UPSC DAF-II 2026: Complete Checklist for the Post-Mains Application Update
The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 result is out, and 2,526 candidates have qualified for the Personality Test. Before the interview stage, every qualified candidate must complete the mandatory DAF-II update, even if nothing has changed.
This page brings together the dates, every section to verify, the documents to keep ready and the interview questions your DAF can lead to.
Key dates and details
| Mains result | 5 November 2026 |
| Candidates qualified | 2,526 |
| DAF-II opens | 11 November 2026 |
| Last date | 25 November 2026, 6:00 pm |
| Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
| Interview dates | To be announced |
| Venue | Dholpur House, New Delhi |
| E-summon letter | Online only |
Who must submit DAF-II 2026?
All 2,526 candidates who qualified in the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 must complete the update, including those whose information is unchanged. Reviewing your details is not the same as submitting them.
If you marked your educational qualification as “appearing” at the Preliminary Examination stage, you must update that status and upload proof of passing.
Printable DAF-II checklist, section by section
Tick each item as you check it. The interview questions are preparation prompts to help you reflect on your own DAF, not an official UPSC list.
Address, family and personal details
What to check
- Correspondence address
- Permanent address
- Parental details
- Marital status, where applicable
Questions this can lead to
- What distinguishes the place you call home?
- How have your family experiences shaped your view of society?
- What have you learned from living in different places?
Educational qualifications
What to check
- Higher educational qualification
- Qualification status, where applicable
- If “appearing” at Prelims: status updated and proof of passing uploaded
Questions this can lead to
- Why did you choose your field of study?
- Which ideas from your discipline are useful in public administration?
- How did your education shape your interest in the Civil Services?
Achievements and employment
What to check
- Achievements
- Employment details and service experience
- Service allocated in an earlier CSE, if any
Questions this can lead to
- Which achievement has been most meaningful to you, and why?
- What did your work teach you about responsibility?
- How would you bring your professional experience to public service?
Previous examinations and declarations
What to check
- Earlier examination details
- Attempt information
- Debarment information, where applicable
Questions this can lead to
- What did your earlier examination experience teach you?
- How has your understanding of the Civil Services changed during preparation?
Category details and socio-economic information
What to check
- PwBD recommendation details, where applicable
- OBC or EWS annexure, where applicable
- Socio-economic questionnaire
Broader governance themes to prepare
- How can public services become more accessible and inclusive?
- What can improve equitable access to government services?
Service preference, home cadre and disclosure
What to check
- Service preference
- Home cadre
- Pratibha Setu disclosure
Questions this can lead to
- What draws you to your preferred services?
- How would you explain the order of your preferences?
- What does public service mean to you personally?
Final verification and submission
What to check
- Every applicable section reviewed
- Final submission made on upsconline.nic.in before 6 pm, 25 November
- Unique reference number received by email or SMS
- Reference number saved for your records
For your preparation
- Know every line of your submitted DAF. The panel reads it before you walk in.
Documents to keep ready for the interview
| Original document | Note |
|---|---|
| Age certificate | Keep the original ready |
| Educational qualification certificates | Keep the relevant originals ready |
| Community certificate | Where applicable |
| EWS certificate | Where applicable |
| PwBD certificate | Where applicable |
| Travelling Allowance (TA) form | Carry it to the interview |
After you submit: what comes next
- Confirmation. A unique reference number is sent by email or SMS after submission.
- Address or contact changes. Only changes of address or contact details may be sent to csm-upsc@nic.in within seven days of the notice dated 5 November 2026. This does not replace the DAF-II submission.
- Interview schedule. UPSC will announce the dates later. Interviews are held at Dholpur House, New Delhi.
- E-summon letter. Available online only, and only to candidates who have submitted DAF-II.
- DoPT Attestation Form. Available on cseplus.dopt.gov.in from the start of the interviews.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking “no change” means no submission. Every qualified candidate must log in, verify and submit.
- Missing the “appearing” update. Update the status and upload proof of passing.
- Stopping at review. Checking your details is not the final submission.
- Not looking for the reference number. It is your confirmation.
- Waiting for a letter by post. The e-summon letter is online only.
- Leaving documents for the last week. Keep the originals and the TA form ready early.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to submit UPSC DAF-II 2026?
The window runs from 11 November to 25 November 2026, until 6:00 pm, on upsconline.nic.in.
Is DAF-II compulsory if I have nothing to update?
Yes. Even if no details have changed, you must log in, verify and submit. Otherwise no e-summon letter is issued.
I was marked “appearing” at Prelims. What should I do?
Update your educational qualification status and upload proof of passing during DAF-II.
How will I know my DAF-II has been submitted?
A unique reference number is sent by email or SMS after submission. Keep it for your records.
When do the UPSC CSE 2026 interviews begin?
UPSC will announce the dates later. Interviews are held at Dholpur House, New Delhi, and e-summon letters are available online only.
UPSC helpline for examination queries: 011-40303444 / 24041001. Always refer to the official UPSC portal for submission and examination communication.
