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UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2026: Application Process and Important Details

The UPSC has opened the application portal for the Civil Services Main Examination 2026. Candidates who passed the Prelims can fill out the Detailed Application Form until June 28. This article outlines the registration process, important dates, and the exam pattern, including the structure of the papers and the merit list criteria. With over 13,000 candidates qualifying for the Prelims, timely submission of the DAF is crucial for obtaining e-admit cards. The Main Examination is scheduled to start on August 21, 2026. Read on for detailed instructions on how to complete the application process.
 
UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2026: Application Process and Important Details

UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 Application Portal Open



The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the application portal for the Civil Services (CS) Main Examination 2026. Candidates who have successfully cleared the UPSC Prelims Examination 2026 can complete the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Main Examination until June 28. To access the DAF for the CS Main Examination 2026, candidates should visit the official UPSC website.


This portal allows candidates to submit their application forms and fees, update details regarding a scribe, and request large-font question papers.


Registration Process for UPSC CS Main Examination 2026

Let's explore the steps to register for the UPSC CS Main Examination 2026, how to fill out the application form (DAF), and the guidelines for obtaining admit cards.


**E-Admit Cards Issued Post DAF Submission; Main Exam Begins August 21**


Only those candidates who have passed the Prelims 2026 are eligible to fill out the DAF for the UPSC CS Main Examination 2026. This year, more than 13,000 candidates have qualified in the Prelims. According to UPSC regulations, every candidate must log in to the portal and complete the DAF within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so will lead to the non-issuance of e-admit cards for the Main Examination. Candidates who do not submit the DAF on time will be barred from appearing for the Main Examination. The UPSC Civil Services Examination Rules 2026 state that the CS Main Examination is set to begin on August 21, 2026.


Steps to Fill the DAF for UPSC Main Examination 2026

**How to Complete the DAF for UPSC Main Examination 2026**


1. Visit the official UPSC portal.


2. Log in using your registration credentials.


3. Verify your personal and educational information. Update reservation-related details if necessary. Fill in your cadre preferences for the UPSC Main exam carefully.


4. Review all entered information and submit the form.


5. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.


UPSC Civil Services Main Exam Pattern

What is the structure of the UPSC Civil Services Main exam?


The UPSC Civil Services Main exam comprises nine papers in total. Among these, two are language papers (English and Hindi), each carrying 300 marks and qualifying in nature. Following these, there is an essay paper worth 250 marks and four General Studies papers (GS I, GS II, GS III, and GS IV), each also worth 250 marks. Additionally, candidates will have two papers for their chosen optional subject, each carrying 250 marks. The merit list is compiled based on these seven papers, totaling 1,750 marks. Only those who qualify at this stage will be invited for the personality test (interview), which carries 275 marks.