How to Fill DAF 2 for UPSC Interview 2024

Tips to Fill DAF-II for Interview - 

UPSC declared the results of Civil Services Mains Exam on 9th December. In the next step, UPSC has released the UPSC DAF-II. UPSC Interview DAF-II 2024 is available in online mode on the official website from 13th December 2024 to 19th December 2024. I hope the candidates selected in the mains exam have filled the DAF-II form; if not, fill it soon.

Filling the DAF-II form is a mandatory for all the candidates who qualify for the Personality Test (Interview). And any delay in submitting it may disqualify the candidate from this examination. Candidates should be careful while filling the DAF-II form as this stage affects the service and cadre allocation. You can fill the DAF-II online by clicking on this link- https://upsconline.nic.in/daf/index.php Information about the steps to fill this form and other details is being shared here in this article.

What is DAF in UPSC Civil Services Exam?

It means Detailed Application Form (DAF). It is a comprehensive document used by UPSC to collect detailed personal, educational and professional information about candidates. This form provides a comprehensive information of the candidate's background, preferences for services and cadre allocation options.

There are two types of DAF forms in UPSC Civil Services Exam-

DAF-I:

This form is also known as UPSC Mains DAF, this form is filled after the prelims result during the UPSC Mains application process. It asks for basic personal and educational details.

DAF-II:

This is also known as UPSC Interview DAF. This form is filled after the results of the Mains exam are declared. It asks for more detailed information, which helps the interview board to understand your background, achievements and interests. 

Required Documents 

• Educational Certificates
• Identity Proof
• Domicile Certificate
• Disability Certificate - If applicable.
• Undertaking - Required for government servants.

How to Fill UPSC DAF-II?

Step-1- Visit the official website of UPSC (upsc.gov.in) and log in using the required information. Go to the DAF-II section available on the dashboard. 

Step-2- Enter all the details asked correctly. Make sure that these match the information you have filled in the earlier steps of the application process.

Step-3- Give your educational information in chronological order. Also include all relevant professional qualifications.

Step-4- Decide your preference for the posts released by the Commission like IAS, IPS, IFS and other services. Fill these details very carefully as these details will affect your cadre allocation and career direction.

Step-5- List your preferred state cadres for the selected posts. While selecting these options, consider factors like language, cultural familiarity and personal preferences.

Step-6- Attach scanned clear copies of required documents including proof of educational qualification, category certificate (if applicable) and proof of age.

Step-7- Pay the application fee through the online payment portal. Female candidates and candidates from certain categories are exempted from this fee.

Step-8- Finally, review the entire form again carefully before submitting it. Use the preview option to identify any error or any missing information.

Some important points to keep in mind while filling DAF-II:

• Accurate information: Fill all the information asked accurately and completely. Keep in mind that any wrong or incomplete information can go against you.
• Clear and concise: Write your information clearly and concisely. Use easy language and clear sentences in writing; avoid using complex words.
• Relevance: Include only relevant information. Present your achievements and interests in a way that the interview panel finds them suitable from the point of view of a civil servant.
• Honesty: Provide information about yourself with complete honesty. Giving false information can create problems for you.
• Personal touch: Write something about yourself that makes you unique from others. State your strengths clearly and do not be afraid to admit weaknesses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Guidelines - Follow the UPSC guidelines strictly to avoid disqualification.
• Incomplete Sections - Ensure all sections are filled out completely.
• Inaccurate Information - Always double-check your details to avoid errors.
• Lack of Clarity - Be clear and concise in your descriptions.
  

Points to keep in mind while filling various sections of DAF-II:

• Educational qualification: Write all your educational qualifications in detail. If there is information about your academic achievements, projects and research work, then make sure to fill it.
• Work experience: If you have any work experience, mention it in detail. Along with this, write about your responsibilities, achievements and lessons learned.
• Social work: Describe in detail the social work you have done. This will help the interview panel to know about your personality and values.
• Interests and Hobbies: Write about your interests and hobbies. Interests and hobbies will help the interview panel get a sense of your personality.
• Extracurricular Activities: Describe in detail the extracurricular activities you have done, such as sports, music, or art. Make sure to mention any information that makes you unique from other candidates.

Some additional tips for filling the DAF-II:

• Before filling this form, look at the DAF-II samples of previous years.
• Get your DAF-II checked by an experienced person.
• Take enough time to fill this form. Avoid rushing.

The DAF-II is a reflection of your personality. This form will be the center of discussion in the interview. By filling it correctly and honestly and with excellent presentation, candidates can impress the interview panel and increase their chances of clearing the exam.

UPSC DAF-II FAQs:

Q1. What is DAF-II in UPSC?

Ans. DAF-II (Detailed Application Form-II) is a document submitted by candidates selected for the UPSC Personality Test, detailing their background, preferences, and other personal information.

Q2. What is the last date to fill DAF-II?

Ans. The last date to fill DAF-II is usually announced with the Personality Test schedule on the UPSC website.

Q3. What is the difference between DAF-I and DAF-II?

Ans. DAF-I is filled before the Mains exam and collects general information, while DAF-II is filled after clearing Mains and focuses on personal details and service preferences for the interview.

Q4. How to fill DAF-II?

Ans. DAF-II is filled online on the official UPSC website by logging into the candidate’s portal and submitting accurate personal and service preference details.