BharatNotes UPSC typically begins interviews within 3 to 4 weeks of Mains result, issues e-Summon letters after DAF-II submission, and conducts interviews in multiple phases spanning about 3 months.
Interview Call Letter (e-Summon Letter): How It Works
After the UPSC Mains result is declared, the Personality Test process follows a well-defined sequence. Understanding it helps you plan logistics — travel, accommodation in Delhi, documents — well in advance.
Step-by-Step Sequence
Step 1 — Mains result declared: UPSC publishes the Mains result on upsc.gov.in as a PDF list of roll numbers. For CSE 2025, this was 11 November 2025, with 2,736 candidates shortlisted.
Step 2 — DAF-II submission (approximately 2 weeks): UPSC opens the DAF-II window within 1–2 days of the result. Candidates have approximately 14 days to submit. The DAF-II is the only document the interview board receives — fill it with care.
- CSE 2025: DAF-II open 13 to 27 November 2025
Step 3 — Phase-wise interview schedule released: UPSC releases phase-wise interview schedules on upsc.gov.in under the section 'Interview Schedules / Personality Test'. Each phase lists roll number ranges and the date range. Candidates are not individually notified by email at this stage — you must monitor the website.
Step 4 — e-Summon Letter (individual call letter): Approximately 1 to 2 weeks before each candidate's assigned date, UPSC issues an electronic summon letter. This is downloaded from upsc.gov.in using your registration number and date of birth. The letter contains your specific date, reporting time (typically 8:30 AM for forenoon or 12:30 PM for afternoon), venue address, and instructions.
CSE 2025 verified timeline:
- Mains result: 11 November 2025
- DAF-II window: 13 to 27 November 2025
- Interview Phase 1: 8 to 19 December 2025 (649 candidates)
- Interview Phase 2: 5 January 2026 to 27 February 2026 (remaining 2,087 candidates)
- Interview venue: UPSC Bhavan, Shahjahan Road, Dalhousie Road, New Delhi 110069
What to Do If Your e-Summon Letter Has an Error
Errors in e-Summon letters — wrong name spelling, incorrect roll number, wrong date — do occur, though rarely. If you notice an error:
- Do not wait. Contact UPSC by phone (+91-11-23385271 / 23381125) and email immediately — at least 10 days before your interview date
- Carry all original documents that establish the correct information on interview day
- UPSC staff at the reception desk on interview day can note the discrepancy; bring a written representation
- Under no circumstances should you attempt to correct it yourself by crossing out or overwriting the printed letter
Documents to Carry on Interview Day
UPSC specifies which original documents must be presented at the venue. Failing to carry originals can result in being turned away.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| e-Summon Letter (printed) | Mandatory; carry two copies |
| Valid government photo ID | Aadhaar, passport, driving licence, or voter ID |
| Attestation Form | Download from upsc.gov.in; fill and carry |
| Educational certificates (originals + attested photocopies) | Class X, XII, graduation degree, and marksheets |
| Category certificate if applicable | OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, PwBD — original + attested copy |
| Service certificate (if employed) | If in government service, NOC from employer |
| Travel Allowance (TA) Claim Form | Download from upsc.gov.in/ta-form; fill before arrival |
| Tickets / travel proof | Both onward and return journey — for TA reimbursement |
Travel Reimbursement Rules (TA)
UPSC reimburses travel expenses for interview candidates under the following rules (sourced from upsc.gov.in/ta-form):
- Standard entitlement: Second/Sleeper class train fare (Mail or Express train) for the return journey from your domicile city to New Delhi
- Higher class or air travel: If you travel by AC class or air, you can still claim — but the reimbursement is regulated at the Sleeper class equivalent rate; UPSC does not typically reimburse the full air fare, only the notional rail equivalent, unless specific conditions under S.R.-132 apply
- How to claim: Download the TA Form from upsc.gov.in/ta-form; print both sides; fill your journey details; carry original printed tickets (both ways) and submit the TA form in duplicate at the venue on interview day
- Payment: Travelling allowance is paid in cash at the UPSC venue on the day of the interview
Forenoon vs Afternoon Sessions: What to Expect
UPSC typically schedules candidates in two sessions each day:
- Forenoon session: Reporting at approximately 8:30 AM; interviews begin at 9:00 AM; typically 5–6 candidates in the morning panel
- Afternoon session: Reporting at approximately 12:30 PM; begins after lunch break; typically 5–6 candidates
The session assignment is specified in your e-Summon letter and cannot be changed except in exceptional circumstances. Candidates in the forenoon session face the board while it is fresh; afternoon candidates sometimes benefit from the board's warmed-up state. Neither has a proven statistical advantage.
Each interview lasts on average 25 to 45 minutes. UPSC does not announce results on the same day — the final merit list is published only after all interviews (across both phases) are completed.
What Happens If You Cannot Attend on the Scheduled Date
UPSC does not grant date-change requests as a matter of routine. If a genuine emergency (medical emergency, bereavement, natural disaster) prevents you from attending:
- Immediately inform UPSC in writing (email and speed post) with documentary evidence
- UPSC may, at its discretion, schedule you for a later date — but this is not guaranteed and is uncommon
- A candidate who does not appear on the scheduled interview date without prior communication to UPSC is typically treated as having withdrawn from the examination at that stage
Plan your Delhi travel and accommodation at least one week before your interview date. Book refundable options if possible, given the possibility of schedule revisions. UPSC has occasionally revised interview schedules — monitor upsc.gov.in actively in the 2 weeks before your date.
