What documents are needed at the time of UPSC application and document verification?

Documentation is required at three stages: the preliminary application, the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for Mains, and the final interview.
For the Preliminary application, you only need digital copies of a valid Photo ID (like Aadhar or Voter ID), a recent passport-sized photograph (with your name and date), and your scanned signature. No educational certificates are uploaded at this initial stage.
If you qualify for the Mains, you must upload scanned copies in DAF-I. These include:

Proof of Age: Only the Class 10/Matriculation certificate is accepted.
Education: Graduation degree or a provisional certificate from a recognised university.
Category Proof: Valid SC/ST/OBC (NCL) or EWS certificates. Ensure caste certificates follow the prescribed UPSC format and specific financial year criteria.

At the Personality Test (Interview), you must bring the originals of all uploaded documents for physical verification in New Delhi, along with your e-Summon letter and self-attested photocopies. If you are a government servant, an Original No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer is also mandatory.