The UPSC OTR Registration is a one-time profile creation system introduced by the Union Public Service Commission to streamline the application process for various UPSC Examinations. The UPSC OTR Link was active for the Civil Services Examination from 22 January to 21 February, 2025 @upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/. The full form of UPSC OTR is Union Public Service Commission One-Time Registration. 

• Through the UPSC OTR system, aspirants will be able to create a one-time profile for applying to UPSC Exams. This profile contains the candidates’ basic personal details, contact information, and necessary documents just once on the UPSC portal. 
• Once registered, candidates can apply for any UPSC examination including UPSC CSE, UPSC CMS, UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, etc., without repeatedly entering the same information, as the system auto-fetches their details while filling out the application form. 
• The OTR platform is accessible 24/7 on the official UPSC website, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users. 
• After completing the OTR process, Candidates must apply for the requisite examinations separately. 

In this blog, go through the UPSC OTR Registration process in detail. Get the direct link to for UPSC OTR Registration, full form and step by step guide to apply for UPSC Exams including CSE, CMS, Geo-Scientist Exam, etc. 

What is UPSC One Time Registration (OTR)?

The UPSC OTR Registration is a centralized registration process for carrying out the UPSC OTR process. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced the One Time Registration (OTR) system @https://upsconline.gov.in/upsc/OTRP/ to streamline the application process for various UPSC Examinations. This system will allow applicants to create a Profile on the UPSC portal by providing their basic personal details, contact information, and necessary documents just once on the UPSC portal. 

Once registered, candidates can apply for any UPSC examination without repeatedly entering the same information, as the system auto-populates their details in subsequent applications. This not only reduces the chances of errors but also significantly saves time during the application process. 

The OTR platform is accessible 24/7 on the official UPSC websites. However, it's important to note that while OTR simplifies the application process, it does not equate to applying for a specific examination; candidates must still select and apply for each desired exam separately after completing their OTR.

UPSC OTR Full Form

The full form of UPSC OTR is Union Public Service Commission One Time Registration. The UPSC OTR is a singularized platform for registration of candidates aspiring to appear for any of the UPSC Examinations. By completing the OTR, candidates can register themselves by adding their essential information once. This information will then be stored permanently and can be retrieved for all future applications. 

Also check – UPSC Post List & Salary

Step by Step UPSC OTR Registration Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced the One-Time Registration (OTR) system to streamline the application process for UPSC Jobs applications. This centralized system allows candidates to create a Login profile, which can be used for all future UPSC exam applications, eliminating the need to repeatedly enter the same information. Below is a step-by-step guide for completing the UPSC OTR –

Step 1: Go to Official UPSC OTR Portal

Begin by visiting the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in. On the homepage, locate and click on the "One-Time Registration (OTR)" link to start the online registration process. 

Step 2: New Registration

On the OTR page, click on the "New Registration" button to start the process. Enter your basic personal information, including your full name (as per Class X Certificate), gender, date of birth, father’s and mother’s names, and minority status, if applicable. Cross verify the personal information with your academic and personal documents to prevent discrepancies in future applications. 

Step 3: Provide Contact Information

Now, enter your active mobile number and email address. This email ID and mobile number will be used for all communication with the UPSC. After submission, you'll receive an OTP on both your mobile and email for verification purposes. It's crucial to use an active email and mobile number, as all future correspondences.

Step 4: Set Up Login Credentials

After verifying your contact details, you'll need to create a password for your OTR account. Choose a strong password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters to ensure security. Additionally, select security questions and provide answers; these will be useful for account recovery in case you forget your password. Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials is essential to protect your personal information.

Step 5: Enter Address Details

Provide your correspondence and permanent addresses. If both addresses are the same, you can select the option to auto-fill the fields. Double-check the address as it will be used by the Union Public Service Commission for any correspondance.

Step 6: Upload Photograph and Signature

Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and your signature in the specified formats:

• Photograph: JPG/JPEG format, size between 20 KB and 300 KB, with a resolution of 200x300 pixels.
• Signature: JPG/JPEG format, size between 10 KB and 40 KB, with a resolution of 140x60 pixels.

Make sure that the images are clear and conform to the specified dimensions to avoid rejection during the verification process.

Step 7: Provide Educational Qualifications

Enter your educational details, starting from your Class X certificate, which serves as proof of your date of birth and name. Include information about your graduation or the latest semester if you're in the final year. The academic details provided in the UPSC OTR Registration will only determine the eligibility for UPSC Exams. 

Step 8: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload scanned copies of necessary documents, such as:

• Matriculation Certificate
• Graduation Certificate/Marksheet
• Photo ID Proof
• Reservation Certificate

Step 9: Review & Submit

After thorough verification, submit your OTR application. After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation message along with your unique OTR ID on your registered email and mobile number. Save this OTR ID for future applications.

Step 10: Log In and Apply for Examinations

With your OTR ID and password, log in to the UPSC portal. Your profile information will be pre-filled in the application forms for various examinations. However, you'll need to select the specific examination you wish to apply for and complete any details required for that particular exam. 

Find out How to Fill UPSC Online Application Form after completing the OTR Registration. 

UPSC OTR Registration Documents Required

To complete the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) One-Time Registration (OTR), candidates must gather and upload specific documents to ensure a seamless registration process. Having these documents ready in the prescribed formats will facilitate accurate and efficient data entry. 

1. Matriculation Certificate (as proof of name and date of birth).
2. Graduation Certificate or Marksheets/Last Semester Marksheet (if applicable).
3. A valid Photo ID Proof (AADHAR, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.).
4. Reservation category certificate or age relaxation claim certificates.
5. Scanned copies of Photo and Signature

Common Mistakes to Avoid During UPSC OTR Registration

While registering for the UPSC OTR, candidates often make errors that can lead to Rejection of UPSC Application Forms or delays. Candidates must pay attention to the following common mistakes that they must avoid while doing the UPSC OTR Registration –

Mismatched Personal Details

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and other personal information exactly match your official documents to prevent discrepancies. Candidates will not be able to edit these details after completing the UPSC OTR Registration. 

Incorrect Document Uploads

Adhere strictly to the specified formats and sizes for photographs and signatures to avoid technical issues during submission.

Providing Inaccurate Contact Information

Use active and valid email IDs and mobile numbers to ensure you receive all communications from UPSC.

Creating Multiple OTR Profiles

Register only once to avoid confusion or potential disqualification, as multiple profiles are not permitted.

Neglecting to Review Entries

Always double-check all entered information in the UPSC OTR Profile, before final submission to catch and correct any errors.

Can I Make Changes in OTR Profile? 

Once the candidate avails one time opportunity to update the OTR Profile, he/she cannot make any changes in any field of OTR Profile. Hence, candidates are advised to carefully fill the OTR Profile before making the final submission of OTR Profile.

Also check – Steps to Download UPSC CSE Admit Card

UPSC OTR Helpline

If a candidate comes across any issue while carrying out the UPSC OTR Registration, they can contact the UPSC OTR Helpline. The details of the helplines are as follows – 

1. Phone: 011-23385271 / 011-23381125 / 011-23098543 (Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
2. Email: [email protected] for corrections or updates (along with supporting documents).