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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Candidates can check below the steps to make corrections in the CDS application form: Visit the official website 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

What are the exam dates for CDS 2025 exam?

The CDS 2 2025 application and notification was released on May 28, 2025. The application link will remain active until June 20, 2025. However, the exam for the CDS 2 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. On the other hand, the CDS 1 2025 application form and the notification was released on December 11, 2024 and the last date to apply was January 1, 2025 (extended). The CDS 1 exam was conducted on April 13, 2025. The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through exam calendar. There are slight chances that the exam dates get changed due to any circumstance. However, the candidates must prepare for the CDS exams according to these exam dates.

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

599 Students Q&A

Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25

Updated on Oct 23, 2025 13:11 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Application Form 2026: The Commission will release the CDS 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025. The application form link will also be activated at upsc.gov.in along with the CDS notification. The last date to apply will be December 30, 2025. The CDS 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. The UPSC CDS 2 application dates are May 20 to June 8, 2026.

Check the CDS eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. Candidates are required to pay a fee of INR 200 by using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or by using internet banking facility of any Bank. Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted from payment of fee.

CDS exam is conducted for the selection of candidates for admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses.

Table of content

CDS Application Form 2026: UPSC OTR
CDS Exam Dates & Schedule
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

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