CDS

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 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

The Commission released the CDS 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025 at upsconline.nic.in. The online application link was available from Dec 10 to Dec 30, 2025. Candidates could 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.

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.

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.

The Commission released the CDS 1 2026 application form on December 10, 2025 at upsconline.nic.in. The last date to fill the registration form was December 30. 

UPSC released the final merit list for the CDS 2 2024. A total of 574 candidates comprising 510 men and 64 women qualified for admission to the OTA, Chennai. Candidates who are selected will be inducted into the 122nd Short Service Commission Course (Non-Technical) for Men and 36th Short Service Commission Women (non-Technical) course, both scheduled to commence in October 2025.