UPSC CSE 2026 Notification, OTR & How to Apply

The UPSC Civil Services Examination notification is released early in the year and opens the application window for about three weeks. Applying correctly is the first hurdle — small errors here can cost you the attempt.

How to apply

  1. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) — Set up your OTR profile on the UPSC online portal once; it is reused across UPSC exams.
  2. Read the notification carefully — Check eligibility, age, attempts, vacancies and the exam scheme before filling the form.
  3. Fill and submit the application — Enter details exactly as per your documents, choose your centre and optional subject, pay the fee, and submit before the deadline.

Always confirm on the official portal: Notification dates, the application window and the exam scheme change each year. Confirm everything in the current official notification before applying.

Official sources