UPSC CDS Notification 2026: Download CDS 1 Notification Here

CDS notification will be released to select candidates who wish to join the courses of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Officers Training Academy Courses (Men and Women). The CDS selection process comprises two stages-written exams and an SSB interview. Candidates qualifying for the written exam are called for an SSB interview. The final selection for the CDS 2026 exam will be done based on the written exam and SSB interview. After undergoing training at the respective defence academies, candidates join the post of lieutenant. Candidates can check below the CDS notification for 2026. 

The CDS 1 2026 application form will be released on December 10, 2025 and the last date to apply will be December 30, 2025. The CDS 1 application form can be filled in two parts. Part I comprises the candidate’s registration, choosing the preferred branches, verifying details, and generation of registration ID. Part II comprises paying the application fees, selection of exam centre, and uploading scanned images of photograph and signature. The application fees are INR 200 which can be paid both online and offline. The online application withdrawal facility is made available after the completion of the registration process.

The candidates need to follow the given steps to apply for the CDS exam:

• Candidates have to register themselves on the OTR (One Time Registration) page. 
• Fill out all the details asked on the registration page 
• Upload the document (if needed)
• The login ID will be generated by the UPSC for the candidates and will be sent to the registered mobile and email id 
• Go to the latest exam tab and click on the  CDS 2 exam link 
• Fill out the application by giving the details that have been asked in the form 

• The application fees can be paid both online and offline
• The application fees are INR 200 for General and OBC male candidates
• SC and ST candidates were exempted from fee payment

Also Read: CDS OTA Syllabus 

The eligibility criteria of CDS provide details regarding nationality, age, and educational qualification. Candidates should check the eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. Only those candidates are considered for CDS recruitment who fulfils the eligibility criteria. The candidates can check out the latest eligibility criteria below in the article.

The education qualification for the CDS exam has been given below for the aspiring candidates:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA): The candidates must have a graduation degree from any discipline from any recognised university.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must have an engineering degree from a recognised university
• Air Force Academy (AFA): The candidates must have an engineering degree from a recognised university with physics and maths in 10+2

Also Read: CDS eligibility criteria 

The candidates have to qualify in different tests to be enrolled in the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The different levels of the CDS selection process have been given below for the candidates:

• Written Exam
• SSB Interview/Personality Test
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination