New Rules in UPSC Notification 2026, 14 Major Changes, Check Now

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced significant changes in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 application process. These updates focus on simplification, faster verification, transparency, and stricter rules for eligibility. Candidates must carefully follow these instructions to avoid rejection or cancellation of their application. The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026, 6:00 PM.

This article explains all New Change in UPSC Notification 2026, new modules, and important instructions.

1. Introduction of Four-Stage Online Application System 2026

UPSC has redesigned its online application portal into four modules. Three modules are common for all exams, while one is exam-specific.

Step 1: Account Creation

• Visit the official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
• Register using email ID and mobile number.
• This account will be used for all communication from UPSC.

Step 2: Universal Registration Number (URN)

After registration, a Universal Registration Number (URN) is generated.

URN is permanent for life and is required for all future UPSC exams.

Core details stored in URN include:

• Name, date of birth, identity details
• Contact and address details
• Photo ID (Aadhaar is recommended)

Important: URN is created only once. No need to re-register for future exams.

Step 3: Common Application Form (CAF)

The CAF collects general details applicable to all UPSC exams:

• Personal information
• Educational qualification
• Identity proof
• Address
• Category details (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)

Key Rule: CAF is common; you do not need to refill it for each exam.

Step 4: Examination-Specific Module

This module is exam-specific and changes with each examination:

• Select exam centre
• Pay the application fee
• Choose service preferences
• Select optional subject and medium of exam

2. Mandatory Live Photo Capture

UPSC has introduced live photo capture as a compulsory requirement for the UPSC 2026 examination. Candidates must upload a recent passport-size photograph and also capture a live photograph while filling the application form.

The uploaded photograph and live photo must match the candidate’s current appearance. If the images are blurred, unclear, or mismatched, the application may be rejected.

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3. New Signature Upload Rule

UPSC has introduced strict guidelines for signature upload. Candidates must sign three times on a plain white sheet of paper using black ink. The sheet must then be scanned and uploaded in the specified format.

The signature must be clearly visible and readable. Any blurred, incomplete, or incorrect signature may lead to invalidation of the application. This rule helps maintain uniformity and ensures accurate identity verification during document checking and examination procedures.

4. Aadhaar-Based Verification Encouraged

UPSC strongly recommends candidates to use Aadhaar as their primary identity document. Aadhaar enables faster verification and smooth authentication during different stages of the examination process.

Although Aadhaar is encouraged, candidates can also use other valid government-issued identity documents such as:

• Voter ID
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Driving Licence

Using Aadhaar helps minimize verification delays and improves accuracy in candidate identification.

5. No Correction or Withdrawal After Submission

One of the strictest rules introduced in UPSC CSE 2026 is the complete removal of correction and withdrawal facilities after final submission of the application form.

Once the application is submitted:

• No changes can be made
• No corrections are allowed
• Application cannot be withdrawn

6. One-Time URN Profile Update Facility

UPSC has allowed candidates to update their URN profile only once. This facility is helpful for candidates who need to correct or update their permanent profile details.

However, there are important conditions:

• Changes made in URN will not affect already submitted applications
• Updated details will be applicable only for future applications

Therefore, candidates must ensure accuracy before locking their URN profile.

7. Online Admit Card Only

UPSC has shifted completely to an online admit card system. Admit cards will not be sent through post or email. Candidates must download their e-Admit Card from the official UPSC website using their login credentials. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination centre.

8. Mandatory Face Authentication at Exam Centre

UPSC has introduced mandatory face authentication at examination centres to enhance security and eliminate impersonation.

Every candidate must undergo:

• Face verification
• Identity document verification
• Security frisking

Candidates are advised to reach the examination centre early to complete these procedures smoothly and avoid last-minute delays.

9. Restrictions on Applying for the Examination

We have explained below all the restrictions for applying based on the official UPSC Notification 2026.

• A candidate who has already been appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) through the results of any previous Civil Services Examination, and is currently serving in that service, will not be permitted to appear in the Civil Services Examination 2026.
• If a candidate is appointed to the IAS or IFS after qualifying the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 and continues to serve in that service, they will not be eligible to appear for the Civil Services Main Examination 2026.
• If a candidate is appointed to the IAS or IFS after the Civil Services Main Examination 2026 has started but before the final result is declared, and continues in that service, they will not be considered for appointment to any service based on CSE 2026 results.
• A candidate who has already been selected or appointed to the Indian Police Service (IPS) through any previous Civil Services Examination will not be allowed to opt for or be allocated to the IPS again based on the CSE 2026 results.

One-Time Improvement Opportunity for IPS / Group ‘A’ Service Candidates (CSE 2026)

• Candidates allocated to IPS or any Central Group ‘A’ Service through CSE 2026 can appear in CSE 2027 if they meet eligibility conditions.
  Candidate must obtain one-time exemption from joining training of the allocated service to appear in CSE 2027.
• Candidate can avail only one such exemption, and must join the Foundation Course (FC) if training is joined.
• If the candidate neither joins training nor takes exemption, the CSE 2026 service allocation will be cancelled.
• If selected again in CSE 2027, the candidate must choose between service allocated in 2026 or 2027. The unchosen service will be cancelled.
• If the candidate appears in CSE 2027 but does not get any service, they can join the service allocated through CSE 2026.
• If the candidate fails to join training of the final chosen service, allocation of both services will be cancelled.
• Candidate seniority will be determined based on the service they finally join and will not be reduced.
• After using this one-time improvement attempt, the candidate cannot appear in CSE 2028 or later unless they resign from service.
• If the candidate wants to use remaining attempts in future CSEs, they must not join any allocated service, and the allocation will automatically stand cancelled.
• Candidates already allocated any service through CSE 2025 or earlier can appear once in either CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 without resigning, but must resign if they wish to appear in CSE 2028 or later.

10. Question Paper Representation Window Changed

Earlier, the time frame for question paper representation was 7 days, which was from the next day of the exam to 6 PM of 7th day.

As per the New UPSC Notification 2026, the time frame has been reduced to 5 days, which is from the 3rd day of the exam to 6 PM of 7th day.

11. Centre Allocation Rule for UPSC 2026

This year, the UPSC Notification 2026 states that PwBD candidates can still opt for desired centres even after capacity is reached, and the centre allocation will be based on first-apply-first-allot basis.

12. Rules for OBC Non Creamy Layer & EWS Candidates

The OBC candidate applying for CSE 2026 must produce OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate based on the income for the financial year (FY) 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and issued after 01-04-2025 (after the completion of FY 2024-25).

The EWS Certificate for the Economically Weaker Section reservation must be issued based on income & asset certificate for the financial year 2024-25 and must be issued on or after 01-04-2025 but not later than closing date of submission.

13. Post Prelims & Post Mains Logins Made Mandatory

For UPSC CSE 2026, there is a provision of mandatory login after Prelims Result (10 days) and after Mains Written Result (15 days). Failure to login/update will lead to disqualification.

14. Key Points Candidates Must Remember

Candidates applying for UPSC CSE 2026 must keep the following important points in mind:

• Register only once using the URN system
• Fill the Common Application Form carefully
• Upload clear live photograph and signature
• Prefer Aadhaar for quick verification
• Recheck all details before final submission
• Understand that correction and withdrawal are not allowed
• Download admit card online and carry valid ID proof