UPSC OTR 2026: One Time Registration & New Online Application Portal

The UPSC OTR (One-Time Registration) was introduced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to simplify and streamline the process of applying for UPSC examinations, including the Civil Services (CSE), IES/ISS, NDA, and CDS, among others.

UPSC’s OTR system has been discontinued and replaced by a new UPSC Online Application Portal for all future exam registrations. This means the traditional “OTR” as it existed is no longer valid for 2026 exams, such as the Civil Services 2026. 

To make the application process more efficient and user-friendly, UPSC revamped its earlier registration system. Here’s a quick look at how the old OTR system evolved into the new UPSC online application portal.

Old OTR System (Discontinued)

Previously, UPSC had a One-Time Registration (OTR) system where candidates created a profile once and used it to apply for multiple exams. However:

• The old OTR module is no longer applicable for new UPSC exams.
• Applicants must freshly register on the new portal even if they had a valid old OTR profile.

New UPSC Online Application Portal

UPSC launched a completely revamped portal on 28 May 2025, designed to:

• Standardise and streamline registrations,
• Reduce repetitive form filling,
• Save time and avoid a last-minute rush,
• Improve data accuracy and verification.

This new platform simplifies the application journey for all aspirants for exams, including CSE (IAS/IPS), NDA, CDS, ESE, IES, CMS, AFCAT and others administered by UPSC.

Also see: PRATIBHA Setu: UPSC Aspirants’ Bridge to Alternative Career Pathways

The portal is divided into four key sections, each serving a specific purpose but together forming a complete application ecosystem.

1. Account Creation

This is the first step every aspirant must complete:

• Provide basic personal details — name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
• Set up a secure login for the UPSC portal.
• This step creates your unique UPSC account.

This step enables you to access the rest of the portal features.

2. Universal Registration

Once your account is created, you proceed to fill in the Universal Registration details:

• This includes contact information, address, education history, and ID proof.
• Aspirants are strongly encouraged to use the Aadhaar Card for identity verification, as it helps streamline authentication across several exams.

This information will remain part of your profile and can be reused for multiple future UPSC applications.

3. Common Application Form

After completing universal registration:

• You will fill out the Common Application Form, which standardises details common to most UPSC exams, for example, category, academic qualifications, and more.
• This form is reusable and can be updated when needed.

This modular approach means you complete the bulk of your application work beforehand, reducing stress when exam notifications are released.

4. Examination Section

This is where you:

• Select the specific UPSC exam you want to apply for,
• Upload or review exam-specific data,
• Pay the application fee, and
• Submit your final application.

This section is accessible only when UPSC releases the official exam notification and is time-limited, so you must complete it within the notification window.

Also see: Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS in UPSC IAS Exam

Here’s how to complete your UPSC OTR (One Time Registration) or new portal profile:

Step 1: Visit the UPSC Portal

• Go to: https://upsconline.nic.in
• Ensure you use a desktop or mobile browser that’s updated for better performance.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Enter:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Mobile Number
• Email ID
• Other required details

Submit to receive an OTP on mobile/email. Verify immediately.

Step 3: Complete Universal Registration

Once logged in:

• Fill in your permanent address
• Add educational details
• Upload identity documents (preferably Aadhaar)

This section can be completed before exam notifications, so you’re ready when the time comes.

Step 4: Fill Common Application

This standardises shared information across exams — e.g., academic qualifications, category, gender, and more.

Step 5: Choose Exam & Submit

When UPSC announces an exam (e.g., UPSC CSE 2026):

• Select it from the Examination section
• Enter any exam-specific information
• Upload documents (photo, signature, category certificates)
• Pay the application fee
• Submit your final application
• Download or print the confirmation receipt.

Documents You Must Upload

• Ensure you keep scanned copies in the prescribed format:
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Candidate’s signature
• Educational qualification certificates
• Category certificates (if applicable)
• Disability certificates (if applicable)
• Ex-serviceman certificates (if applicable)
• Aadhaar Card for identity verification

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Here are the key benefits of the new portal introduced by the UPSC:

• Saves Time: Complete most of the application steps in advance, before exam notifications.
• Reduces Errors: Standardised forms and the reuse of basic data prevent repeated entries.
• Better Verification: Using Aadhaar simplifies identity proof and reduces disputes later.
• Preparedness: Candidates can keep their profiles up to date and ready to apply as soon as an exam is announced.

Things to Remember for UPSC 2026 Aspirants

• The old OTR system is deactivated; your old OTR ID cannot be used for new applications.
• You must register fresh on the new portal to apply for UPSC 2026 exams, even if you had an existing OTR profile.
• Uploading documents and verifying identity during universal registration is mandatory to avoid rejection.
• Keep your login credentials safe, such as email ID, mobile number, OTP access, and password, as these are required for all future UPSC applications.

The UPSC OTR / New Online Application Portal at upsconline.nic.in is now the central and compulsory gateway for all UPSC exam applications. This modern and structured system is designed to make applications faster, more accurate, and convenient for millions of aspirants across India.

Must see: UPSC Calendar 2026: Exam Dates and Details

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