2 min readNew DelhiJun 20, 2026 03:10 PM IST
UPSC CSE Mains 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened the Detailed Application Form (DAF) window for candidates who have cleared the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 and are now eligible to appear for the Main Examination. Shortlisted candidates can complete the application process through the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in from June 19 to June 28, 2026.
The roll number-wise result of Prelims was announced on June 15, and the name-wise list was released on June 17. A total of 13,343 candidates have been shortlisted for CSE Main against 1,016 vacancies notified for this year’s cycle.
This special window allows candidates to submit the application form, pay the requisite examination fee, update scribe details (where applicable), and submit requirements for assistive devices and large-font question papers for candidates with benchmark disabilities. Candidates are also required to submit their cadre preferences during this period.
While the examination fee has been set at Rs 200, female candidates and those belonging to the SC, ST, and PwBD categories have been exempted from this payment.
UPSC has made it compulsory for every shortlisted candidate to log in to the portal and either submit fresh details or reconfirm existing information within the prescribed timeline. This step is non-negotiable as there is no provision for late submission or exceptions outside the stated window.
The Commission has clarified that e-Admit Cards for the Main Examination will be generated only after the DAF is successfully submitted. In other words, candidates who skip or delay this process will not receive their admit cards and, will not be permitted to appear for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026.
The DAF process is a critical step before the Main Examination. Candidates are strongly advised to complete all formalities well within the deadline to avoid last-minute technical glitches or disqualification. The nine-day window leaves little room for error, making early action essential for anyone hoping to advance in this year’s civil services recruitment cycle.