This document provides comprehensive general instructions for filling out application forms on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Online Application Portal. It guides users through the entire process, from account creation to final submission of exam-specific forms.
The Home Page
The UPSC Online Application Portal at upsconline.nic.in features a home page with four main parts:
- Account Creation: For creating a new user account.
- Universal Registration: For general registration details.
- Common Application Form (CAF): For common application details.
- Examination: Displays examination notices and application links.
All applicants are required to fill out the application and upload documents afresh, as the old One Time Registration (OTR) module is no longer applicable.
Navigation Bar
The navigation bar on the home page includes important hyperlinks such as:
- "Account Creation"
- "Examinations" (with sub-links for viewing notices, applying for exams, and checking application status)
- "Instructions and FAQs" (with sub-links for various profile instructions and FAQs)
- "Login" button to access the login page.
Homepage Cards
The home page displays four cards, representing the main steps to fill any exam-specific form:
- Create Account and Login
- Universal Registration
- Common Application Form
- Examinations
Footer
The footer section provides contact information, including email and a help desk.
1. Account Creation
To apply for any form, users must first create an account. This can be done by clicking "Account Creation" on the navigation bar or selecting "Create Account" from the first card on the home page.
- Instructions: Users must read the instructions carefully and check the declaration box before proceeding.
- Email ID Verification: An active email ID is required. Users will enter their email ID and verify it using an OTP sent to that email.
- Mobile Number Verification: Similarly, an active mobile number is required and verified using an OTP.
- Password Creation: Users must create a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character.
- Account Creation Success: Upon successful account creation, a confirmation message will be displayed, and an email/SMS will be sent.
Login
After account creation, users can log in using one of three methods:
- Mobile Number and OTP
- URN and Password: URN (Universal Registration Number) is available after completing Universal Registration.
- Email ID and Password
Login can be accessed via the "Login" link in the first card of the home page or the "Login" button on the top-right corner of the navigation bar.
2. Universal Registration
Upon successful login, users will be directed to the home page, where they can access Universal Registration via the navigation bar or the second card.
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Instructions: Users must carefully read instructions before proceeding.
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Mandatory Profiles (In Sequence): The Universal Registration process requires filling the following profiles:
- Identity Profile: Personal details like Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Father's Name, Mother's Name, and Guardian's name.
- Matriculation Board Profile: Details related to Class 10th education (Board Name, Roll Number, Year of Passing).
- Aadhaar / Photo ID: Furnish Aadhaar information or an alternative valid Photo Identity Document. Aadhaar is advised for early confirmation.
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Universal Registration Number (URN) Generation: Users must carefully verify all data in these three profiles. Once the 'Lock and Submit' button is clicked, and the URN is generated, no further changes will be allowed in these profiles. It is crucial to ensure all information is accurate before generation.
3. Common Application Form (CAF)
The Common Application Form consists of 10 profiles/modules. Users can fill these in any order, except for the Photo and Signature profile.
- Profiles/Modules include:
- Personal Profile: Nationality, Religion, Mother Tongue, State of Domicile, Marital Status, Place of Birth.
- Parents' Profile: Details of father, mother, or guardian.
- Social Category Profile: Category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) and supporting certificate details.
- Disability Profile: Information on Disability (PwD/PwBD), type, percentage, and certificate details.
- Address: Permanent and Correspondence Address (State, District, PIN Code), including Father's and Mother's addresses.
- Educational Profile: Origin of education (India/Outside India), academic qualifications from 12th/Diploma onwards (Qualification Level, Status, State/UT, Board/University, Percentage/CGPA, Stream/Subject).
- Employment Experience Profile: Nature of employment, self-employment details (if any), monthly income, employer/organization name.
- Achievements: Prizes, Medals, Scholarships, Sports/NCC, leadership positions, extra-curricular activities.
- Previous UPSC Examination Profile: Information on prior UPSC attempts (Examination Name, Year, Roll Number).
- Photo & Signature: Upload passport-sized photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size. (Refer to separate instructions for document uploading).
After completing the CAF, users will be directed to the dashboard and can apply for examinations.
4. Examinations
To apply for a specific examination, users need to access the 'Examinations' dropdown and click 'Apply for Examination' or use the link in the fourth home page card. This will display a list of active examinations with an 'Apply' button.
- Lock - Common Application Form (CAF): After clicking 'Apply' for an examination, users must lock their CAF data for that specific examination. It is critical to carefully review and verify all details before locking, as no changes will be permitted for that examination once locked. The 'Lock Common Application Form profile & proceed' button is enabled after viewing all profiles/modules and checking the consent box.
Filling Exam Specific forms
Once the CAF is locked, the system enables access to the Examination-Specific Application Form, which is dynamic and based on CAF and Universal Registration data. All mandatory fields must be filled.
- Payment of Examination Fee: Users can pay the examination fee using various modes (Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking). A Payment Acknowledgment will be generated upon successful payment.
- Examination Centre Selection: Users must choose a preferred examination centre from the available list.
- Final Submission: After completing all sections, users should review all entered details, confirm, and submit the Examination Form. A Confirmation Page/PDF will be generated and available for download. Submitted applications can be viewed in the 'Examinations' dropdown.
Users are advised to retain the confirmation copy and payment receipt for future reference.