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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced significant changes in its online application system for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 following multiple complaints from aspirants regarding technical glitches in the application process. The UPSC OTR Changes 2025 aim to enhance user accessibility, correct discrepancies, and streamline the registration process.

Key Changes in UPSC Online Application Process

1. Editable Fields in One-Time Registration (OTR) Profile

To address concerns raised by candidates, UPSC has allowed certain fields in the OTR profile to be editable until the final submission of the application and during the correction window. These include:
✅ Change of Name (if applicable)
✅ Gender
✅ Minority Status
✅ Class 10th Board Examination Roll Number

However, certain critical details remain non-editable once registered.

2. Non-Editable Fields in OTR Profile

Candidates will not be allowed to make any changes in the following columns:
❌ Name (as per Class 10 certificate)
❌ Date of Birth
❌ Father’s Name
❌ Mother’s Name
❌ Registered Mobile Number
❌ Registered Email ID

3. Procedures for Mobile Number and Email ID Changes

In case a candidate has lost access to their registered mobile number or email ID, UPSC has introduced the following measures:

Scenario	Solution Provided by UPSC
Lost access to mobile number but has access to email ID	Candidate can request a mobile number change by verifying an OTP sent to the registered email ID.
Lost access to email ID but has access to mobile number	Candidate can request an email ID change by verifying an OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
Lost access to both registered mobile number and email ID	Candidate must send a formal request to UPSC (otrupsc@gov.in) with: 1. Matriculation certificate 2. Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, or Driving License 3. Recent passport-size photograph 4. An undertaking in the prescribed format

4. Mandatory Disclosure for PwBD Candidates Seeking ‘Own Scribe’ Assistance

PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates who wish to use their ‘own scribe’ must mandatorily provide their details at the time of Preliminary Examination registration.
For those applying for the Civil Services (Main) Examination, they can update or provide details after the Prelims result is declared.

5. Name Change Verification Process

If a candidate’s name has changed and does not match their matriculation or higher education certificates, they must submit a gazette notification confirming the name change.
If the gazette notification is not available, the candidate must upload it later during a separate window after the declaration of the Prelims results.

6. Special Instructions for Candidates with Integrated Master’s Degrees

Candidates who hold an integrated Master’s degree (combined undergraduate and postgraduate program) must enter the same course details in both the Graduation and Higher Qualification columns.
Candidates are advised to carefully verify all details before submitting their applications.

7. UPSC Application Correction Window

After submitting the application, candidates will have one week to make corrections if required.
Correction Window Dates: February 19 to February 25, 2025.
No changes will be allowed after the correction window expires.

8. Extension of Application Deadline

The deadline for Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 and Indian Forest Service Preliminary Examination 2025 has been extended until February 18, 2025 (6 PM).
Previously, the deadline was February 11, 2025.
Candidates must apply online at: upsconline.gov.in.

9. Examination Dates and Vacancies

📌 Civil Services Preliminary Examination Date: May 25, 2025.
📌 Total Vacancies: Approximately 979, including 38 reserved seats for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

10. Reason Behind These Changes

The reforms in the UPSC online application process come in response to technical issues faced by candidates and concerns over misrepresentation of eligibility criteria.

Notably, the changes follow the controversy involving former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who was accused of misrepresenting caste and disability benefits to qualify for government service. While she denied the allegations, the incident has prompted greater scrutiny in UPSC’s application and verification processes.

The UPSC’s revised online application system for the Civil Services Examination 2025 aims to enhance transparency, improve accessibility, and prevent fraudulent applications. Candidates are advised to:
✅ Carefully review their application details before submission.
✅ Use the correction window (Feb 19-25, 2025) if necessary.
✅ Submit required documents in case of name changes or other discrepancies.

With these changes, UPSC seeks to ensure a fair, efficient, and streamlined application process for all civil services aspirants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why has UPSC introduced changes in the online application process?

UPSC has introduced changes to the online application process after civil services aspirants reported technical glitches and issues with registration and editing details. The new modifications aim to:

Allow certain fields to be edited before final submission and during the correction window.
Improve accessibility for candidates facing issues with mobile number/email ID updates.
Enhance verification processes to prevent fraudulent applications.

2. Which fields in the One-Time Registration (OTR) profile can be edited?

The following fields can be edited until the final submission of the application and during the correction window:
✔ Change of Name (if applicable)
✔ Gender
✔ Minority Status
✔ Class 10th Board Examination Roll Number

3. Which fields are non-editable in the OTR profile?

The following details cannot be changed once registered:
❌ Name (as per Class 10 certificate)
❌ Date of Birth
❌ Father’s Name
❌ Mother’s Name
❌ Registered Mobile Number
❌ Registered Email ID

4. How can I change my registered mobile number or email ID?

If you have lost access to your mobile number but have access to your email ID, an OTP will be sent to your registered email ID to verify and update the mobile number.
If you have lost access to your email ID but have access to your mobile number, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number to verify and update the email ID.

5. What should I do if I have lost access to both my registered mobile number and email ID?

If you no longer have access to both your registered mobile number and email ID, you must:

Send a request to UPSC via email at otrupsc@gov.in.
Attach the following documents:
✅ Matriculation certificate
✅ Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, or Driving License
✅ Recent passport-size photograph
✅ An undertaking in the prescribed format

6. How can PwBD candidates register for ‘own scribe’ assistance?

PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates seeking to use their own scribe for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination must provide scribe details during registration.
For the Main Examination, PwBD candidates can update or provide new scribe details after the Prelims result is declared.

7. What should I do if my name has changed and does not match my matriculation or higher education certificate?

Candidates with a name change must upload a Gazette Notification as proof.
If the Gazette Notification is unavailable at the time of application, candidates must upload it during a separate window after the declaration of Prelims results.

8. How should candidates with an Integrated Master’s Degree fill out the application?

Candidates holding an integrated Master’s degree (combined UG + PG program) should enter the same course details under both the Graduation and Higher Qualification sections.

9. Can I correct any mistakes in my application after submission?

Yes. UPSC provides a correction window for candidates to make necessary changes.

Correction Window Dates: February 19 to February 25, 2025.
Candidates must ensure all details are correct before the correction window closes.

10. What is the new deadline for UPSC CSE 2025 application?

The deadline has been extended to February 18, 2025 (6 PM).
The previous deadline was February 11, 2025.
Candidates must apply online at upsconline.gov.in.

11. When is the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 scheduled?

Preliminary Exam Date: May 25, 2025.

12. How many vacancies are available for UPSC CSE 2025?

Total vacancies: Approximately 979.
Reserved vacancies for PwBD candidates: 38.

13. What happens if I fail to submit my application before the deadline?

If you miss the February 18, 2025 deadline, you will not be able to apply.
UPSC does not allow late applications under any circumstances.

14. What is the reason behind UPSC tightening its verification and application process?

The recent changes come after multiple instances of fraudulent applications and discrepancies in candidate details.
The controversy surrounding former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who was accused of misusing OBC and disability quota benefits, has led to stricter verification and application procedures.

15. Can I apply for the Civil Services Exam if I have changed my name legally?

Yes, but you must submit proof of legal name change, such as:

Gazette Notification.
Affidavit with supporting documents.

If you do not have a Gazette Notification at the time of application, UPSC will allow you to upload it after the Prelims results are declared.

16. Where can I check the official UPSC notification and apply online?

The official notification and application form are available at upsconline.gov.in.

17. What if I make a mistake in my UPSC CSE 2025 application?

You can correct editable fields during the Correction Window from February 19 to February 25, 2025.
Non-editable fields (like Name, DOB, Email, Mobile Number) cannot be changed.

18. What should I do if my application is rejected due to document issues?

If your application is rejected, you must reapply before the deadline.
If rejection occurs after the deadline, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.

19. How will UPSC verify the authenticity of candidate details?

UPSC cross-checks details with official government records (matriculation certificates, Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
Candidates found submitting false information may be permanently barred from future UPSC exams.

20. How can I contact UPSC for further queries?

Candidates can reach out to UPSC via email at otrupsc@gov.in for OTR-related issues.
Official website for notifications and updates: www.upsc.gov.in.

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