Government & Defence Entrance Exam

Scroll down to know the steps to fill out the application form for the CDS exam:

• Go to the official website for application
• Log in to your registered account or register for the OTR (the steps to register for UPSC OTR have been given below in the article)
• Click on the CDS exam link
• Fill out the details asked
• Upload the photograph, signature, and Photo Identity card
• Make the application fee for the CDS exam 
• Choose the CDS exam centre
• Finally, submit the application form 
• A confirmation message will be sent to the candidate's registered mobile number and email id 

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.

To register for OTR, the candidates can check below the steps:

• Go to the official website- upsconline.nic.in
• Click on the new registration tab
• Fill out the details- Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Mobile number, Email Id, etc. 
• Enter the captcha 
• Click on Submit 
• OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email id 
• Re-login into your account and reset the password 
• Again Login into the account and go for the CDS application link

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 will release the CDS 1 2026 application form on December 10, 2025 on the official website. The last date to apply will be December 30, 2025. Candidates will be able to fill out their application form by visiting the official website or via a direct link that will be provided here once it is released.