Last Updated: June 20, 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened the Detailed Application Form-I (DAF-I) window for candidates who qualified in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. Submission of the DAF-I is a mandatory requirement for admission to the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026.
According to UPSC’s examination instructions for the current recruitment cycle, the DAF-I is used to verify candidate records, reservation claims, educational qualifications, examination preferences, and service choices. Only candidates who complete this process within the notified timeline will be considered for the next stage of the examination.
Important Dates
|
Event |
Status |
Date |
|
DAF-I Window Opens |
Confirmed |
June 19, 2026 |
|
DAF-I Window Closes |
Confirmed |
June 28, 2026 |
|
Submission Deadline |
Confirmed |
6:00 PM |
|
Civil Services (Main) Examination Begins |
Confirmed |
August 21, 2026 |
Verification Note: Dates are based on UPSC examination notices and programme schedules available for the 2026 examination cycle. Readers should verify any updates through the latest UPSC notification.
Who Needs to Submit the DAF-I?
The form is meant for candidates who have qualified in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. UPSC has stated that e-Admit Cards for the Main Examination will be generated only after successful submission of the DAF-I.
Failure to submit the form within the prescribed period may lead to cancellation of candidature for the Mains examination stage.
Information Required in the DAF-I
The application records several categories of information required for examination administration and future service allocation.
Key Details to Be Confirmed
- Service preferences, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other services
- Cadre preferences, where applicable
- Examination centre selection
- Medium of examination
- Indian language paper
- Personal and educational details
Candidates belonging to the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category can also update information relating to approved examination accommodations.
Required Documents
|
Document |
Purpose |
|
Class 10 Certificate |
Date of birth verification |
|
Graduation Certificate/Marksheets |
Educational qualification verification |
|
SC/ST/OBC/EWS Certificate |
Reservation verification |
|
PwBD Certificate |
Disability status verification |
|
Aadhaar Card, Voter ID or Passport |
Identity verification |
|
Gazette Notification (if applicable) |
Name change verification |
Document specifications remain subject to UPSC instructions issued for the examination cycle.
Application Fee
|
Category |
Fee* |
|
General Male Candidates |
₹200 |
|
OBC Male Candidates |
₹200 |
|
Female Candidates |
Exempted |
|
SC Candidates |
Exempted |
|
ST Candidates |
Exempted |
|
PwBD Candidates |
Exempted |
*Fee provisions should be verified through the latest UPSC Civil Services Examination notification.
Why the DAF-I Matters
The DAF-I is an important verification stage in the Civil Services Examination process. Information submitted through the form is used by UPSC to finalize candidate records, verify eligibility claims, manage examination logistics, and record service preferences before the Main Examination.
Fraud and Safety Advisory
Applicants should use only official UPSC portals for registration, fee payment, and document uploads. Passwords, OTPs, and banking information should never be shared with unknown individuals or third-party agencies.
UPSC does not authorize agents to secure selection, modify examination records, or obtain approvals in exchange for payment. Any suspicious communication should be verified directly through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DAF-I mandatory for appearing in UPSC Mains 2026?
Yes. UPSC has stated that eligible candidates must submit the DAF-I to proceed to the Main Examination stage.
Can service preferences be changed after submission?
Candidates should refer to the latest UPSC instructions regarding modification rules applicable to the examination cycle.
Which website should be used for submission?
The form must be submitted through the official UPSC online application portal using valid login credentials.
Official Sources
This article is based on information available from:
- UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification
- UPSC DAF-I Instructions
- UPSC Document Upload Guidelines
- UPSC Examination Programme 2026
Source Retrieval Context: Official UPSC documents and examination schedules accessed for the 2026 examination cycle. Readers should refer to the latest notification for any revisions.
Editorial Disclaimer
Examination schedules, procedural requirements, fee provisions, and eligibility-related instructions may be revised through subsequent UPSC notifications. Official notifications, circulars, and portal updates issued by UPSC will prevail over information summarized in this article. Readers are advised to verify all requirements through the latest official UPSC communications before taking action.