UPSC IAS / IPS Documents Checklist

Complete document requirements for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 – from online application and prelims to mains DAF, personality test and final joining for IAS, IPS and other services.

Application → Prelims → Mains (DAF-I) → PT (DAF-II) → Cadre & Training
10th, Graduation, ID, category, EWS, PwBD, service & cadre allocation documents

UPSC IAS / IPS Complete Document Requirements (2026 Cycle)

At application stage UPSC CSE only needs photo, signature and one photo ID; detailed educational, category and other certificates are uploaded with DAF-I for mains, and originals are checked at the personality test.

Always follow the latest UPSC CSE notification and DAF instructions, as missing or invalid documents at mains/Interview stage can cancel your IAS/IPS candidature.

1
Online Application (Prelims)

  • Scanned Photograph

    JPG/JPEG, about 20–200 KB, recent, plain background
    MANDATORY
    Used on all CSE admit cards and checked at prelims, mains and interview; must follow new 2026 photo rules and live-photo match.

  • Scanned Signature / Triple Signature

    JPG/JPEG, 20–100 KB, three signatures in black ink on white paper
    MANDATORY
    UPSC now requires three vertical signatures in one image; this signature is treated as identity proof and compared later.

  • Valid Photo Identity Proof (Upload + Original)

    Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID / DL / PAN
    MANDATORY
    Same ID is used throughout CSE 2026; number appears on admit cards and must match ID shown at exam and interview.
2
Prelims Exam Day

  • Prelims e-Admit Card

    A4 print, preferably colour
    MANDATORY
    Shows photo, signature, exam centre and roll number; required for entry to both GS & CSAT sessions.

  • Original Photo ID (Same as in Form)

    Govt-issued ID
    MANDATORY
    Identity checked at entry and during exam; mismatch with admit-card ID can lead to denial of entry.
3
DAF-I Uploads (For Mains)

  • Proof of Date of Birth

    Class 10 certificate or equivalent (scanned)
    MANDATORY
    Primary proof of DOB and name; without it CSE mains candidature can be rejected.

  • Graduation Degree Certificate & Marksheets

    Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; all years/semesters
    MANDATORY
    Confirms minimum educational qualification; final-year candidates must produce proof before interview/appointment.

  • Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)

    Central govt format, scanned
    Required to claim reservation and relaxation; OBC must be Non-Creamy Layer and valid as per UPSC cut-off dates.

  • EWS Certificate

    Latest financial year, competent authority
    Needed if EWS reservation was claimed in prelims form; must satisfy income/asset criteria.

  • PwBD / Disability Certificate (If Applicable)

    Benchmark disability certificate as per RPwD Act
    Mandatory for PwBD reservation and exam accommodations; verified later at interview.
4
Mains Examination

  • Mains e-Admit Card

    A4 print for all 9 papers
    MANDATORY
    Entry pass for all written papers; contains roll and centre details tied to your DAF.

  • Original Photo ID

    Same ID as in OTR
    MANDATORY
    Identity verification for multiple days of mains examinations.
5
Personality Test (Interview at UPSC)

  • e-Summon Letter & Interview Call

    Printout from UPSC portal
    MANDATORY
    Gate entry document specifying date, session and reporting time for personality test.

  • Original Matriculation / Birth Certificate

    Original + one self-attested photocopy
    MANDATORY
    UPSC verifies name and DOB directly from this certificate at the interview documentation desk.

  • Original Graduation Degree & Marksheets

    Originals + photocopies
    MANDATORY
    Used to confirm educational eligibility before adding your name to the final IAS/IPS list.

  • Original Category / EWS / PwBD Certificates

    Original + photocopies
    UPSC cross-checks reservation, PwBD and relaxation claims; wrong or missing certificates can change service allocation or lead to cancellation.

  • Passport-size Photographs

    2–4 recent photos, one self-attested
    Attached to various forms at UPSC (TA form, dossier, attestation forms etc.).

  • Travel Allowance (TA) Forms & Tickets (If Eligible)

    TA claim form + proof of journey
    Unemployed/eligible candidates can claim to-and-fro sleeper class fare; proof is submitted at UPSC.
6
Post-Result, Cadre & Service Allocation

  • Attestation Forms & Character Certificates

    Multiple signed copies with photos
    MANDATORY
    Sent to DoPT/state governments for police verification before IAS/IPS appointment.

  • NOC / Relieving Letter (If Employed)

    From Central/State Govt/PSU/private employer
    Needed to join IAS/IPS training on time without dual employment issues.
7
IAS / IPS Training (LBSNAA & Police Academy)

  • Offer of Appointment & Joining Instructions

    From DoPT / State Govt / MHA
    MANDATORY
    Specifies service (IAS/IPS), cadre, reporting date at LBSNAA or police academy and required forms.

  • Medical Fitness & Eye-Sight Reports (Especially for IPS)

    From designated government hospitals/centres
    IPS requires stricter physical and vision standards; final fitness is confirmed before or during training.

UPSC CSE Photo & Signature Specifications (2026)

Document Format File Size Key Rules
Photograph JPG/JPEG 20–200 KB (as per CSE notice) Recent, formal, full face with neutral expression; plain light background; must match mandatory live-photo capture.
Signature / Triple Signature JPG/JPEG 20–100 KB Three vertical signatures in black ink on white paper; clear and legible, no capital letters; treated as identity proof.
Photo ID (Upload) JPG/PDF 20–300 KB (varies) ID type and number locked for entire exam; must carry same original to prelims, mains and interview.

UPSC IAS / IPS Documents FAQ

Key document-related doubts for IAS/IPS aspirants.

Do I need to upload degree certificate with the CSE prelims form? ›
No, at prelims stage you generally only declare educational qualification; scanned degree and mark sheets are required at DAF-I (mains) stage.
Can final-year graduation students apply for IAS / IPS? ›
Yes, final-year students can apply provisionally, but they must produce proof of passing graduation before the interview/appointment.
What if my name or date of birth differs across certificates? ›
You should get corrections done and carry Gazette notification/affidavit; UPSC explicitly advises this, and mismatches can cause issues at personality test and later.
How many photocopies should I carry for the IAS / IPS interview? ›
UPSC generally needs one self-attested copy of each certificate, but many guides suggest carrying extra sets and photos for TA and DoPT/verification forms.