Online Candidate Registration (OTR/SSC OTR/IBPS Common Registration) — Meaning, Definition & Examples (Sarkari Exam 2026)
Category: Documents
Short definition: The one-time registration process on the recruitment board's portal — generating a permanent registration number (OTR) that is reused for every subsequent application by the same candidate without re-entering details.
What is Online Candidate Registration (OTR/SSC OTR/IBPS Common Registration)? (Detailed Explanation)
OTR (One-Time Registration) was introduced by SSC in 2018, IBPS in 2019, and UPSC has had One-Time Registration (OTR) since 2024. The candidate creates a profile once with personal details, education, photograph, signature, contact info — and gets a permanent registration ID. For every future SSC/IBPS exam, the candidate logs in, confirms profile, selects the exam, pays fee, and submits — no re-entry needed.
Documents to upload during OTR: recent passport-size photograph (10 KB to 50 KB JPG), signature (10 KB to 20 KB JPG), 10th certificate (proof of DOB), graduation certificate (proof of qualification), category certificate (if claiming reservation). All must be in JPG/PDF, within file-size limits, and clearly readable.
OTR is portal-specific. SSC OTR is valid only on ssc.gov.in for SSC exams. IBPS Common Registration (called CRP) is valid for all IBPS-conducted exams (PO, Clerk, Specialist Officer, RRB Officer). UPSC OTR is valid for all UPSC exams (CSE, ESE, NDA, CDS). Each board has its own portal — there is no single national OTR.
Live examples from Sarkari Exam notifications
- SSC OTR — used for CGL, CHSL, JE, GD, Stenographer
- IBPS CRP — used for PO, Clerk, SO, RRB
- UPSC OTR — used for CSE, ESE, NDA, CDS
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Candidate Registration (OTR/SSC OTR/IBPS Common Registration)
Q1. Can I update my OTR profile?
Yes — most fields (address, mobile, email) can be edited any time. DOB and name require special correction request with supporting document. Photograph and signature can be re-uploaded during fresh applications.
Q2. Is OTR free?
Yes. Registration is free. Only the per-exam application fee is charged when you actually apply for an exam.
Q3. What if I forget my OTR password?
Use 'Forgot Password' on the portal — OTP sent to registered mobile/email. If you have lost access to both, raise a grievance ticket with the board's helpdesk; verification through Aadhaar or alternate ID is required to reset.
Related Sarkari terms you should know
- Sarkari Exam Application Fee — The non-refundable fee that candidates pay while filling the online application form for any Sarkari…
- Self-Attestation — The practice of certifying photocopies of one's own documents as 'true copy of original' by signing …
Where to learn more
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