The application form for the ISTC Entrance Exam 2026 is to be filled online only. The application window opens on 01 May 2026 and closes on 03 June 2026 at 11:45 PM IST.
Before you start
Keep the following ready as soft copies in JPG or JPEG format:
- Recent passport size colour photograph, 80 to 100 KB, 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm
- Signature image, 10 to 20 KB
- Class 10 marksheet, 50 to 250 KB
- Category certificate if applicable (OBC, EWS, SC, ST), 50 to 250 KB
A valid email ID and mobile number of the applicant or parent or guardian is mandatory.
Step 1: Pay the application fee
Visit the SBI Collect link at onlinesbi.sbi. Choose Select Payment Category as ISTC Entrance Test 2026 Fee. Enter your details, accept terms, and pay.
Application fee:
- General, OBC, EWS: Rs 1,200
- SC, ST: Rs 600
Payment modes accepted:
- Online: Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI
- Offline: Generate the NEFT or RTGS Remittance Form for deposit at any bank other than SBI, or generate the Pre-Acknowledgement Payment (PAP) Form for cash deposit at any SBI branch
The fee once deposited will not be refunded under any circumstances. Note the DU Reference Number issued by SBI after payment.
Step 2: Fill the online application
Go to istc.ac.in or csio.res.in. Fill the form in capital letters only. Fields include:
- Category and amount
- PWD and Kashmiri Migrant status
- DU Number from SBI and date of issue
- Personal details: name, father, mother, guardian, date of birth, gender, citizenship
- Correspondence and permanent address with PIN code
- Email and mobile number
- Height in cm, weight in kg, parents annual income
- Matriculation details: school, board, year, marks or CGPA
Step 3: Upload documents
Upload your photo, signature, Class 10 marksheet, and category certificate (if applicable).
Step 4: Submit and save registration number
On successful submission, the system generates a Registration Number. Note this number and your password carefully. They are required for printing the application form, downloading the e-Admit Card, and all future correspondence.
You can edit the submitted application until 03 June 2026, 11:45 PM IST by clicking Edit Application and entering your Registration Number and password.
Step 5: Take a printout
Take a printout of the submitted application. Affix a recent (not older than three months) passport size colour photograph at the designated place. Get it attested by a gazetted officer or the principal of your school or college. Put your left hand thumb impression at the appropriate place. Keep this printout along with the fee deposit slip. Both will be required at the time of counselling.
Step 6: Download the e-Admit Card
From 20 June 2026 (tentative), candidates whose application and payment have been verified can download the e-Admit Card from istc.ac.in or csio.res.in. No candidate will be allowed entry to the examination hall without the e-Admit Card.
If you have difficulty submitting the form, you may visit the Principal Office at CSIO-ISTC, Chandigarh.
Source: Sections 4.6 and 5 of the ISTC Information Brochure.