If you are planning to appear for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 or any other UPSC recruitment, it is important to complete your UPSC URN Registration well before 24th February 2026.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced an important update for aspirants across the country concerning the Universal Registration Number (URN) system. Candidates are required to complete their UPSC URN Registration 2026 before applying for any UPSC examination. As part of preparations for UPSC CSE 2026 and other upcoming recruitments, URN registration has become mandatory for all candidates.
UPSC URN Registration 2026 – Latest Update
UPSC has now made it mandatory for all candidates to complete their Universal Registration Number (URN) registration before applying to any recruitment notification. This step is to ensure data accuracy, avoid delays in selection processes, and create a permanent digital identity for every candidate.
According to the latest update:
- All candidates must register under the URN system before applying for UPSC CSE 2026.
- The Commission has discontinued the old OTR (One Time Registration) system completely.
- Only candidates who complete URN registration will be eligible to apply for UPSC CSE 2026 and all future recruitments.
- This update applies to all candidates, including those who were previously registered under OTR.
UPSC URN Registration Official Link
As the Commission has received multiple queries from candidates regarding the new registration process, the direct link for URN registration is provided below. Candidates can complete their one-time registration by clicking on the link shared below.
[Click Here for UPSC URN Registration 2026 – Universal Registration Number]
Difference Between UPSC URN vs OTR
UPSC introduced the URN (Universal Registration Number) system in 2025 to replace the older OTR (One Time Registration) system. While both systems were designed to simplify the application process, URN is now the only valid registration method for all UPSC exams.
| Feature | UPSC URN (Universal Registration Number) | UPSC OTR (One Time Registration) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Active – Mandatory for all exams from 2025 onwards | Discontinued – Not valid for new applications |
| Full Form | Universal Registration Number | One Time Registration |
| Purpose | Provides a permanent, verified identity for all UPSC exams | Stored basic personal details for reuse |
| Verification | Strict verification of identity & educational details; profile locked after submission | Minimal verification; candidates could edit anytime |
| Edit Option | Not allowed after URN generation | Data could be modified before each application |
| Reliability | Structured system with sequential data validation | Less structured; prone to errors |
| Lifetime Validity | Permanent – remains same across all exams | Was a one-time ID, now discontinued |
| Integration | Automatically links to Common Application Form and all future exams | Separate data had to be provided for some exams |
| Key Benefit | Eliminates repeated data entry, reduces errors, ensures transparency | Faster initial registration |
In short: OTR is discontinued. All candidates must now register afresh under the URN system to apply for UPSC CSE 2026 or any other UPSC recruitment.
How to Apply for UPSC Universal Registration (URN)?
Follow the step-by-step guide to complete your UPSC Universal Registration and generate your permanent URN.
| Step | Step Name | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Account Creation | Visit upsconline.nic.in. Create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number. Verify both with OTP. Set a strong password and save credentials safely. |
| 2 | Start Universal Registration | Log in and click on the “Universal Registration” link from the dashboard. |
| 3 | Keep Documents Ready | Keep your Class 10 mark sheet, Aadhaar card, and a valid photo ID handy. |
| 4 | Fill Identity Profile | Enter full name, date of birth, gender, and parents’ details exactly as per official records. |
| 5 | Fill Matriculation Details | Enter Class 10 board name, roll number, and year of passing. Must match your certificate exactly. |
| 6 | Add Aadhaar / Photo ID | Enter Aadhaar number or other valid photo ID. Aadhaar is recommended for faster verification. |
| 7 | Review All Details | Double-check every field. Errors cannot be corrected later. |
| 8 | Lock & Generate URN | Click “Lock and Submit” . Your Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated instantly. |
| 9 | Login Using URN | Use your URN and password to log in for all future UPSC exam applications. |
What Candidates Must Update in UPSC Universal Registration?
Since URN details are locked permanently after submission, candidates must verify the following fields carefully before locking:
| Field Category | Details to Verify |
|---|---|
| Personal Details | Full name, date of birth, gender, father’s name, mother’s name |
| Matriculation Details | Class 10 board name, roll number, year of passing |
| Photo ID Details | Aadhaar number / Passport / PAN / Voter ID – must match identity profile |
| Contact Details | Email ID, mobile number (for future communication) |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size colour photograph as per UPSC specifications |
| Signature | Legible scanned signature |
Note: The Commission allows no edit option after URN is generated. Candidates must verify these carefully — the locked URN profile will be treated as the final and primary record for all future UPSC recruitment processes.
Also Read: Railway RRB Normalization Process 2026 OUT for Group D, ALP, JE, NTPC and more Exams
Documents Required for UPSC URN Registration 2026
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card (recommended) / Passport / PAN Card / Voter ID | Identity verification |
| Class 10 Mark Sheet / Certificate | Matriculation details – board, roll number, year of passing |
| Passport-Size Colour Photograph | Recent photograph as per UPSC specifications |
| Scanned Signature | Legible signature for digital records |
| Active Email ID & Mobile Number | OTP verification, login, and all official communication |
