The IAS Application 2026 process for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is conducted online by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through its official website upsc.gov.in. As per the UPSC CSE 2026 notification, the online application and fee payment window is open from 4 February to 27 February 2026. Candidates must complete registration, fill in personal and educational details, and submit the form carefully. UPSC will provide a limited correction window after the closing date. No changes will be allowed once the correction period ends.
![UPSC CSE 2026 Application Form]()
Apply Online for UPSC CSE 2026 (Link Active)
UPSC CSE Application Dates 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official schedule for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 along with the notification. Candidates planning to appear for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Civil Services must complete the UPSC CSE application process 2026 within the prescribed timeline. Below are the important UPSC CSE 2026 application dates to keep in mind.
| Event |
Dates |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Release |
February 4 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Application Begins |
February 4 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Application Last Date |
February 24 2026 February 27 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment |
February 24 2026 February 27 2026 |
| UPSC CSE 2026 Application Correction Window |
To be notified |
Note: Candidates are advised to complete the IAS Application 2026 process well before the last date to avoid technical issues and ensure successful submission.
How to Apply Online for IAS 2026?
IAS 2026 application must be submitted online through the official UPSC application portal, within the specified dates. To complete the application process, candidates must follow the steps given below:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal, upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by creating a candidate profile, which forms Part 1 of the application form.
- Log in using the registered credentials and fill out Part 2 of the application form, entering accurate personal, educational, and category details.
- Proceed to Part 3 (Detailed Application Form or DAF) and provide additional information as required by UPSC.
- In Part 4, upload scanned copies of your recent photograph and signature in JPG format, ensuring each file meets the prescribed size guidelines.
- Select the preferred examination centre and pay the application fee through the available online payment options or SBI cash deposit, if required. Candidates belonging to SC/ST, women, and persons with benchmark disabilities are exempted from fee payment.
- Provide details of a valid photo identity proof, such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence, which must be carried during all examination stages.
- Enter a valid and active email ID and contact details, as UPSC may use electronic communication throughout the selection process.
- Carefully review all the information entered and submit only one application form to avoid rejection.
- After final submission, download and save the application confirmation page for future reference.
IAS Application Fee 2026
IAS 2026 application fee must be paid while submitting the online application form. Fee payment is mandatory to complete the registration process. Candidates must pay the application fee (both Prelims & Mains) as per their category, as mentioned below:
| Category |
Prelims Application Fee (in Rs.) |
Mains Application Fee (in Rs.) |
| General & OBC (Male) |
100 |
200 |
| Female (All)/SC / ST / Physically Challenged |
NIL |
NIL |
Mode of Fee Payment:
- Online Mode: Candidates can pay the fee using a Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI Payment.
- Offline Mode: The fee can also be paid in cash at any SBI branch by generating a challan during the application process.
Documents Required for IAS Application 2026
Candidates applying for IAS 2026 exam must keep all required documents ready before filling out the online application form to ensure a smooth registration process. The documents required during the application are as follows:
- Recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed format
- Scanned signature in required dimensions
- Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence)
- Educational qualification certificates (graduation degree or equivalent)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
How to make Corrections in IAS Application 2026?
UPSC provides a limited correction facility to help candidates rectify mistakes made during IAS 2026 application process. Corrections can be made within a specified time window by following the steps below:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal and log in using your OTR ID and password.
- For OTR profile corrections, access the OTR platform and update the required details (allowed only once in a lifetime and within the permitted time).
- For application form corrections, click on the application correction link and edit the allowed fields.
- Review the modified details carefully before final submission.
- Save and submit the corrected application form.
- Download or print the updated application confirmation for future reference.
The application process of IAS 2026 involves online registration, form submission, document upload, and fee payment within the prescribed timeline. Candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria and ensure accuracy while filling in details. UPSC also provides a limited correction window to rectify mistakes. Completing the application correctly is essential to avoid disqualification from the selection process.
IAS Application Process 2026 FAQs
Ques: Can candidates apply for IAS 2026 using a mobile phone?
Ans: Yes. Candidates can apply through mobile for IAS exam 2026, but using a desktop or laptop is recommended to avoid technical issues and ensure smooth form submission.
Ques: What happens if IAS 2026 application fee payment fails?
Ans: If the fee payment fails during IAS Application Process 2026, the application remains incomplete, and candidates must retry the payment within the application period to successfully submit the form.
Ques: Can final-year students apply for IAS exam 2026?
Ans: Yes. Final-year graduation students are eligible under the IAS Application Process 2026, provided they submit proof of passing the required qualification at a later stage of the examination.
Ques: Can candidates change their optional subject after submitting IAS 2026 Application form?
Ans: No. Once IAS Application form 2026 is submitted, candidates cannot change their optional subject under any circumstances, so choices must be made carefully.
Ques: Is IAS 2026 correction window facility free for all categories of candidates?
Ans: Yes. IAS 2026 correction window is completely free for all candidates, regardless of category, and this allows them to make necessary changes in OTR and their application form without any fee.
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