The UPSC CSE DAF-II, or Detailed Application Form-II, plays a pivotal role in the selection process for candidates aiming for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Central Services (Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’). This detailed form collects essential information about the candidate's background, education, and preferences for participating services.

Guidance for Candidates:

Candidates are advised to approach the DAF 2 UPSC form Or UPSC DAF FORM 2024 with utmost care and attention, especially when indicating preferences for various services and posts, with special emphasis on IAS/IPS. The Civil Services Examination 2024 Rules stipulate that candidates must submit the DAF-II along with required annexures, including the OBC Annexure and EWS Annexure.

Important Provisions and Guidelines:

Order of Preferences: Before the commencement of the Interview/Personality Test, candidates must mandatorily indicate the order of preferences only for those services participating in the Civil Services Examination‐2024. The preferences should align with the extant Cadre Allocation Policy applicable for CSE 2024.

Submission Deadline: The submission of DAF-II and required annexures, including OBC Annexure (for OBC category only) and EWS Annexure (for EWS category only), is mandatory within 19th December,2024. Any delay in submission beyond the prescribed date will lead to the cancellation of the candidature for CSE‐2024.

Additional Documents: Candidates have the option to upload additional documents/certificates of higher education, achievements in different fields, service experience, etc., providing a more comprehensive profile.

Service Allocation Consideration: In case of a recommendation of candidature by UPSC for Service Allocation, the government will consider the candidate for allocation to one of those services based on the indicated preferences in the online Detailed Application Form‐II.

 Preferences for IAS/IPS: Candidates aspiring for IAS/IPS are advised to indicate all the Zones and Cadres in the order of preference in their online DAF‐II. No changes in preference for Zones and Cadres will be permitted once submitted.

Important Note for Candidates:

Candidates must ensure a meticulous approach while filling the DAF-II form, as any deviation from the prescribed guidelines or submission delays may have implications on their candidature for CSE‐2024. The DAF-II submission is a critical phase in the UPSC selection process, and candidates are encouraged to adhere to the rules and guidelines to maximize their chances of success.

Decoding UPSC DAF: A Comprehensive Guide to Detailed Application Form

DAF, an acronym for Detailed Application Form, holds paramount importance in the UPSC selection process. This extensive document requires candidates to furnish a myriad of personal, educational, and other pertinent details. Understanding the nuances of UPSC DAF 1, filled before the Mains Examination, and DAF 2, filled before the Personality Test Round, is crucial for aspirants aiming for success in the Civil Services Examination.

UPSC DAF 2:

UPSC DAF 2 is released after the Mains Examination results are declared. According to UPSC Civil Services Exam Rules, submitting DAF 2 online is compulsory. Failure to adhere to the submission timeline can lead to the cancellation of the applicant's candidature.For your reference we are attaching a sample UPSC DAF 2021.Click here to view DAF 2 UPSC PDF.

Strategy for Filling UPSC Detailed Application Form:

 Honesty Matters: Provide accurate information about educational history, ensuring alignment with supporting documents.

Specifics in Extracurriculars: Be specific about prizes, sports, and leadership positions, focusing on college/university-level achievements.

Thorough Employment History: Detail current and previous job experiences, including dates, designations, and responsibilities.

Prioritize Choices: Strategically prioritize service and cadre preferences based on career aspirations and strengths.

Quality Over Quantity: Limit the information to three interests maximum, maintaining a common thread that defines your personality.

Prepare for Every Detail: Thoroughly prepare for every word written on the DAF, anticipating potential questions.

Triple-check Accuracy: Ensure accuracy as no changes are allowed once the form is submitted.

Overview of UPSC DAF:

The UPSC DAF acts as a comprehensive repository of information, delving into a candidate's educational qualifications, work experience, service and cadre preferences, and more. It serves as a crucial evaluation tool for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to assess candidates' suitability for various administrative roles within the government.

Filling UPSC DAF 1 for Mains Examination:

Following the announcement of the UPSC Prelims 2024 results on July 1st, 2024, qualified candidates are required to reapply using DAF 1 for the Mains Examination. Accessible on the UPSC website from  period from 03.07.2024 to 12.07.2024 till 6:00 P.M., this online submission is mandatory for eligibility in the UPSC Mains Examination 2024.

Points to Remember while Filling UPSC DAF 1:

Submission Process: The DAF is submitted online exclusively through the official UPSC website. Visit the official website  (https://upsc.gov.in/). Avoid sending print previews or original copies to UPSC.

Registration: Candidates initiate the process by registering on the platform, providing details such as name, roll number, birth date, and email address.

Password Dynamics: After registration, a password is sent to candidates via their registered phone numbers and email addresses, serving as authentication during subsequent logins.

Module Breakdown: The UPSC DAF comprises six modules: Personal Information, Educational Information, Parental Information, Employment Information, Document Upload, and Final Submission. Changes can be made before the final submission.

Document Requirements: Various documents, including the Matriculation Certificate, Degree Certificate/Final year appearing certificate, Domicile Certificate/Caste Certificate, Disability Certificate (if any), and an Undertaking for Government Servants, are required. These should be scanned clearly, consolidated into a single PDF, and unlocked.

Important Categories under UPSC DAF 1:

Prizes, Medals, Scholarships Optional Subject (cannot be changed later) Language Medium for the Interview Extracurricular activities, interests, and hobbies Educational and Employment details Candidates must present the best version of themselves on paper as these details collectively define their profile for the board.

FAQs on DAF UPSC:

What is DAF? The UPSC DAF is a comprehensive form that candidates who clear the preliminary stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination need to fill out. It includes detailed information about a candidate's education, work experience, optional subject selection, and preferences for services and cadres. The DAF is a crucial part of the selection process for the main stage of the Civil Services Examination.

Is UPSC DAF 2 2024 out?  DAF-II will be open from December 13 to December 19 on the official UPSC website.

Who is eligible for UPSC Mains DAF 2? Candidates who have qualified the Mains Exam and are eligible to fill out the UPSC DAF 2.

Best Wishes!