After qualifying for the Mains for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC CSE 2025), the next step is to fill out the Detailed Application Form II (DAF-II/ DAF 2). This form is critical because it feeds into your interview (Personality Test) phase. According to official guidelines, once you clear the written part, you must fill out the DAF online.
Read further to solve your queries about what DAF-II UPSC CSE covers, step-by-step how to fill it, what to watch out for (mistakes), and what impact it has on your candidature for CSE 2025.
What is DAF-II & Why It Matters
- DAF stands for Detailed Application Form. It collects detailed personal, educational, service/cadre-preference and other data from you after the UPSC Mains Examination.
- DAF-II/ DAF 2 matters because:
- It becomes the basis for your interview. Many questions during the Personality Test are drawn from what you wrote.
- The service & cadre preferences you record here influence your eventual service allocation.
- Once submitted, you generally cannot change the entries. Mistakes can cost you credibility.
- For UPSC CSE 2025 specifically: If you’ve cleared the Mains, timely submission of DAF-II is mandatory for moving to the Interview stage.
Pre-Fill Preparation: What You Should Do Before Opening the DAF-II Form
Before you log in and start filling, do the following:
Collect documents & data
- Educational certificates (10th, 12th, graduation, any higher studies)
- Identity proof (as per your previous UPSC applications)
- Work experience documents (if any)
- List your hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and achievements
- Decide your service & cadre preferences (take time to deliberate)
- Scan/jpg photograph and signature (as per UPSC format)
Ensure your previous entries match
- The information you provide must match prior applications (Prelims/Mains) and certificates. UPSC’s guidelines stress that no correspondence will be entertained to change entries after submission.
- Spelling of name, date of birth, etc, must be consistent.
Be clear on your preference strategy
- Think carefully about the order of services: e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
- Think about cadre/state preferences: home state advantage, career trajectory, etc.
Reserve sufficient time
- Since once you submit, you can’t make changes, review thoroughly.
- Ensure good internet connectivity; avoid a last-minute rush, which may lead to errors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling DAF-II for UPSC CSE 2025
Here’s how you should fill the form, section by section:
Step 1: Log in to the portal
- Visit the official UPSC site and use your Registration ID / Roll Number / DOB to log in: www.upsc.gov.in
- Ensure you click the correct link for DAF-II (post-Mains) for CSE 2025.
Step 2: Personal & basic details
- Fill in your name exactly as in your matriculation certificate.
- Date of Birth, contact information, nationality, category, etc.
- Mother tongue, place of birth, home state – be accurate.
Step 3: Educational Qualifications
- List all your academic qualifications in chronological order: school, higher secondary, graduation, postgraduate (if any).
- For each: institution name, year of passing, board/university, marks/grade (if asked) – accurate.
- Upload relevant degree certificate scans if required.
Step 4: Employment / Professional Experience (if applicable)
- If you have work experience: employer name, designation, duration, nature of work.
- If you have no experience, state as ‘Not Applicable’ or as per form instructions.
- Volunteer work/internships may also be included if asked – show value.
Step 5: Service & Cadre Preferences
- Service Preferences: Rank your choices of civil services (e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS, etc) in the order you want.
- Cadre/State Preferences: For IAS/IPS, you may have to pick states or zones. Be aware of the rules.
- Remember: Once you submit the preferences, changing them later may not be allowed (or very difficult).
- Research each service/cadre before choosing.
Step 6: Hobbies, Extra-Curricular Activities & Achievements
- List 3-5 hobbies or extra activities: e.g., sports, cultural, social service, intellectual interest.
- Use specific wording rather than very generic “reading” or “listening to music” — think of something that you can talk about convincingly in an interview.
- Mention achievements (if any) – e.g., awards, projects, leadership roles, etc.
- Note: The interview panel will often ask about your hobbies/extras, so make sure you can discuss whatever you write.
Step 7: Document Uploads
- Upload your photo, signature, category certificate (if applicable: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) in the format & size as specified by UPSC.
- If you have changed your name (e.g., after marriage), upload the gazette notification or equivalent proof.
- Ensure scanned copies are clear, readable, correct orientation.
Step 8: Review, Final Submit & Print
- Go through each section carefully to correct any typos/spelling mistakes.
- Check consistency with your earlier applications and certificates.
- Once satisfied, hit “Submit” After submission, changes are generally not allowed.
- After submission, download/print a copy of the filled form and keep it safe (you’ll refer to it for the interview).
- Also, check for any confirmation email or message from UPSC.
Key Tips & Mistakes to Avoid for UPSC CSE 2025
- Be accurate & consistent: Mismatches (e.g., in name spelling, date of birth) with your documents cause issues.
- Think through your service preferences and cadre choices: Don’t just pick popular options; align them with your goal and background.
- Don’t ignore hobbies/extracurriculars: These can serve as conversational hooks in the interview stage.
- Avoid last-minute submission: submitting ahead gives buffer time to fix issues.
- Keep proofs ready: In case the Interview Board asks for clarifications, your DAF details must match your records.
How Filling DAF-II Correctly Helps Your UPSC CSE 2025 Journey
- A well-filled DAF-II builds a strong factual foundation for your Interview. Every entry becomes a potential question.
- Thoughtful service/cadre preference puts you in a better spot for allocation once you get a good rank.
- Helps avoid last-minute stress and credibility issues – consistent profiles impress the board.
- Keeps you compliant with UPSC’s rules — no correspondence entertained for changing entries after submission.
Conclusion
Filling the DAF-II/ DAF 2 for UPSC CSE 2025 is not a mere formality — it’s a strategic step that bridges your Mains success to your Interview performance and eventual service allocation. With careful preparation, accurate data, and thoughtful preferences, you can make this step work for you.
Take your time, cross-check everything, submit confidently — and ensure your profile shines through your DAF-II. Best of luck on your UPSC journey!
