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UPSC Mains Exam: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has commenced the application process for the Civil Services Main Examination 2026. Candidates can apply until June 28.

There is good news for candidates who successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary stage conducted by the UPSC. The Commission has initiated the application process for the Civil Services Main Examination 2026. Candidates who have passed the preliminary exam are now required to fill out the Detailed Application Form (DAF) between June 19 and June 28, 2026.

All successful candidates must log in to the official portal to re-verify their information and submit the necessary details. During this period, facilities are also provided for paying the examination fee, updating information regarding a scribe (writing assistant), requesting assistive devices, and indicating cadre preferences.

According to media reports, over 13,000 candidates have qualified in this year's preliminary examination. These candidates are now required to fill out the Detailed Application Form.

What is the fee?

Candidates belonging to the General category are required to pay an examination fee of ₹200. However, candidates belonging to the Female, SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories are exempted from the fee. The UPSC has clarified that candidates who fail to submit the DAF within the stipulated timeframe will not be permitted to appear for the Civil Services Main Examination 2026. E-admit cards will be issued only to those candidates who have completed the application process.

Main Examination to Begin on August 21

The Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 is scheduled to commence on August 21, 2026. The examination will consist of a total of nine papers. Of these, two papers—one on an Indian language and one on English—will be qualifying in nature, while the merit list will be prepared based on the total marks (1,750) obtained in the remaining seven papers. These seven papers will comprise one Essay paper, four General Studies papers (GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, and GS-IV), and two papers on the Optional Subject. Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination will be called for a Personality Test (Interview) carrying 275 marks. Candidates may visit the official website for further details.

Easy steps to fill the DAF

• First, visit the official UPSC website.
• Log in using your registration details.
• Verify your personal and educational information.
• Update details regarding reservation and category.
• Carefully fill in your cadre preferences.
• Provide details regarding a scribe or assistive devices, if required.
• Pay the application fee.
• Review all information and submit the form.
• Download and save the confirmation page.
• Download the e-admit card before the examination.