The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) IAS (Indian Administrative Service) exam is a highly competitive and prestigious examination that assesses candidates for entry into the civil services of India. To apply for the UPSC IAS exam, candidates need to ensure they have certain essential documents. Firstly, a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhar card, passport, or driver’s license is required for identity verification. Additionally, candidates must have a passport-sized photograph to be affixed to the application form. Educational documents, including certificates and mark sheets, are crucial to establish academic qualifications. The UPSC also requires candidates to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or secondary education certificate. For candidates claiming reservation benefits, relevant caste or category certificates issued by competent authorities must be submitted. It is imperative for applicants to carefully review the official UPSC notification to ensure compliance with specific document requirements, as any discrepancies may lead to disqualification. Overall, meticulous attention to document submission is integral to a smooth application process for the UPSC IAS exam.
Renowned for its difficulty, the UPSC exam boasts an abysmal success rate. Nonetheless, despite the challenging nature of the exam, thousands of individuals apply, enticed by the opportunity to pursue a career in civil services. This career path allows them to contribute to the country by actively participating in the system. This article provides insights into the necessary documents for the UPSC online exam application and details the various stages of the IAS exam.
Documents Needed for UPSC Prelims
When applying for the Prelims exam online, there is no need to physically submit any documents to the UPSC. The required documents for online upload include:
- A scanned photograph of the applicant.
- A scanned signature of the applicant.
- Government-issued Photo ID card, such as Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government.
As per the latest UPSC notification, candidates must provide details of the Photo ID card while filling out the online application form. A scanned copy of the Photo ID, whose details have been provided in the online application, should be uploaded. This Photo ID card will serve for all future references, and candidates are advised to carry it when appearing for the Examination/Personality Test.
Documents Needed for UPSC Mains
Upon successfully clearing the UPSC prelims exam, you become eligible to proceed to the mains exam. Your name will be included in the list released by the UPSC when the prelim results are announced. Subsequently, the commission issues a mains notification, prompting you to submit another online application, this time for the mains exam. This application is known as the Detailed Application Form or DAF.
For the mains exam, you are required to upload scanned copies of specific documents on the UPSC official website, including:
- Proof of age: Matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate is acceptable.
- Certificate of educational qualification: Your university-awarded degree certificate or an equivalent qualification recognized by the UPSC.
- EWS Certificate: Proof required for availing of EWS reservation.
- Certificate supporting OBC/SC/ST status (if applicable): Certificate issued by the authorized officer in the district where your parents reside or, if deceased, the district where you normally live.
- Disability certificate (if applicable): Issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central or State government.
- Documents supporting non-creamy layer OBC status (if applicable): Evidence supporting service/landholding/status/income from various sources/property held by your parents in support of non-creamy layer OBC claim.
- Certificate for proof of hailing from the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, or Sikkim (if applicable): Issued by the same authority issuing the caste certificate (OBC/SC/ST certificate).
- Undertaking for government servants (if applicable): A statement confirming that you have informed your Head of the Office/Department in writing about your participation in the UPSC CSE.
- J&K Domicile (if applicable): Issued by the District Magistrate under whose jurisdiction you resided in J&K between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1989. Verify the latest data for precise year information.
- Disabled while in defense service (if applicable): Issued by the Director-General Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, stating that you were disabled during service and were discharged due to it.
- Certificate supporting age relaxation claim (if applicable): This includes the OBC/ST/SC status certificate and/or disability certificate and/or J&K domicile certificate and/or defense personnel certificate.
Documents Needed for UPSC Personality Test
While attending the interview, candidates should carry with them the following certificates in
ORIGINAL:
- Matriculation certificate: To verify name and date of birth. Additionally, bring a self-attested photocopy.
- Degree certificate: To confirm educational qualification. If the university has not issued the degree certificate, carry the provisional certificate or mark sheet. Also, bring a self-attested photocopy.
- Print-out of the e-Summon Letter.
- Government-issued Photo ID card.
- 2 recent passport-size photographs, with one being self-attested.
- Certificates supporting age relaxation if applicable.
Additional documents to be carried for SC/ST candidates:
- Original and photocopy of caste certificate.
- Original and photocopy of PG degree or higher education certificates and mark sheets.
- Two copies of the TA Form along with proof of journey (Travelling Allowance for non-Delhi candidates).
- Affidavit for minor discrepancies in the name.
Additional documents to be carried by PH category candidates:
- Original and photocopy of Physically Handicapped Certificate. For the PH-I category, also bring the DWE Certificate (Dominant Writing Extremity) for candidates who claimed extra time in the main written exam.
- Age relaxation certificates.
- Original and photocopy of PG degree or higher education certificates and mark sheets.
- Two copies of the TA Form along with proof of journey (Travelling Allowance for non-Delhi candidates).
- Affidavit for minor discrepancies in the name.
Documents required for medical examination:
- 8-10 passport-size photographs.
- Prescriptions or medical certificates, if applicable, that may aid in an eye check-up.
Documents Required for UPSC IAS Exam FAQS
1. What documents are needed for the UPSC IAS Prelims online application?
- A scanned photograph.
- A scanned signature.
- Government-issued Photo ID card (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government).
2. What documents are required for the UPSC Mains exam?
- Proof of age (Matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate).
- Certificate of educational qualification (University-awarded degree certificate or an equivalent qualification recognized by the UPSC).
- EWS Certificate.
- Certificate supporting OBC/SC/ST status (if applicable).
- Disability certificate (if applicable).
- Documents supporting non-creamy layer OBC status (if applicable).
- Certificate for proof of hailing from the northeastern states (if applicable).
- Undertaking for government servants (if applicable).
- J&K Domicile (if applicable).
- Disabled while in defense service (if applicable).
- Certificate supporting age relaxation claim (if applicable).
3. What documents are needed for the UPSC Personality Test (Interview)?
- Matriculation certificate (original) and a self-attested photocopy.
- Degree certificate (original) or provisional certificate/mark sheet and a self-attested photocopy.
- Print-out of the e-Summon Letter.
- Government-issued Photo ID card.
- 2 recent passport-size photographs (1 self-attested).
- Certificates supporting age relaxation if applicable.
4. Additional documents for SC/ST candidates:
- Original and photocopy of caste certificate.
- Original and photocopy of PG degree or higher education certificates and mark sheets.
- Two copies of the TA Form along with proof of journey (Travelling Allowance for non-Delhi candidates).
- Affidavit for minor discrepancies in the name.
5. Additional documents for PH category candidates:
- Original and photocopy of Physically Handicapped Certificate.
- DWE Certificate for PH-I category (Dominant Writing Extremity).
- Age relaxation certificates.
- Original and photocopy of PG degree or higher education certificates and mark sheets.
- Two copies of the TA Form along with proof of journey.
- Affidavit for minor discrepancies in the name.
6. What documents are required for the medical examination?
- 8-10 passport-size photographs.
- Prescriptions or medical certificates, if applicable, for an eye check-up.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
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