CDS

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 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.

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. 

The Commission released the CDS 1 and 2, 2026 notification, application process and exam dates on the official website at upsc.gov.in. The CDS 1 2026 notification will be released on December 10, 2025. The CDS 1 2026 application dates are December 12 to December 30, 2025. The CDS 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. On the other hand,  CDS 2 2026 notification will be announced on May 20, 2026 and the last date to apply will be June 9, 2026. The CDS 2 2026 exam will be conducted on September 13, 2026. 

As per the students' feedback, the overall difficulty level and good attempts of CDS 1 2025 exam are mentioned below: