Following the announcement of the UPSC Prelims 2025 results, the UPSC Mains 2025 has open a window for updation of specific details related to the Civil Services (Main) Examination on 16 June.The last date for update will 25 June 2025 to DAF related registration.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit candidates for prestigious positions such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
The CSE is a three-stage process: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. On 25 May 2025 , UPSC Prelims 2025 was conducted. Following this, on June 11, 2025, UPSC announced the results of the UPSC Prelims 2025. Candidates who have qualified are now eligible to update the specific information for the UPSC Mains 2025.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the registration process and information updation, key dates, exam schedule, eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step application guide to ensure a smooth experience.

UPSC Mains 2025: Information Updation Window – Important Dates
Timely completion of updation of information is critical to participate in the UPSC Mains 2025. Below are the essential dates candidates must note:
- Updation Window Start Date: June 16, 2025
The online updation window opens on this date, allowing qualified candidates to begin filling out the specific information for the Mains examination.
- Last Date to for Updation : June 25, 2025
Candidates must complete and submit their applications by 6:00 PM on this date. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
- Mains Examination Dates: Start from 25th August 2025
The UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted over five days, with sessions scheduled on two consecutive weekends.
- Admit Card Release: Expected in early August 2025
Candidates can download their e-Admit Cards from the UPSC website approximately two weeks before the exam.
Missing these deadlines or failing to comply with updation requirements may disqualify candidates from appearing in the Mains examination. Regularly check the official UPSC website (https://www.upsc.gov.in) for updates or changes to the schedule.
Step by Step to Login, Register and Update DAF for UPSC Mains 2025
- Login Using Existing OTR Details: Visit the official UPSC application portal: https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/index.php.
Log in using your previously registered OTR (One Time Registration) credentials. Then, navigate to the latest notification for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025.

- Read Important Instructions: Carefully go through the instructions provided before proceeding. It’s essential to be aware of the application requirements and formalities.
- Complete Part III of the Application: Submit the required fee (if applicable) and review the DAF PDF preview. Please note that the preview has limited utility, as several fields can only be edited post the declaration of the Mains result.
- Final Submission: After reviewing the form, proceed with final submission. This step is mandatory. If the final submission is not completed, your application will be summarily rejected without any further notice or opportunity for correction.
Eligibility and Requirements for UPSC Mains 2025
Admission to the UPSC Mains 2025 is provisional and subject to fulfilling specific conditions. Below are the key requirements:
1. Registration Fee
- Fee Amount: Rs. 200
- Candidates must pay this non-refundable fee during the online registration process. Payment can be made via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Exemptions: The following categories are exempt from paying the fee:
a. Female candidates
b. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
c. Scheduled Castes (SC)
d. Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Candidates claiming exemption must select the appropriate category during registration and provide supporting documents if required.
2. Special Requirements
Candidates with specific needs must declare them during registration:
- Scribe: Candidates with visual impairments or other disabilities requiring a scribe must specify this in the registration form. They must also submit a disability certificate and a scribe request form.
- Assistive Devices: Candidates needing assistive devices (e.g., magnifiers, hearing aids) or question papers in larger font sizes should mention these requirements clearly.
- Supporting Documents: Upload relevant certificates (e.g., PwBD certificate) to substantiate the request.
3. Name Change or Mismatch
If the name on the application form differs from that on educational certificates (e.g., due to a legal name change post-matriculation), candidates must provide:
- A Gazette Notification reflecting the name change.
- Additional identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, passport) to verify the change.
- Failure to submit these documents may lead to disqualification.
4. Age and Attempt Limits
- Age Limit: General category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as of August 1, 2025. Relaxations apply for SC/ST (up to 37 years), OBC (up to 35 years), and PwBD candidates.
- Number of Attempts: General category candidates are allowed six attempts, while SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts (up to the age limit), and OBC candidates get nine attempts.
To know more about UPSC notification 2025 and important changes in application, please read the blog
[UPSC CSE 2025 Notification: Important Changes and Application Do’s & Don’ts]
UPSC Mains 2025 Exam
The UPSC Mains Examination consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers and seven merit-based papers. The tentative schedule is as follows:
- Paper A (Indian Language, Qualifying, 300 marks)
- Paper B (English, Qualifying, 300 marks)
- Essay Paper (250 marks)
- General Studies Paper I (250 marks)
- General Studies Paper II (250 marks)
- General Studies Paper III (250 marks)
- General Studies Paper IV (250 marks)
- Optional Paper I (250 marks)
- Optional Paper II (250 marks)
Each paper is three hours long, with sessions typically held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (forenoon) and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (afternoon). The total marks for the merit-based papers (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II) are 1750, which contribute to the final ranking, along with the Interview (275 marks).
UPSC Mains 2025: Preparation Tips
While completing registration, candidates should also focus on preparing for the Mains examination. Here are some strategies:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus for General Studies (GS) Papers I–IV, Essay, and your chosen optional subject.
- Practice Answer Writing: The Mains is descriptive, requiring concise and well-structured answers. Practice writing answers within the word limit (150–250 words per question).
- Refer to Previous Papers: Analyze past years’ question papers to identify trends and prioritize topics.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated on national and international events through newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and monthly magazines.
- Mock Tests: Enroll in test series to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
- Language Papers: Ensure proficiency in the Indian language (Paper A) and English (Paper B), as these are qualifying papers.
Also Read :
- Mastering the Art of Essay Writing in UPSC Mains Exam
- How to Prepare UPSC Mains Paper 1 History and Culture
- UPSC Mains GS 2 - Answer Writing Strategy
- UPSC Mains GS 3 2025 : Strategy & Guide
- UPSC Mains GS 4 Ethics Strategy & Guide
UPSC Mains 2025 Registration FAQs
- When does the UPSC Mains 2025 registration start?
Ans .The registration window opens on June 16, 2025.
2 .What is the last date to apply for UPSC Mains 2025?
Ans. The deadline is June 25, 2025, by 6:00 PM.
- Who is exempt from the UPSC Mains registration fee?
Ans. Female candidates, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are exempt from the Rs. 200 fee.
4 .When will the UPSC Mains 2025 admit card be released?
Ans. Admit cards are expected to be available in early August 2025 on the UPSC website.