Union Public Service Commission संघ लोक सेवा आयोग

Technical Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Filling of Online Application Form

1. How do I access the site to fill up the online application?

An applicant should log on to https://upsc.gov.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 http://www.upsc.gov.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://upsc.gov.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.gov.in/ for filling up the online application.

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 I have changed my Name after Matriculation / 10th Class?

If you have changed your Name, select "Yes" for "Have you ever changed Name" option
while registering in OTR, then mention your Changed/current Name in the column "Changed
Name" and upload your gazette notification in document section.

7. How eligibility of age is 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 / PwBD / SC / ST candidate. Am I
required to enter the payment details?

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No. All the applicants who are exempted from the payment of fee can directly proceed to
remaining part 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 have 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 Issue Date?

In case you are claiming any relaxation against a certificate you are having with you; its
date may be mentioned in the Certificate.

12. Is it necessary to fill up the details related to area Pin Code/Phone No. with Area
Code?
At present area PIN code is mandatory to be filed in by the candidate, so that an applicant
can be easily accessed/ contacted if required by the Commission.

13. How do I move to the next page which 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., Community/ Age Relaxation/ Disability Status etc.
do not appear in the corresponding parameters available in the drop-down menu. How
should I fill up the relevant columns?
Although, it may not happen as the required columns along with the drop-down menu for
selection and input the information is not available on the online form for a particular
examination.

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 PC/Laptop and requires you to
decrease the resolution before filling up the application form. Please hold the Ctrl key of 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 details in OTR
Registration?
You are requested to clear cache of your browser (all time) from the browser settings and
complete your registration/application form.

17. Is it necessary to fill up All Parts of the application?

Yes, all of the application should be duly completed as per the 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 been
submitted Successfully. Please fill up the application form again and Re-submit.

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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?
There may be connectivity problem with the Payment Gateway. However, candidate can
click on verification button to get the status of your payment or reinitiate the payment.

20. After filling up and complete the application form, the system persists: (a) returned a
Blank Screen (b) Internet was disconnected (c) My PC/Laptop was closed / hung / shut
down. Is my application saved/registered?
On completion of Part-II Registration of application, the Registration ID (RID) is generated
by the System. If the Registration ID (RID) 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 Registration if an alert/message is displayed stating that
the security certificate is unsafe / untrusted?
If such an alert/message is 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 case may be to proceed further and finally click on “Add Exception with
continue (Mozilla) or Proceed to https://upsconline.gov.in (unsafe) (Google Chrome)”]. Only
Desktop or Laptop should be used to apply Online for examinations and Mobile Phones are not
compatible with the Online System.

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, the OTR ID and
Registration ID 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.gov.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.gov.in” in the
browser 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 Two (02) options for the payment of Fee:
i) by Cash in any branch of State Bank of India (SBI) through Challan,
ii) Pay by Online, modes ->
✓ Pay by Credit/Debit Card of any Bank,
✓ Pay by Net Banking facility of SBI,
✓ Pay by Other Banking facility of SBI,
✓ UPI by any Bank
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-IV of the online application. An applicant can also pay the fee online
using the internet banking facility of the State Bank of India.

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An applicant can also pay the fee online using any VISA/MASTER DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD/UPI
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 (SBI).

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
using OTR ID and Password or registered Mobile Number/Email ID and OTP sent on the
registered Mobile Number/Email ID 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 other form or challan.

29. 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. Banks concerned
may be approached for claiming any extra/unsuccessful payments made by the candidates.

30. How will I fill-up transaction details after making payment by cash to SBI?
Login into OTR, click on “Latest Notification” tab then see active Notification and click on
“Pay Examination Fees" link -> 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.

31. When will I visit bank to pay fee by cash & my RID is not found in bank?
On downloading challan form for cash payment visit SBI Bank on next day & ask Bank to
use Screen Reference Number in case of any difficulty.

32. I had paid online through Net Banking but it is not showing & not allowing me to apply
again.
Login into OTR, click on “Latest Notification” tab then see active Notification and click on
"Pay Examination Fees" link -> Go to Status at the end of the screen page, if you have already
paid fee through Net Banking.

33. 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 will be
required to submit the original Challan Slip issued by the State Bank of India as proof of
payment in cash mode or the bank statement showing debit of fee amount as proof of payment
of fee. It would be advisable to send the original Challan Slip by Registered or Speed Post or By
hand to the Joint Secretary (Examination), UPSC.

34. Fee has been deducted two / three times from my account. Who will refund extra
deduction of fee amount?
UPSC does not refund fee amount paid by candidates. The bank concerned may be
approached for claiming refunds. In case of transaction failure, the amount deducted may be
refunded within 4 / 5 working days by the bank concerned.

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35. I have paid the fee in a State Bank of India Branch and I have Journal/reference
number but on Registration, there is no confirmation?
Login into OTR, click on “Latest Notification” tab then see active Notification and click on
"Pay Examination Fees" link -> 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 the Bank.

36. 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. What should I do?
Login into OTR, click on “Latest Notification” tab then see active Notification and click on
"Pay Examination Fees” link -> A pop-up window will display on the screen, Click the “Submit”
button. The payment page will display with message at the end of the screen page a message “If
you have already paid fee (in case of payment failure), you can update the status by
Clicking here” the system will go for double verification and the follow proceed according
to instructions.

37. I paid the fee by Debit/Credit Card/UPI and amount is debited from my bank account
but application is still showing payment page to pay again?
This means your transaction has failed and you have to make the payment afresh. In case
you are still facing difficulty in paying the fee using Debit/Credit card/UPI, you may choose to
pay in cash by generating Bank Pay-in-Slip (challan) or Internet Banking (INB).

38. 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 to each
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 a particular
Centre is exhausted, the same will be frozen and displayed in a different colour in the Drop-
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 the situation
demands.
* For CSP, CAPF, NDA-I/NDA-II there might be a ceiling/ capping for Delhi Centre also.

39. Can I change my examination centre after submission of application?

Yes, the applicants who have successfully submitted the application form, can edit their
applications including change of Centre available for a particular time period after the closing
date. Please see the notification for further clarification.

40. I am unable to upload Photograph / Signature / Photograph ID in my application.

What should I do?
Please check the properties of Photograph / Signature / Photograph ID. Resize them as
per required specifications given in instructions for filling online application on the website itself
within FAQ.

41. What should I do in case my Photograph / Signature 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 colour
of ink used.

42. In which format should I upload the scanned Photograph / Signature / Photo-ID?

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The images of Photograph (3/4 of the face should be visible) / Signature should be
scanned in the “JPG/JPEG” format & Photo-ID should be in "PDF" format only. No other format
is acceptable.
43. 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 with
black ink pen for its better visibility. Each of the scanned images of the Photograph / Signature
should not exceed 300 KB and must not be less than 20 KB in size. The resolution of Signature
350-pixel (Width) * 350-pixel (Height) minimum and 500-pixel (Width) * 500-pixel (Height)
maximum. Photograph should be 550-pixel (Width) * 550-pixel (Height) minimum and 1000-pixel
(Width) * 1000-pixel (Height) maximum. Also, please ensure that the uploaded Photograph and
Signature are clearly discernible.

44. How do I convert my Photograph and Signature to the required pixel size or desired
format?
Use any free image editing software such as MS Paint or any other image editor, to delete
the unnecessary print area. Use the CROP option after selecting the Image. To resize to proper
pixel size, use the Resize option. If the image is in other formats such as .tiff, .bmp etc, then
open the Photograph in MS Paint or any other image editor and click Save as option to save it in
the desired format (.jpg).

45. 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 of the
uploaded images. If you are satisfied with the uploaded images you may click on Confirm Upload
button. In case you are not satisfied with the uploaded images, you may click on the Reload
Photograph or Reload Signature button. The reloaded Photograph and Signature can again be
viewed by clicking on the Image refresh button. The process can be repeated till your
satisfaction. You may please note that if the quality of Photograph or Signature is poor, the
application is liable to be rejected. After having clicked on the Confirm Upload button, the
system will not allow any changes in the Photograph / Signature.

46. What should be the size of the scanned Photograph identity card document /
certificate related to writing extremity of PwBD (person with benchmark disability)?
You should upload your Photograph identity card document / certificate related to writing
extremity of PwBD (person with benchmark disability) not exceed 300 KB and must not less than
50 KB.

47. 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.

49. How will I take printing of my submitted application?

Login into OTR form,
Go to "Application Status" tab to print your submitted application.

50. What should I do if uploaded wrong Photo ID Card document/certificate related to

writing extremity of PwBD?
You may Change/Update all details with same application RID during correction window
as per the Notification.

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51. 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.

52. What should I do in case I found mistake in my submitted application?

The applicants who have successfully submitted the application form can Edit/Update
their application when correction window will make available after the closing date. Please see
the notification.

53. 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.

54. How do I receive intimation regarding Registration/Successful submission of my

application?
After the completion of the online application, a fresh page displays the message for
successfully submission of application. An auto-generated E-Mail / SMS are also to be sent,
stating that you have successfully submitted your application. Please note that your application
is subject to the verification of information according to the Examination Rules as well as
verification of the quality of Photograph, Signature, and Payment details (in case you are not a
fee-exempted candidate).

55. What should I do if I receive a SMS from UPSC informing that your candidature is not
valid as you have not completed the application?
The SMS message could be a delayed alert. If you receive such an SMS, first obtain a
printout of your submitted application form and check that all fields including Photograph,
Signature and the centre are filled up and are in order. If the centre is indicated in the printed
application form, you may ignore the SMS alert. Please keep the printout of your submitted
application for future reference. If the centre is not indicated, it means your application has not
been submitted and you are advised to complete the application by filling up Centre and submit
it as per the procedure.

56. 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. In case
of difficulty, please request the Bank to use Challan Reference number for effecting payment.
You can also contact to UPSC by email- upscsoap[at]nic[dot]in/over Telephone No. 011-
23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs.

57. 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 E-Mail / SMS, which may not
have 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 in mail
server etc. It is advisable to keep a hard copy of application for any future reference.

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58. I have completed my application. When can I download my e-Admit Card (Hall Ticket)
for the examination?
The eligible candidates shall be issued e-Admit Card one week 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.

59. I have successfully submitted the online application, should I send the printouts of
the application to the commission by post?
Once an applicant has successfully submitted 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. No hard copy is required to be sent to UPSC

60. Can I use Pay-in-slip (challan) and Transaction ID of an already submitted application
form for another new application form (Generated RID)?
No, 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.

61. What will be the Community Certificate Date for claiming Age Relaxation/Reservation
for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)?
The OBC candidates applying must produce OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate based on
the income for previous three Financial Year (FY) and issued on/after completion of previous FY
but not later than the closing date of the application.

62. What will be the EWS Certificate Date for claiming Age Relaxation/Reservation for
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)?
The EWS (Economically Weaker Section) candidates applying must produce EWS
(Economically Weaker Section) certificate based on the income for current Financial Year (FY)
and issued on/after completion of current FY but not later than the closing date of the
application.

63. Under which circumstances a candidate application may get rejected?

A candidate application may get rejected under the following circumstances:

1. If a candidate tries to update his/her Gender* in OTR Profile (Registration) and

the criteria as mentioned in the Notification is not met then their application may
be rejected.
* - CDS I & CDS II only

2. If a candidate tries to update his/her Date of Birth in OTR Profile (Registration)

and the criteria as mentioned in the Notification is not met then their application
may be rejected.

64. Do I have to pay the examination fee, if I change my gender or community during
correction window of current application?
Yes, a candidate may need to pay the examination fee if the candidate changes his/her
gender in OTR Profile (Registration) or community in application form during correction window
of current application, if falls under the fee payment criteria mentioned in the Exam Notification.

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65. In NDA I and NDA II, under which circumstances do the candidate is exempted from
the examination fee?
Only if a candidate is the ‘ward of JCO/NCO/Other Rank Officer’ and is also studying in
‘Sainik/Military School’ then the candidate is exempted from the examination fees.

66. In NDA I and NDA II, under which circumstances do the candidate has to pay the
examination fee?
During the correction window, if a candidate changes his school other than
‘Sainik/Military School’ or he is not a ‘ward of JCO/NCO/Other Rank Officer’ then the
candidate may need to pay the examination fees as per the criteria mentioned in the Exam
Notification.

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