CDS Application Process

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.