Official UPSC Detailed Application Form (DAF) guide and requirements for Civil Services Mains Examination. Understanding the correct filling procedure, size restrictions for scanned attachments, and submission protocols is vital to ensure your request does not get delayed or rejected by the official portal agents.
Download Official Form
You can download the official blank application form directly from the government portal. Make sure to download the latest version to prevent compliance rejections.
Documents Required
Before filling out the form, collect the following certificates and documents. Make sure you meet the file upload size limitations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) portal to ensure a smooth online upload process:
- Proof of Age (Matriculation Certificate - Limit: 200KB PDF)
- Educational Qualifications (Degree Certificate - Limit: 200KB PDF)
- Caste/Category Certificate if applicable (Limit: 200KB PDF)
- Scanned Passport Photo and Signature (Limits: 20KB-300KB JPEG)
Step-by-Step Filling Guide
Follow this detailed instructions list to complete each section of the form accurately:
- Log in to the UPSC online portal (upsconline.nic.in) using OTR details.
- Verify details pre-populated from the Prelims application.
- Upload scanned academic proofs and age certificates strictly under 200KB PDF.
- Select choices for Zone and Cadre preferences for civil services (IAS/IPS).
- Fill in hobbies, extracurricular activities, and achievements in the DAF columns.
- Review each page carefully. Once submitted, changes are not allowed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Do not write over boundaries of the text boxes. Avoid overwriting or using correction fluid on physical forms. Verify that all spelled names match your primary identity card details exactly.
Document Size Requirements for Upload
If you are uploading these documents online, you must compress and resize them to meet the strict limits enforced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) server database:
| Document | Format | Size Limit | Resizing Tool Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo of Candidate | JPEG/JPG | 20KB - 300KB | Resize Image to 200KB Free → |
| Signature of Candidate | JPEG/JPG | 20KB - 300KB | Resize Image to 200KB Free → |
| Matriculation / Degree Proofs | Under 200KB | Compress PDF to 200KB → |
How to Submit the Form Online
Once you have filled out the application and resized all necessary attachments to fit within the specified guidelines, proceed with the online submission steps:
- Log in to the DAF portal during the active Mains schedule.
- Enter personal details, qualifications, and cadre preferences.
- Upload all required scanned files in PDF format, compressed under 200KB.
- Pay the Mains registration fee online if applicable.
- Submit the DAF and download a copy of the filled PDF.
- Keep the printed DAF copy safe for the personality test / interview round.
Ensure you note down the generated reference application ID number to monitor updates later.
State-Specific Photo Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
You can view the Hindi UPSC DAF guide on /hi/forms/download/upsc-daf-form-guide.html or the official UPSC portal under mains guidelines.
Age certificate, graduation degree, caste certificate, and photo/signature images. All PDFs must be under 200KB. Use our PDF compressors to meet the limit.
Rank states and services (IAS, IPS, IFS) according to your preferences. Research cadre allocation rules before filling this section.
The last date is specified in the official Civil Services Mains schedule released on upsc.gov.in.
No. The Detailed Application Form must be submitted online. Hard copies are not required to be sent to the UPSC office unless specified.
Related Utilities: Resize Photo to 50KB | Resize Signature to 20KB | Compress Aadhaar PDF | All Government Forms