The Union Public Service Commission has officially opened the application process for candidates who have qualified in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. Eligible candidates can now submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF) through the official UPSC portal from June 19 to June 28, 2026.
UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026: Application Process Begins Today
The DAF submission is a mandatory step for all candidates shortlisted through the Preliminary Examination. Only those who successfully complete the application process within the stipulated timeline will be eligible to appear in the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, scheduled to commence on August 21, 2026.
UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026: Important Dates
UPSC has announced the complete schedule for the DAF submission process.
Key Dates
| Event | Details |
| DAF Application Window Opens | June 19, 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit DAF | June 28, 2026 |
| UPSC Civil Services Main Examination Begins | August 21, 2026 |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date and should complete all formalities well in advance.
What Is the Detailed Application Form (DAF)?
The Detailed Application Form is an essential stage of the Civil Services Examination process. Through the DAF, candidates provide comprehensive personal, educational, service preference, and category-related information.
The information submitted in the DAF plays an important role in subsequent stages of the recruitment process, including personality tests and service allocation.
Facilities Available During DAF Submission
UPSC has provided candidates with several options and services through the online application portal.
Candidates can:
- Submit the Detailed Application Form.
- Pay the examination fee.
- Update scribe details.
- Request assistive devices.
- Apply for large-font question papers (where applicable).
- Submit cadre preferences.
- Verify and update personal information.
All details must be carefully reviewed before final submission.
Examination Fee Details
Candidates belonging to certain categories have been exempted from paying the examination fee.
Fee Exempted Categories
- Female Candidates
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Other candidates are required to pay the prescribed examination fee of ₹200 during the application process.
E-Admit Card Linked to DAF Submission
UPSC has clearly stated that submission of the DAF is mandatory.
Candidates who fail to submit the application form within the prescribed period:
- Will not receive the e-Admit Card.
- Will not be allowed to appear in the Main Examination.
- Will lose eligibility for the next stage of the Civil Services Examination.
Therefore, shortlisted candidates must ensure successful completion of the DAF process.
How to Fill UPSC Civil Services Main Examination DAF 2026
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC portal.
Step 2: Log in using the credentials provided during the Preliminary Examination registration.
Step 3: Access the Detailed Application Form section.
Step 4: Fill in personal, educational, and category-related details.
Step 5: Provide service and cadre preferences.
Step 6: Upload required documents and certificates.
Step 7: Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
Step 8: Review all information carefully.
Step 9: Submit the application form and download the confirmation page.
Importance of the DAF
The Detailed Application Form serves as the official record of a candidate’s profile throughout the Civil Services Examination process. Information submitted at this stage is later used during:
- Main Examination processing
- Personality Test (Interview)
- Service Allocation
- Cadre Allocation
Candidates should ensure that all information is accurate and supported by valid documentation.
UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026
The Civil Services Main Examination is the second stage of the country’s most prestigious recruitment examination. Candidates who qualify the Main Examination will proceed to the Personality Test before final selection into services such as:
- Indian Administrative Service
- Indian Police Service
- Indian Foreign Service
- Other Central Civil Services
Conclusion
The UPSC has officially begun the Civil Services Main Examination 2026 application process, with the DAF submission window open from June 19 to June 28, 2026. Candidates who cleared the Preliminary Examination must complete all required formalities, including fee payment, cadre preference submission, and document verification, within the prescribed timeline. Since e-Admit Cards will only be issued after successful DAF submission, candidates should complete the process promptly and prepare for the Main Examination beginning on August 21, 2026.
