1. How do I access the site to fill up the online application?
An applicant should log on to https://upsconline.nic.in/ to access the home page of the online application.
2. When can I submit 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 Commission's website HTTPS://www.upsc.gov.in and at the website for filling the online application for a particular notified exam/exams at 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 website https://upsconline.nic.in/ ) of that particular examination can apply.
4. Are there any detailed instructions to guide an applicant for submitting an online application?
Yes, an applicant must refer to the detailed instructions which are available on website https://upsconline.nic.in/ for filling up the online application before doing so, which are available.
5. I have a problem in filling up Name and Address fields. What should I do?
Due to security reasons, some reserved words and special characters like (!,@,#,$,%,^,&,*,(,),<,>,?,/,~,`, etc) are not acceptable in the Name and Address fields of the Online System. Please retry after deleting special characters.
6. What should I do if my name is more than space limit of 30 characters?
When you enter your name more than 30 characters in the name column, then Full Name column automatic display below to facilitate the abbreviate name. Now you canabbreviate your name within 30 characters and fill the abbreviate name in Name column. Do not forget to send a signed written request to Joint Secretary (Examination), UPSC, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110069 by Speed-post or by Fax (011-23387310) giving details of the full name and reasons for abbreviation in this regard; otherwise your application/ candidature may be rejected at a later stage.
7. How eligibility of age are calculated?
It is calculated based on cut-off date according to the notification.
8. Which documents/Certificate must be in my possession if I want to claim any type of relaxation/reservation?
Candidates seeking reservation / relaxation benefits available for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes / Other Backward Classes / Economically Weaker Sections / Persons with Benchmark disabilities / Ex-Servicemen must ensure that they are entitled to such reservation / relaxation in accordance with the eligibility prescribed in the Examination Rules/Notice. They should be in possession of all the requisite certificates in the prescribed format in support of their claims for availing reservation before applying for the examination, and these certificates should be dated earlier than the closing date for receipt of applications for the examination, unless otherwise prescribed in the Examination Notice/Rules.
9. As per the detailed information available in 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 fee can straight away proceed to the 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 fee.
10. I am a Female/Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Physically Handicapped (40% and more) candidate and I completed my application. Where should I pay the fee for the application?
Female/Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Physically Handicapped (40% and more)candidates are exempted from payment of fee.
11. What is certificate date?
In case you are claiming any relaxation against a certificate you are having with you, its date may be mentioned against certificate date.
12. Is it necessary to fill up the details related to area pin code/phone No. with area code/Mobile No./e-mail?
At Present area PIN code is mandatory to be filed in by the candidate, rest of 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.
13. 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.
14. 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 thedrop-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 different parameter.
15. I cannot find the “Continue” or “I Agree” or “Declaration” button at the end of the screen. What should I do?
This may happen due to incompatible resolution of your computer and requires you to decrease the resolution before filling up Part II of the application form. Please hold the Ctrl keyof the keyboard and move the mouse wheel down (or press Ctrl and Minus “-” key) to change the resolution.
16. What should I do if I am not able to proceed further after filling my basic details in Part-I registration?
You are requested to clear cache of your browser (all time) from the browser settingsand complete your application form (Part-I & Part-II registration).
17. Is it necessary to fill up both the parts i.e. part-I and part-II of the application?
The applicant is required to first complete the part-I of the application and thereafter complete the part-II of the application. Both Part-I and Part-II of the application should be duly completed as per instructions.
18. The system returned a Blank or Zero Registration number after submission of application Online. What should I do?
Blank or Zero Registration number indicates that your application has not beensubmitted successfully. Please fill up the application form again and resubmit.
19. I filled up my form and successfully paid the application fee through online payment gateway. However, the application status has not been updated with these particulars. What should I do?
If you have made your payment successfully through Credit/ Debit card and have been redirected to the UPSC Online website for uploading photograph and signature, and if you haveuploaded your photo and signature and other information required to fill Part-II properly, yourapplication is ready to be submitted. Otherwise, there may be a connectivity problem with thePayment Gateway. In such a case, you may choose Cash option or Internet Banking option for payment of fee and proceed according to the guidelines/ instructions.
20. After filling up and completing the application form, the system (1) returned a Blank Screen (2) Internet was disconnected (3) My PC closed / hung / shut down. Is my application saved / registered?
On completion of Part-I of 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 application again.
21. How should I proceed with Part-II if an alert/message is displayed stating that the security certificate is unsafe / untrusted?
Please proceed with filling up Part-II Registration form even if such an alert/ messageis displayed. Users of Google Chrome or Mozilla browsers are advised to minimize problems[click on the “I Understand the risk (Mozilla) or Advanced (Google Chrome)” button as the casemay be to proceed further and finally click on “Add Exception with continue (Mozilla) or Proceed to https://upsconline.nic.in (unsafe) (Google Chrome)”]. Only Desktop or Laptop should be used to apply Online for examinations and Mobile Phones are not compatible with the OnlineSystem.
22. 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).
23. On using Google Chrome browser, it is showing “Your connection is not private” What should I do?
Please click on “Advanced” then click on “Proceed to upsconline.nic.in (unsafe)”.
24. On using Internet Explorer browser, the message “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate” is displayed. What should I do?
Please ensure that you have typed the correct URL “https://upsconline.nic.in” in thebrowser address line and not reached the address through ‘search’ tools or other means.Thereafter, you may click on “Continue to this website (not recommended)”.
25. 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 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 submission of the 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.
26. Is there any other bank in addition to SBI where fee can be deposited by cash?
No, the fee may be deposited in cash only in any branch of State Bank of India.
27. 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.
28. Is there any other form/challan to pay 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.
29. I have taken the print of Pay-in-slip by clicking on the "Print" option. I have to deposit the cash in a branch of SBI through this Pay-inslip. How will I re-enter the system to submit my transaction details of the fee once I log out?
An applicant, after having obtained the TRANSACTION ID number, should again login Part-II Registration Form by making use of the Registration ID number generated at the timeof submission of Part-I of application and his date of birth and thereafter select Pay by Cashoption again and then click on Continue button to enter the relevant particulars in the remainingcolumns. The Registration ID is also indicated on the pay-in slip.
30. How to get refund of payment as I had made 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.
31. How I will fill-up transaction details after making payment by cash to SBI?
Login into Part II, Click on Pay by Cash -> Through any SBI Branch to find that you have already generated the challan. All generated Challans are valid till its closing date. Click on continue on the screen page for filling Transaction-Id & Date and click on Submit.
32. When I will visit bank to pay fee by cash & my RID is not found in bank.
On downloading challan form for cash payment visit Bank on next day & ask Bank to use Screen Reference No in case of difficulty.
33. I had paid online through netbanking but it is not showing & not allowing me to apply again.
Login into Part II, Click on Status at the end of the screen page if you have already paid fee through Net Banking.
34. I have made a mistake while entering transaction details provided by SBI in its Challan Slip after making cash payment at the time of submission of my application. What should I do?
UPSC will send you a rejection letter on your email address in such a case. You willbe required to submit the original Challan Slip issued by the State Bank of India as proof ofpayment in cash mode or the bank statement showing debit of fee amount as proof of payment offee. It would be advisable to send the original Challan Slip by Registered or Speed Post or Byhand to the Joint Secretary (Examination), UPSC.
35. Fee has been deducted two / three times from my account. Who will refund extra deduction of fee amount?
UPSC does not refund any extra fee amount paid by candidates. The bank concerned may be approached for claiming refunds. In case of transaction failure, the amount deducted isbeing refunded within 4 / 5 working days by the bank concerned.
36. What should I do in case fee amount is credited back to my Credit/ Debit Card Account?
In case of payment made by Credit/ Debit card, the fee amount is credited back to your account due to failure of payment gateway, you are required to apply again to obtain a fresh RIDby submitting Part-I information and also make the fee payment again with new RID (if notexempted from payment of fee). Thereafter, you may submit the Part-II information once again with new RID.
37. I have paid the fee in a State Bank of India Branch and I have Journal number but on Part II login, there is no confirmation?
Login to Part II using RID and DOB and select Pay by Cash through any SBI Branch,then click on Continue button of the Screen to enter Transaction Id and Date provided by theBank.
38. I have paid the fee online through Net Banking but the transaction is not reflected and the system is not allowing me to proceed to complete Part-II. What should I do?
Click on the Part-II Registration link, A pop-up window will display on the screen, enter the Registration-id, date of birth and Confirm Random Image, Click the “Submit” button.The payment page will display with massage at the end of the screen page a massage “If youhave already paid fee (in case of payment failure), you can update the status by Clicking here” and the follow proceed according to instructions.
39. I paid the fee by Debit/Credit Card and amount is debited from my bank account but Part II of the application is still showing payment page to pay again?
This means your transaction has failed and you have to make the payment afresh. Incase you are still facing difficulty in paying the fee using Debit/Credit card, you may choose topay in cash by generating Bank Pay-in-Slip (challan) or Internet Banking (INB).
40. What should I do in case the centre I wish to choose is displayed in a different colour in the drop-down menu and is not selectable?
Applicants should note that there is a ceiling on the number of candidates allotted toeach of the Centers (means city), except in Chennai, *Delhi, Dispur, Kolkata and Nagpur.Allotment of Centers will be made on the ‘first-apply-first-allot’ basis, and once the capacity of aparticular Centre is exhausted, the same will be frozen and displayed in a different colour in theDrop-Down menu. You are advised to apply early so that you get the Centre of your choice.Please also note that UPSC reserves the right to change the Centre at their discretion, if thesituation demands.
* For CSP, CAPF, NDA-I/NDA-II there might be a ceiling/ capping for Delhi Centre also.
41. Can I change my centre after submission of application?
Change of Centre cases are normally discouraged by UPSC. However, written request duly signed addressing to J.S. (Exam), UPSC may be sent for change of centre request towards its consideration based on its merit.
42. I am unable to upload Photo / Sign in my application. What should I do ?
Please check the properties of photo and sign images. Resize them as per specifications given in instructions for filling online application on the website itself within FAQ.
43. What should i do in case my Photo / Sign does not match with pixel sizes mentioned in UPSC guidelines?
UPSC is concerned with 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 color of ink used.
44. In which format should I upload the scanned photograph and signature?
The images of the photograph and signature should be scanned in the “JPG” format.No other format is acceptable.
45. I am unable to upload photograph and signature in my application. What should I do?
Please check the properties of the photograph and signature images. Resize themaccording to the specifications given in instructions for filling online application.
46. What should be the size of the scanned photograph and the signature?
You should scan your signature which has been affixed on white paper preferably withblack ink pen for its better visibility. Each of the scanned images of the photograph / signatureshould not exceed 300 KB and must not be less than 20 KB in size. The resolution of photographand signature are 350 pixel (Width) * 350 pixel (Height) minimum and 1000 pixel (Width) *1000 pixel (Height) maximum. Also, please ensure that the uploaded photograph and signatureare clearly discernible.
47. How do I convert my photograph and signature to the required pixel size or desired format?
Use any free image editing software such as MSPaint or Irfanview, to deletethe unnecessary print area. Use the CROP option after selecting the Image. To resize to properpixel size use the Resize option. If the image is in other formats such as .tiff, .bmp etc, then openthe photo in MSPaint or Irfanview and click Save as option to save it in the desired format (.jpg).
48. My photograph and signature, as uploaded on the site, are not clearly discernible. What should I do?
After photograph and the signature are uploaded, a fresh page shows the preview ofthe uploaded images. If you are satisfied with the uploaded images you may click on ConfirmUpload button. In case you are not satisfied with the uploaded images, you may click on theReload Photograph or Reload Signature button. The reloaded photograph and signature can againbe viewed by clicking on the Image refresh button. The process can be repeated till yoursatisfaction. You may please note that if the quality of photograph or signature is poor, theapplication is liable to be rejected. After having clicked on the Confirm Upload button, thesystem will not allow any changes in the photo / signature.
49. What should I do if uploaded wrong photo identity card document / certificate related to writing extremity of PwBD in Part-II Registration form?
You will need to fill up the form once again and redo the entire process i.e. obtaining afresh RID by submitting the new application (Part-I Registration), fee payment (if applicable)and complete the Part-II application form as per instructions.
50. What should be the size of the scanned photo identity card document / certificate related to writing extremity of PwBD (person with benchmark disability) ?
You should scan your photo identity card document / certificate related to writingextremity of PwBD (person with benchmark disability) not exceed 300 KB and must not less than 20 KB.
51. 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 print out 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.
52. How I will take printing of my submitted application?
You may click on View/Print option at https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/viewapplication.php site. Then enter RID & DOB to print your submitted application.
53. I found mistake in entry of Transaction details after submission of my application. What should I do ?
You are required to submit original challan issued by 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. What should I do if I realize that I have submitted my application form with incorrect entries?
You will need to fill up the application form once again, if you notice errors in an already submitted application form, and redo the entire process, i.e. obtain a fresh RID by submittingPart-I information, fee payment to be made by you again with new RID (if not exempted frompayment of fee), and upload the Part-II information again. Please note that your RID for lastsubmitted completed application will be considered for processing and all earlier applicationswill be treated as cancelled by the system.
55. 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-Down menu, how should I fill up the relevant columns?
All relevant particulars required according to Rules for a particular examination areprovided for in the Drop-Down menu. Before filling up the application, please check that youhave selected the right examination. Any attempt to enter any input other than the availableoptions will lead to rejection of your application.
56. What should I do in case I found mistake in my submitted application?
Most of communications to candidates are carried out online by UPSC and address is hardly a matter in this regard. Please ensure your email-id & Mobile No is active.
57. Is it possible to edit my record submitted in my application?
There is no editing facility in the application. In case of any mistake in filling application, candidate is responsible. However, fresh application may be made for correction of earlier mistake.
58. What should I do if there is delay in accessing the page?
Please retry after some time preferably not during peak hours. The time taken to access the page depends upon factors like Internet speed and number of applicants registering their applications at the same time. It would always help if applications are made earlier rather than later. It is a good practice not to wait for the last day or hours.
59. Am I allowed to change entries in fields/ columns that I have already filled up?
The system allows you to change entries in fields/ columns in Part-I of the online application by using the Update button. Please click on this button to make the desired changes. However, you cannot change the entries once you have submitted the application form by clicking on the “I Agree” button. Therefore, please submit only after carefully reviewing your entries.
60. How do I receive intimation regarding registration of my application?
After the completion of Part-I and Part-II of the online application, a fresh pagedisplays the message that the application has been submitted successfully. An auto-generatedemail / SMS are sent to you stating that you have successfully submitted your application. Pleasenote that your application is subject to the verification of information according to theExamination Rules as well as verification of the quality of photograph, signature, and paymentdetails (in case you are not a fee-exempted candidate).
61. What should I do if I receive an SMS from UPSC informing that your candidature is not valid as you have not completed Part-II of the application?
The SMS message could be a delayed alert. If you receive such an SMS, first obtain aprintout of your submitted application form and check that all fields including photo, signature and the centre are filled up and are in order. If the centre is indicated in the printed applicationform, you may ignore the SMS alert. Please keep the printout of your submitted application forfuture reference. If the centre is not indicated, it means your application has not been submitted and you are advised to complete Part-II of the application by filling up Centre and submit it as per the procedure.
62. What do I do if my RID is not available at the Bank when I go there to make payment?
Please visit the Bank for payment a day after you have downloaded the pay-in-slip. Incase of difficulty, please request the Bank to use Challan Reference number for effectingpayment. You can also contact to UPSC by email- [email protected] / Telephone number – 011-23388088 / 23098591 Extn. 4930.
63. How do I ensure that my online application has been submitted if SMS / email have not been received?
Auto-generated intimation is sent to candidates through email / SMS, which may nothave been received by you due to reasons like Inbox over loaded, cleaning of spam folder without checking, email-id inactive, jamming due to heavy rush/ traffic, congestion of packets inmail server etc. It is advisable to keep a hard copy of application for any future reference.
64. I have completed my Application. When can I download my Admit Card (Hall Ticket) for the examination?
The eligible candidates shall be issued e-Admit Card three weeks before the commencement of the Examination. e-Admit Card will be made available on the UPSC Website[upsc.gov.in] for being downloaded by the candidate. No Admit Card will be sent by post.
65. 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 on HTTPS://www.upsc.gov.in . No e-mails sent in this regard.
66. 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 the 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.
67. I have successfully submitted the online application, should I send the print outs of the application to the commission by post?
Once an applicant has successfully submitted the Part-I and Part-II of the application through online, the same gets registered with the Commission and the applicant is not required to send a hard copy of the print out 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.
68. When I will receive Admit Card (AC) once I had submitted my completed application.
All admitted candidates can download e-Admit Card with details of centre address around three weeks ahead of Examination Date once Admit Card are uploaded on HTTPS://www.upsc.gov.in/
69. Do I require to send a hard copy of application to UPSC after submitting my online application?
No hard copy 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.
70. Can I use pay-in-slip (challan) and transaction-id of an already submitted applicationform for another new application form (generated RID)?
You cannot use pay-in-slip (challan) and transaction-id of already submitted application form for another new application form. Otherwise your application form may be rejected.
Courtesy: UPSC
