UPSC Mains DAF Form Fill-Up – Separate Process After Prelims

After clearing prelims, you get a link to fill DAF (Detailed Application Form) for mains. This is more detailed than the prelims form. You need to enter: all educational qualifications from Class 10 to PG, work experience (if any), extracurricular achievements, and most importantly – service preferences (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc) in order. You also choose optional subject for mains. Upload scanned copies of degree certificates, category certificates, and a new photo (same as prelims). DAF is usually open for 3-4 weeks in November. Any mistake here cannot be corrected later. So be extremely careful. Official DAF guide: https://upsc.gov.in/daf-instructions. This article gives a line-by-line explanation of DAF with examples of how to write achievements.