device, can be taken inside the examination hall.
- What documents are required for mains DAF?To fill the detailed application form for UPSC Mains, some of the documents required are as follows:
- Graduation degree certificate/ Final year appearing certificate
- Matriculation certificate
- Domicile certificate for notified areas like J&K
- Caste certificate along with income/ property proof (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Undertaking (in case of government servants)
- What are the start and end dates for UPSC 2025 application process?The UPSC online application process will begin with the release of the notification, i.e., 22nd January 2025, and continue till 11th February 2025.
- What are the start and end dates for UPSC application process 2026?The UPSC online application process will begin with the release of the notification, i.e., 14th January 2026, and continue till 03rd February 2026.
- When will the admit cards for UPSC 2026 exam be out?The UPSC Prelims exam 2026 is scheduled to be held on 24th May 2026, and the Mains exam will be conducted on 21st August 2026. The admit cards for both the phases will be released approximately 2-3 weeks before the exam.