The UPSC CSE application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC and EWS candidates. Candidates from SC/ST categories, all women candidates and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are fully exempt — they pay nothing.
UPSC Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | Nil (exempt) |
| All women candidates | Nil (exempt) |
| PwBD | Nil (exempt) |
How to Pay
As per the official CSE 2026 notification, candidates who are required to pay the fee (General/OBC/EWS male — ₹100) pay it online during the 10-day window after the Prelims result, when they submit the Mains application form on upsconline.nic.in — via net banking, credit/debit card or UPI.
Two Things Worth Knowing
- Fee is non-refundable — but remember, merely applying does not consume an attempt. Only appearing for a Prelims paper does.
- SC/ST, women and PwBD candidates are fully exempt from the fee.