The One Time Registration (OTR) system has become mandatory for many government exams and recruitment portals in India, such as SSC, UPSC, RPSC, UPPSC, state PSCs, and various departmental recruitments. While OTR is designed to make the application process easier, many candidates face issues like incorrect details, login errors, Aadhaar mismatch, photo upload problems, or inactive OTR status.
If your OTR is stuck, rejected, or showing errors, don’t panic. In most cases, you can fix your OTR within 30 minutes if you follow the right steps. This guide explains exactly how to resolve common OTR problems quickly and effectively, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Table of Contents
What Is OTR and Why Is It Important?
OTR (One Time Registration) is a centralized profile created by candidates on a recruitment portal. Once registered, your personal details, educational qualifications, and documents are stored and reused for multiple applications.
Without a valid OTR:
You cannot apply for most government exams
Your application may be rejected automatically
You may miss deadlines due to last-minute errors
That’s why fixing OTR issues early is crucial.
Common OTR Problems Faced by Candidates
Before fixing the issue, identify the problem. Most OTR errors fall into these categories:
Incorrect name, date of birth, or gender
Aadhaar or ID verification failure
Photo or signature upload rejected
Mobile number or email not verified
OTR showing “inactive” or “incomplete”
Login error or password not working
Unable to edit locked fields
The good news is that 90% of these issues are solvable in under 30 minutes.
Things to Keep Ready Before You Start (5 Minutes)
To save time, keep these ready before logging in:
Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
Class 10 certificate (for name & DOB)
Scanned passport-size photo (as per specs)
Scanned signature
Active mobile number and email
Stable internet connection
Preparation alone can cut your fixing time in half.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Your OTR Quickly
Step 1: Log In to the Official OTR Portal (2 Minutes)
Visit the official recruitment website where you created your OTR (SSC, UPSC, state PSC, etc.).
Log in using your registration ID, email/mobile, and password.
👉 Tip: Always use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for best compatibility.
Step 2: Check OTR Status and Error Messages (3 Minutes)
Once logged in, look for:
“OTR Status”
“Profile Completion”
“Pending Verification”
Red or yellow error indicators
Most portals clearly mention what is wrong, such as:
“Photo does not match guidelines”
“Aadhaar not verified”
“Profile incomplete”
Note down the exact issue.
Step 3: Fix Personal Detail Errors (5 Minutes)
If your name, DOB, or gender is incorrect:
Click Edit Profile / Modify OTR
Update details exactly as per Class 10 certificate
Avoid abbreviations or extra spaces
⚠️ Important:
Some fields may be editable only once. Double-check before saving.
Step 4: Resolve Aadhaar or ID Verification Issues (5 Minutes)
If Aadhaar verification fails:
Ensure name spelling matches Aadhaar exactly
Remove initials if Aadhaar has full name
Retry verification during non-peak hours
If Aadhaar is optional, upload an alternative ID like:
Voter ID
PAN card
Passport
Many candidates fix this issue instantly by correcting name formatting.
Step 5: Fix Photo and Signature Upload Errors (7 Minutes)
This is the most common OTR problem.
Ensure your photo:
Is recent (within 3 months)
Has a white or light background
Is in JPEG/JPG format
Matches size (usually 20–50 KB or as specified)
Signature tips:
Use black or blue ink
Sign on white paper
Scan clearly without blur
Rename files simply:
photo.jpgsign.jpg
Re-upload and save.
Step 6: Verify Mobile Number and Email (3 Minutes)
If verification is pending:
Click Send OTP
Check spam folder for email OTP
Avoid using DND-blocked numbers
If OTP doesn’t arrive:
Wait 1–2 minutes
Click resend
Try during non-peak hours (early morning or late night)
Step 7: Activate or Final Submit OTR (3 Minutes)
Many candidates forget this step.
After corrections:
Click Final Submit / Activate OTR
Download or screenshot confirmation page
Check if status shows “Active” or “Completed”
Without final submission, your OTR remains invalid.
What If Fields Are Locked or Not Editable?
If your OTR details are locked:
Look for “Correction Window” or “Edit Request”
Some portals allow correction before exam deadlines
Use the Helpdesk / Grievance section
Raise a ticket with:
Registration ID
Issue description
Supporting documents
Most helpdesks respond within 24–72 hours.
Tips to Fix OTR Faster (Pro Hacks)
Use desktop/laptop instead of mobile
Avoid peak hours (11 AM – 7 PM)
Clear browser cache if page doesn’t load
Don’t use autofill for forms
Save after every change
These small steps prevent repeated errors.
How to Avoid OTR Problems in the Future
Always read photo/signature guidelines
Keep scanned documents ready in advance
Use same name format everywhere
Don’t wait till the last date
Regularly log in to check OTR status
A well-maintained OTR saves time for every future application.
Conclusion
Fixing your OTR does not have to be stressful or time-consuming. With the right preparation and this step-by-step method, most OTR issues can be resolved in 30 minutes or less. The key is to identify the exact problem, follow official guidelines, and submit corrections carefully.
A valid and active OTR is your gateway to government jobs. Fix it once, fix it right—and apply confidently for every upcoming exam.
