To apply for the IAS exam online, follow these steps.
The application process is conducted through the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) website.
Steps to Apply Online for the IAS Exam:
1. Visit the UPSC Official Website
- Go to the UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
2. Find the IAS Exam Notification
- Look for the Civil Services Examination Notification on the homepage. It is usually published in February each year.
- Click on the "Notification" link to open the detailed notification, which will contain all the important information like eligibility criteria, exam dates, and detailed instructions.
3. Register for the Exam
The application process is done in two parts: Part I (registration) and Part II (application submission).
Part I: Registration
- Click on the “Apply Online” link on the UPSC website. This will redirect you to the online application portal.
- Select the exam: Choose Civil Services Examination from the list of available exams.
- Fill in your details: In the first part of the application, you will be asked to fill in basic personal information, like:
Name
Date of birth
Gender
Category (General, OBC, SC/ST, etc.)
Educational qualification
Address and contact details
- After completing the registration form, submit the details. Once submitted, you will get a registration ID. Note down this ID for future reference.
Part II: Application Submission
- After registering, you can proceed to Part II of the application process.
- Login with your Registration ID: Using your registration ID and date of birth, log in to the portal.
- Fill in the application form: In this part, you will need to provide further details such as:
Your preferred exam center.
Optional subject (for Mains exam).
Upload scanned copies of required documents (e.g., photograph, signature, and category certificate if applicable).
Pay the application fee:
- The fee for General/OBC candidates is ₹100.
- There is no fee for SC/ST/PH and female candidates.
- The fee can be paid online (credit/debit card, net banking) or offline (by visiting any branch of the State Bank of India).
Review your application: Before submitting, carefully review all the details you’ve entered to ensure everything is accurate.
Submit your application: Once you are sure that all the information is correct, submit the form.
4. Print the Application Form
After successful submission, you will be able to download and print the application form. This printout is not required to be sent to UPSC, but it's good to keep it for your records.
5. Confirmation of Submission
You will receive a confirmation email or SMS, acknowledging that your application has been submitted successfully.
Important Notes:
Application Fee: If you are paying online, make sure to keep the payment receipt for your records.
Photograph & Signature: Make sure that the scanned photograph and signature meet the required specifications (usually in JPEG format with specific size and resolution).
Eligibility Check: Before filling out the form, carefully check the eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification to ensure you qualify for the exam.
Admit Card: Once the application is successfully submitted, you will receive an admit card for the Prelims exam, which can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Application Timeline:
- The UPSC typically releases the notification for the IAS exam in February.
- The last date for applying is usually in March.
- The Prelims exam is held in June, and the Mains exam typically follows in September.
Helpful Links:
- UPSC Official Website https://www.upsc.gov.in
By following these steps, you will successfully apply for the IAS exam online. Make sure to stay updated on the latest notifications and deadlines provided by UPSC.