How to apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2027: steps, photo and document sizes
The application steps and the exact photo, signature and document file sizes, read from the official bulletin. Check the sizes before you start.
These figures are for: 2027 dates from UPSC's calendar. Rules from the 2026 notice, until the 2027 notice on 13 January 2027.
| Where | Online only, at upsconline.nic.in |
|---|---|
| The four modules | Account creation, Universal Registration and the Common Application Form (all three can be filled at any time), then the examination-specific module, which opens in the window the notice allows |
| URN | Registering gives you a Universal Registration Number, used for every UPSC exam. You register once in your lifetime. |
| Application Number | Generated when you finish the exam-specific form. It differs for each exam. Keep it with your URN for any contact with UPSC. |
| ID document | UPSC strongly advises Aadhaar. You give the details of one photo ID while filling the URN profile and should carry that ID to the exam. |
| Photo and signature | Uploaded in the form; the portal has instructions under Photos and Signature |
| Before you start | Read the portal's general instructions first and have your documents ready |
Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notice, how to apply (the latest published). Checked on 10 November 2026.
Not announced yet for the next cycle: The 2027 notification (scheduled for 13 January 2027): the final eligibility, age limits, number of attempts, vacancies and fee for 2027; Any change to the syllabus and scheme for 2027. See the UPSC CSE page for the latest dates.
More on UPSC CSE: dates, eligibility, exam pattern, application fee. Official site: upsc.gov.in.