Government & Defence Entrance 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.

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 is December 30. A direct link to apply is also provided on this page. 

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.