Go through this post, and you will get answers to most of your common queries.
Note: Don’t miss Question Numbers 21, 39, and 49!
1. How do I access the site to fill up the UPSC online application?
An applicant should log on to this website linkย (https://upsconline.nic.in/) to access the home page of the UPSC online application.
2. When can I submit the UPSC online application for a particular examination? Can I apply any time during the year for a particular examination?
An applicant should apply for a particular examination only when it has been notified by the Commission.
Brief information containing the extracts of the examination which is being notified is published in the leading News Papers. The complete and detailed information is available on the Union Public Service Commission’s website (https://www.upsc.gov.in) and at the website for filling the online application for a particular notified exam/exams atย https://upsconline.nic.in/.
3. Can anyone apply online for a particular examination?
Yes, an applicant who fulfils the eligibility criteria prescribed in the notification (i.e. the detailed information available on the website https://upsconline.nic.in/ ) of that particular examination can apply.
4. Are there any detailed instructions to guide an applicant for submitting UPSC online application?
Yes, an applicant must refer to the detailed instructions which are available on the websiteย https://upsconline.nic.in/ย for filling up the UPSC online application before doing so, which are available.
5. What should I do if there is a lot of delay in accessing the page?
The delay in accessing the Page depends upon various factors like Internet Speed, a large number of applicants trying to register the application at the same time etc. Therefore if you are not able to get the page for registration promptly, please retry after some time or during off-peak hours.
6. What information or details or items are required while filling the UPSC online application form?
The instructions or items which are required to submit the fee, photograph and signature have been explained in the FAQs given below. In addition to these, you should have the relevant information/ details for all the columns which are required to be filled up.
7. My name as per the Matriculation or Secondary Examination certificate is more than 30 characters long. What should I do, as the name field in the Online Application has a limit of
30 characters?
In the UPSC online application, as you fill up your name in the name field, if it reaches the default size of 30 characters, an additional field for the full name will appear in the form and a pop up message i.e. “Your name is exceeding 30 characters kindly use the abbreviation in the Name column”.
You may fill in the full name in the Additional Field. The full Name field has a capacity of 70 characters.
8. Is it necessary to fill up the details related to area pin code or phone No. with area code or Mobile No. or e-mail?
At present, the area PIN code is mandatory to be filled in by the candidate, the rest of the above-indicated items are optional. However, it is advisable that these particulars may be filled up so that an applicant can be easily accessed/ contacted if required by the Commission.
9. How do I move to the next page when columns on one page have been completely filled?
An applicant should click on the “Continue” button at the bottom of the page to move to the next page.
10. Is it necessary to fill up both the parts i.e. part-I and part-II of the UPSC Online application?
Yes, it is necessary to fill up both the parts i.e. part-I and part-II of the application.
11. I have filled up only part-I of the application. Will my application be rejected or not?
Yes, the application will be rejected.
12. Can I first fill up part II of the application and thereafter fill-up the part-I?
No, an applicant is required to first complete part-I of the application and thereafter complete part-II of the application.
13. What is the procedure to pay the fee for the examination?
There are three options for the payment of fee-Pay
- i) by Cash in any branch of State Bank of India,
- ii) Pay by credit/Debit Card and
- iii) Pay by Net Banking facility of SBI.
An applicant who wants to pay the fee by cash should take a print of the PAY-IN SLIP (challan) by clicking on the option “Download and Print Bank Challan”. Making use of this challan, an applicant can deposit the fee in cash at any branch of the State Bank of India. The bank will not accept any other challan/form for the payment of the fee by cash.
After depositing the fee by this challan, the bank will provide a “TRANSACTION ID”. An applicant will again have to log in and start the submission of part II of the online application.
An applicant can also pay the fee online using the internet banking facility of the State Bank of India.
An applicant can also pay the fee online using any VISA/MASTER DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD issued by any bank/institution.
14. Is there any other bank in addition to SBI where the fee can be deposited by cash?
No, the fee may be deposited in cash only in any branch of the State Bank of India.
15. I have taken the print of challan by clicking on the “Print” option. I have to deposit the cash in a branch of SBI through this challan. How will I re-enter the system to submit my transaction details of the fee if I log out of the system now?
An applicant, after having obtained the TRANSACTION-ID number, should again log in by making use of the Registration ID number generated at the time of submission of Part-I of application & the date of birth of the applicant and thereafter enter the relevant particulars in the remaining columns. The Registration ID is also available on the challan.
16. Is there any other form/challan to pay the fee by cash apart from the challan?
No. An applicant must make use of the challan generated by the system. The Bank(SBI) will not accept the fee (in cash) by any form or challan.
17. As per the detailed information available on the Commission’s website, I am exempted from payment of fee on account of being a Female/PH/SC/ST candidate. Am I required to enter the payment details in Part-II?
No. All the applicants who are exempted from the payment of the fee can straightaway proceed to part-II of the application. Moreover, such applicants will not be taken through the “fee payment details page” where the applicants are required to fill in the details for payment of a fee.
18. I have successfully submitted the online application, should I send the printouts of the application to the commission by post?
Once an applicant has successfully submitted part-I and part-II of the application online, the same gets registered with the Commission and the applicant is not required to send a hard copy of the printout of his/her application to the Commission’s office. However, it is strongly advised that the applicant keeps a hard copy of his /her application for his/her own record and future communication with the commission if any.
19. When the relevant particulars i.e. the community/ age relaxation requirements/ disability status/ year of birth etc. do not appear in the corresponding parameters available in the drop-out menu. How should I fill up the relevant columns?
Before filling up the application, please check that you have selected the right examination in case more than one exam is notified during that period.
Although it may not happen as the required columns along with the drop-down menu for selection and inputting the information is available on the online form for a particular examination. In case, the applicant desires to opt for a criteria/parameter which is different from the one contained in the drop-down menu would lead to the inference with the system that the candidate is not eligible for this examination on account of a different parameter.
20. How will I get the admit card if I have submitted the application online? Whether I will get an e-mail or I will get the admit card by post or it is to be collected personally from the commission’s office or it will be available on the website of the commission?
All admitted candidates can download e-AC with details of centre address around three weeks ahead of Examination Date once Admit Card are uploaded onย https://www.upsc.gov.inย . No e-mails sent in this regard.
21. I am filling up the various columns in the application and the process of filling up the form is yet to be completed. I want to change the filled up information in one/many columns. How should I do this? ‘OR’ย I filled my form and completed the form. I have made some errors. What should I do to remove these errors?
After the filling up of the various columns in part I of the online application, the system displays a message whether an applicant desires to change/update any of the information which has been filled in by him and if so, he is required to click on the Update button.
In case, changes are to be made this facility may be utilized. Thereafter, no more changes are accepted by the system and in case revised information is to be filled up, an applicant may submit a fresh online application. For part-II of the online application, a candidate must satisfy himself about the quality of the image of the photograph and the signature uploaded by him.
After uploading the photograph and the signature a fresh page shows the preview of the uploaded images. If, one is satisfied with the uploaded images he may click onย Confirm Uploadย button. In case one is not satisfied with the uploaded images, he may click on theย Reload Photographย orย Reload Signatureย button. The reloaded photograph/ signature can again be viewed by clicking on theย Image refreshย button. The process can be repeated until satisfaction. After having clicked on theย Confirm Uploadย button, the system will not allow any changes in the photograph/signature.
The candidates may note that in case the quality of the photograph/signature is not acceptable/poor, then their application is liable to be rejected by the commission.
A sample of the quality of acceptable and non-acceptable photographs/signatures are given below for the guidance of the candidates.
In case you have submitted the application form successfully and later on you come to know that you have committed a grave mistake, then you should resubmit your application afresh duly correcting the errors/omissions/mistakes/quality of photo or sign. However, in this case, you will have to make the requisite fee payment again and upload the Part-II information again with new RID allotted to you at the resubmission of Part-I information.
22. In which format the scanned photograph and signature should be?
The images of the photograph and signature should be scanned in the .jpg format. No other format is acceptable by the online system.
23. Whether the photograph should be in Black and White or should it be in a colour?
Both are acceptable as long as they are as per the given specifications and the quality of the photograph is good enough to be identifiable and acceptable.
24. What should be the size of the scanned photograph and the signature?
The candidate should scan his/her signature which has been put on white paper with a black ink pen. Each of the scanned images of the photograph/signature should not exceedย 300 KB maximum and 20 KB minimumย in size (forย photographs, the pixel size isย 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height) minimum and 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height) maximumย and forย signature,ย it should beย 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height) minimum and 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height) maximumย and also to be ensured that the uploaded photograph/signature are proper.
24 A. If the Photograph is not of the proper pixel size given, then how to convert it?
Use any free image editing software such as MSPaint or Irfanview. To delete the unnecessary print area, use the CROP option after selecting the Image. To resize to proper pixel size use the resize option. Help for cropping / resizing can be seen here.
24B. If the Photograph is not in the desired format, then how to convert it?
If the image is in other formats such as .tiff,.bmp etc, then open the photo in MSPaint or Irfanview and click save as an option to save it in the desired format (.jpg).
25. How do I load my signatures/photographs?
The scanned photograph and signature in the format and the specification which has already been explained above is to be uploaded.
26. My photograph and signature as I loaded on the site are not appearing right. What should I do?
After uploading the photograph and the signature a fresh page shows the preview of the uploaded images. If, the applicant is satisfied with the uploaded images he may click onย Confirm Uploadย button. In case the applicant is not satisfied with the uploaded images, he may click on theย Reload Photographย orย Reload Signatureย button.
The reloaded photograph/ signature can again be viewed by clicking on theย Image refreshย button.ย The process can be repeated until satisfaction. The Candidates may please note that if the quality of the photograph/signature is poor, the application is liable to be rejected.
After having clicked on theย Confirm Uploadย button, the system will not allow any changes in the photograph/signature. However, if an applicant is not satisfied with the format/size/quality of the photograph or signature, the applicant may submit a fresh online application with the revised photograph and signature along with the prescribed fee to be paid again.
27. I have filled up the form successfully but now, I want to change/correct the details I entered in the Application?
Once an applicant fills up all the columns of the application and the system displays the message that the application has been submitted successfully, there is no provision in the system to make any changes in any of the columns. Hence, no change can be made at this stage in any of the details. However, if the time is still left for filing up the online application form, the applicant can resubmit afresh corrected application again with the prescribed fee to be deposited again. In this case, a new RID will be generated by the system.
28. How do I know that my application is registered? ‘OR’ How do I reconfirm that my application is saved and received in the commission’s office?
The successful submission of the online application requires the completion of two parts of the application correctly. After completing part-I of the application the system generates a unique number which is known as the Registration ID (RID). After the completion of all the columns in part II, a fresh page displays the message that the application has been submitted successfully.
The generation of the unique registration ID number combined with the display of this message indicates that the UPSC online application has been registered.
29. I did not receive the e-mail intimation for registration of my UPSC Online application?
After the completion of part-I and part-II of the online application, a fresh page displays the message that the application has been submitted successfully. If you have given your email id, then the email is also automatically sent to you stating that you have successfully submitted Part I / Part II of your UPSC online application.
30. I filled my form and successfully paid the application fee through the online payment gateway (once or several times). However, this is not shown in the application status.
What should I do?
If you have paid through a Debit / Credit card and Online Application again shows payment options to pay again then you have to pay a fresh. In case, you have paid through the Internet Banking facility then log in into Part II and click on the Status link at the bottom of the screen. Unless Online Application shows a successful payment, you can not fill the application form.
31. I got Blank / Zero Registration No. after submission of application online?
This may mean that the UPSC online application has not been submitted successfully and you are required to apply afresh.
32. After filling up the complete form, I got Blank Screen / Internet got disconnected / My PC closed/hanged/ shutdown. Is my application saved/registered?
On completion of Part-I of the UPSC online application, Registration ID (RID) is generated by the system. If the same has not been generated and you are disconnected midway due to any reason, you have to enter the details of the UPSC online application afresh.
33. I have submitted two applications for the examination, Will both applications be accepted/ rejected or one of them will be accepted/ rejected? ‘OR’ Can an applicant do multiple registrations for the same examination? What will be the status of my candidature if I have successfully submitted more than one application?
Your RID for the latest submitted completed application will be considered for processing and all earlier submitted applications will be cancelled by the online system.
34. How do I re-confirm that my application is saved and received in the Commission’s Office?
The successful submission of the online application requires the completion of two parts of the application correctly. After completing part-I of the application the system generates a unique number which is known as the Registration ID. After the completion of all the columns in part II, a fresh page displays the message that the application has been submitted successfully. The generation of the unique registration ID number combined with the display of this message indicates that the application has been registered.
35. What details should I retain after completion of successful submission of my form?
It is strongly advised that after the completion of the process of submission of the online application, the applicant must take a printout of the submitted application form and keep the same for future reference. The candidate is also advised to keep his fee payment proof which might be required by the commission in case of any discrepancy.
36. What details should I provide to make correspondence with the Commission?
In case of correspondence with the commission, an applicant must mention these details -Name of Examination, Applicant’s name, father’s name, date of birth and the Registration Identity Number(RID).
37. How eligibility of age is calculated?
It is calculated based on the cut-off date according to the notification.
38. Can I change my centre after the submission of the UPSC Online application?
Change of Centre cases is normally discouraged by UPSC. However, written request duly signed addressing toย J.S. (Exam), UPSCย may be sent for a change of centre request towards its consideration based on its merit.
39. What should I do in case some mistake is found in my application after its submission?
You can submit multiple applications &ย required to pay the fee with the new RID in case you are not a fee exempted candidateย and yourย RID for the latest submitted completed application will be considered for processingย and all earlier submitted applications will be cancelled by the online system.
40. What should I do in case I am in receipt of an SMS from UPSC saying your candidature is not valid as you have not submitted your chosen centre.
Please ignore the SMS as it is an Alert to candidates in case you have already submitted your completed application. Please take a hard copy and check for all fields including a centre is printed and keep it for future reference and not be sent to UPSC unless asked for any reason.
41. When I will receive the Admit Card (AC) once I had submitted my completed application.
All admitted candidates can download e-AC with details of centre address aroundย three weeks ahead of Examination Dateย once Admit Card are uploaded onย https://www.upsc.gov.in/
42. What is the certificate date?
In case you are claiming any relaxation against a certificate you are having with you, its date may be mentioned against the certificate date.
43. How to get a refund of a payment as I have made a payment more than once towards its fee?
UPSC has no provision to refund any fee amount paid by candidates. Concerned banks may be approached for claiming any extra/ unsuccessful payments made by the candidates.
44. Do I require to send a hard copy of the application to UPSC after submitting my online application?
No hard copy is to be sent to UPSC unless it is asked for any reason, However, it is strongly advised that the applicant keeps a hard copy of his /her application for his/her own record and future communication with the commission, if any.
45. How I will fill up in transaction details after making payment by cash to SBI?
Login into Part II, Click on Pay by Cash -> Through any SBI Branch to find thatย you have already generated the challan. All generated Challans are valid until its closing date. Click on continue on the screen page for filling Transaction-Id & Date and click on Submit.
46. When I will visit the bank to pay the fee by cash & my RID is not found in the bank.
On downloading challan form for cash payment visit Bank on next day & ask Bank to use Screen Reference No in case of difficulty.
47. I had paid online through net banking but it is not showing & not allowing me to apply again.
Login into Part II, Click onย Statusย at the end of the screen page if you have already paid the fee through Net Banking.
48. What should I do in case I found a mistake in my submitted application?
Most of the communications to candidates are carried out online by UPSC and address is hardly a matter in this regard. Please ensure your email-id and Mobile No is active.
49. Is it possible to edit my record submitted in my UPSC Online application?
There is no editing facility in the application. In case of any mistake in filling application, the candidate is responsible. However, a fresh application may be made for correction of an earlier mistake.
50. I am unable to upload Photo/Sign in my UPSC Online application. What should I do?
Please check the properties of photo and sign images. Resize them as per specifications are given in instructions for filling the UPSC online application on the website itself within FAQ.
51. What should I do in case my Photo/Sign does not match with pixel sizes mentioned in UPSC guidelines?
UPSC is concerned with the identification of a candidate at the Exam Hall based on the images uploaded by the candidate and not to cancel the candidature based on the size or colour of ink used.
52. How I will take printing of my submitted UPSC Online application?
You may click on View/Print option atย https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/viewapplication.phpย site. Then enterย RID & DOBย to print your submitted application.
53. I found a mistake in the entry of Transaction details after submission of my UPSC Online application. What should I do?
You are required to submit original challan issued by the bank for payment in cash mode / Bank statements showing debit of Fee Amount for other authorized mode as documentary proof for payment of Fee in case any rejection letter received by you from UPSC during verification of payment.
54. I have changed my name after leaving School (10th). My photo id card shows a different name other than what is there in my 10th certificate. What should I do?
Have you have changed your name by adopting the due process of law including the issue of Gazette Notification? Have obtained valid Government issued Photo Identity Card in their changed name? In this case, your names may in the School Leaving Board Examination Certificate and the Photo Identity Card card may differ.
In the matter, it is hereby clarified for information of such candidates that they must carry along e-Admit Card, Government issued Photo Identity Card and original Gazette Notification of the changed name for the Examination (each Session) for their convenience. It may please be noted that name in the Gazette Notification should match with the name mentioned in the Government issued Photo Identity Card. They would also be required to submit an undertaking at the time of the Examination.
I have changed my spelling in Government Gazette now which spelling should i use to apply UPSC CSE either as per Matriculation certificate or as per Gazette notification .Plz sort out my problem.
Thankyou in Advance.
Your article was very useful
hello,l want to know that for age relaxation what certificate have to produce.. its OBC or NCL. again if successfully submitted both the part I and ii… is there any chance of rejection.
Hello, If i fill the form of UPSC 2019 and submit it, then will it be considered as an attempt
i have filled the upsc form…nd the rotation of photo of signature is wrongly uploaded.. should i fill the other form?????????//
What is age relaxation .I am 23 so should I tick or untick that option?
I’m the son of NCO but not studying in any sainik and military school so, what should i fill in ‘yes or no’ in option are u the son of JCO/NCO/OR officers and student of sainik and military school.
Hello sir I m belong to jat community and falls under obc catagory in madhya pradesh but am I eligible for upsc in same catagory
I applied for my upsc civils exam and for my friend too, I got successfully applied massage. But if I check now the application status its showing like wrong information, what shall I do now
Same problem. Did you identify why this is happening. If you ever get to know plz tell.
same problem….
Same problem please help with it. I’m not able to sign in or ceck candidate’s application details and also couldn’t update exam center.
did you identify why that happened…
SAME PROBLEM – Please helpp me also if you find something – 7299417624 – my wp number
Same problem,dont know what’s happening
Because of some reason I can’t send application for IAS preliminary exam 2020 . If I request is it possible to extend the date.
sir i want to reprint my application but after fill the RID and DOB it shown wrong information.what can i doo and how i reprint my application
Same problem,dont know wat is the reason
Sir, while filling up the form for UPSC 2021. After selecting category for OBC there is a seperate form for filling OBC NCL which mention to fill for Community Certificate Issuing Authority Name. So, I want to know that I should be writing Authority Name for example: C.O Satish Kumar or I will be writing the designation for the issuing authority for Example: Sub Divisional Officer or Block Officer ??
Kindly, someone help regarding this issue.
Thankyou
WHAT DID YOU FILL AS AUTORITY NAME?
What is OBC NCL? Is this the renewal of caste certificate? Or total new format to be downloaded from UPSC site?
What do we have to write in community certificate issuing authority name ?
in how many days i get my upsc application form accepted or rejected?
I have entered all the details in part-1 registration but when i am entering though correct captcha code it is showing invalid. what should I now?
My friend has done a spelling mistake and that is she has written TAHASILDAR in a wrong way like TAHASLDAR …..so now should she reapply or not…… Please replay… Please
Please reply my question….. It is urgent
please give our online application form!
Its showing your DOB does not match with valid criteria of examination
What should i do plzz give me solution of this as soon as possible within 2 days
Hello ,I have lost my photo id( voter Id)card that I have mentioned in my application ..so can I produce adhar card in venue??
Please help me with it
sir I entered wrong percentage of graduation mark in the application .Is it a problem? Is there any need to make a fresh application?
hello,l want to know that for age relaxation what certificate have to produce.. its OBC or NCL. again if successfully submitted both the part I and ii… is there any chance of rejection.
I have applied with old ncl ceritficate in 2022 application (ncl – july 24). What can i do? Can i apply new application? Or what i do now? Pls tell me
What should be selected in the educational qualification of the UPSC form if one has completed the graduation in a BCA program?
i have completed my part 1 and done payments too but while reloading my signature , the time got over .
will there be any grace time given specailly for candidates who made payments??
I couldn’t get printed copy after successful submission of application.
It is not showing now . option has been removed.
what should I do ?
How to refill upsc prelims form 2023 because this time there is one time registration system. Due to technical error my centre got changed to far away place from my home and there is no option to refill the form because they say you are already registered
What to do?? Pls tell
Give fresh application again Highest RID generated is accepted by UPSC.Hope it helps
This year 2023 UPSC allows us to correct any mistakes in applications except centre of examination after the application period ends for another 7 days ..that means you need not give fresh application in case of mistakes other than choice of centre .
I fill up wrong minority status by mistake… We can change it or not plz reply
I want apply for civil services exam
2023 but when I go for registration mobile number already exists
Now how to apply