Can final-year candidates apply for the CDS exam?

Yes, final-year candidates are eligible to apply for the CDS exam. But they need to produce the degree certificate when called upon, mainly during the SSB (Services Selection Board) phase.

What are the documents required to fill out the CDS application form?

Candidates required a lot of details while filling out the CDS 2026 application form. Candidates can check below the list of required documents: Adhaar Card Class 10th, 12th roll number Academic certificates of Bachelor's and Master's degrees Caste Certificate Scanned copy of signature, photograph, and ID proof within the limit of 20 KB to 300 KB.

In which mode the CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification will be released on December 10.

Has UPSC launched a new online application portal for CDS exam?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) launched a new Online Application Portal to streamline the registration process for all exams. The new portal was live at upsconline.nic.in and replaces the older One-Time Registration (OTR) module, which now will no longer be functional. As per the official notification, candidates are advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. The New Application Portal officially launched on May 28, 2025. Applications for the CDS 2 exam 2025 was accepted through the new online application portal.

Can a candidate apply for CDS 2026 offline?

No, candidates can't apply for the CDS 2026 exam offline. The authority will activate the CDS application link on the official website. It is important for a candidate to first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the website of UPSC before proceeding with the CDS application form.

What is the age limit for CDS 2 2025?

Candidates can check below the CDS 2 2025 age limit: IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007. INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007, can apply for INA. AFA: To apply for AFA, the age of candidates should be between 20 and 24 years. They must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2006. The upper age limit of candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (i, e born not earlier than July 2, 2000, and not later than July 1, 2006).

Is the CDS exam online or offline?

The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available on this page for the CDS exam.

Will the UPSC notify candidates about the exact centre location for CDS exam?

Yes, the UPSC will release the CDS admit card a few days before the exam. The admit card will consist of the exact address and name of the exam centre.

How to give preference in the application form of the CDS exam?

Candidates can provide their preference in the application form for the CDS exam by choosing the IMA, INA, AFA, OTA.

Can final-year candidates apply for the CDS exam?

Yes, final-year candidates are eligible to apply for the CDS exam. But they need to produce the degree certificate when called upon, mainly during the SSB (Services Selection Board) phase.

How many vacancies are announced in CDS 2026?

The Union Public Service Commission will release the CDS 1 examination 2026 vacancies on the official website. It will be released around for various defence services.

What are the steps to make correction in CDS application form?

Candidates can check below the methods to make corrections in the CDS application form: Visit at upsc.gov.in Click on the link available for CDS form correction Log in to the registered account using login credentials Make corrections to the CDS application correction Save and print a copy of the modified CDS application form Log out from the registered profile

How to make corrections in the CDS Application Form 2026?

Candidates can check below the methods to make corrections in the CDS 1 application form 2026: Visit at upsc.gov.in Click on the link available for CDS 1 form correction Log in to the registered account using login credentials Make corrections to the application form Save and print a copy of the modified copy of registration form Log out from the registered profile

Where to apply for CDS 2026 exam?

The Commission will release the CDS 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025 at upsconline.nic.in. The online application link will be available from Dec 10 to Dec 30, 2025. Candidates can download notification via direct link provided below.

When is the CDS 1 2026 application form be released?

The Commission will release the CDS 1 2026 application form on December 10, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The last date to fill the registration form is December 30. A direct link will also be provided on this page once it is announced. The notification will also be declared along with the application form.

What is UPSC OTR for CDS exam?

The OTR stands for One Time Registration. The UPSC introduced this system to simplify the application process for several UPSC examinations, including CDS. Candidates will be able to register their basic details and documents once. This information can be reused by the candidates for future UPSC exam applications, which saves time and effort.

CDS Application Form 2026: Registration Steps, Apply Online for UPSC CDS 1

558 Students Q&A

Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25

Updated on Nov 27, 2025 16:03 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Application Form 2026: The The UPSC CDS 1 notification 2026 is schedule to be released on December 10, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. Candidates who want to join the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS will apply online. The CDS Application process will begin with the announcement of the CDS notification. The last date to apply for CDS 1 will be December 30. Candidates need to pay the registration fee successfully to submit their online form. Also, candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria before applying for the CDS exam. Those who will submit their form will be able to download their admit card few days before the commencement of the exam. The CDS 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. The UPSC CDS 2 application dates are May 20 to June 8, 2026. Candidates can check below in detail about the CDS registration 2026, its process, etc.

Table of contents

CDS Application Form 2026: UPSC OTR
CDS Exam Dates & Schedule 2026
How to apply for CDS 2026 online?
Filling Part I of CDS Application Form 2026
How to Choose Exam Centres in CDS Application Form?
CSS Application Correction Window
CDS Career Growth
Other Defence Exam Application Form
CDS Application 2026 FAQs

CDS Application Form 2026: UPSC OTR

DeskCalendar Registration: 10 Dec ' 25 - 30 Dec ' 25

CDS Exam Dates & Schedule 2026

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDS 2025 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
10 Dec ' 25	CDS 1 Notification 2026
10 Dec ' 25 - 30 Dec ' 25	CDS 1 Application Process 2026
12 Apr ' 26	CDS 1 Exam 2026
20 May ' 26	CDS 2 Notification 2026
20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26	CDS 2 Application Process 2026
13 Sep ' 26	CDS 2 Exam Date 2026