CDS 2026 Application Form is releasing from 10th December 2025 for session 1. Aspiring candidates looking to join the defence forces can complete the application on the online UPSC website. The CDS 1 2026 exam is scheduled to take place offline on 12th April 2026.
Do you dream of serving the nation? Then CDS 2026 exam is for you. Check Steps to Register >>
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the CDS exam to recruit young professionals into the military services, including the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. This exam is held twice annually, with sessions in April and October.
All the candidates who qualify for the CDS exam, then appear for the SSB in different cities across the country. After the release of the final merit list, selected candidates will join their preferred academies, such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA).
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This article provides comprehensive details on the application process for CDS 2026. Candidates can refer to the information below for a full step by step CDS 2026 form filling procedure.
How to Fill CDS 2026 Application Form
The Complete CDS Registration 2026 will be divided into two parts – Part I and II. Valid/ Active Email id and mobile number should be provided in the registration form to further communicate at various stages of examination process.
Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for CDS I/II 2026:
Step 1: Visit Official Website:
- Visit the online website of CDS. (Link will be provided above).
- On the homepage, click the “Create account” link.
Step 2: One-Time Registration:
- To start with the registration process, click on the “One Time Registration (OTR)” option.
- Register by using basic information such as candidates’ name and personal details.
- An OTP will be generated and will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
- Enter the OTP to begin filling out the CDS 2026 application form.
Step 3: Fill Application Form:
- In the application form, provide details such as personal information, communicational details, and academic qualifications.
- Select the exam centre.
- Select your preferences for IMA, NA, AFA, and OTA.
- Check the details of the CDSE 2026 application form and then click the “Submit & Proceed” button.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee:
- Complete the application process by paying the CDS 2026 application fee if applicable.
- Recheck the filled details in the CDS 2026 application form and submit it.
- Click the “Submit” button to proceed further.
Step 5: Upload Documents:
- Upload the required documents, including your photo ID, photograph, and signature.
- Documents are to be uploaded in jpg/jpeg/pdf format.
- Candidates need to ensure that the photograph and signature size are not greater than 300 KB and not less than 20 KB.
Step 6: Download the Application Form:
- A confirmation page will appear on the screen after completion of the entire process.
- Take a printout of the CDS 2026 application form and keep it safe for future reference.
CDS 2026 Application Form
The application form for CDS 2026 will be released twice a year. CDS 2026 registration form will be available on the UPSC website from December 10, 2025. Candidates who want to appear for CDS I 2026 can fill out this form once it is released.
Candidates who think they are not well prepared for CDS I 2026 can consider appearing for CDS II 2026. The application form for CDS II 2026 will be available on the website from May 20, 2026.
Application Fee:
- CDS 2026 Application fee can be submitted through online/offline mode.
- Candidates can use their credit card/ debit card/ net banking, and other payment gateways to pay the CDS application fee.
- Candidates who decide to pay the CDS 2026 registration fee offline can make the payment in cash at any SBI branch.
- Candidates need to know that the CDS 2026 application fee is non-refundable and will not be given back at any cost.
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
| General/ OBC Male Candidates | Rs. 200/- |
| Female/ SC/ ST Candidates | nil |
Documents Required for CDS 2026 Registration
Here’s the list of documents required to fill the Combined Defence Service 2026 application form:
- Class 10 Mark Sheet and passing certificate
- Class 12 Mark Sheet and passing certificate
- Graduation certificate
- Post Graduation certificate (If available)
- Domicile
- Category certificate (If applicable)
- NCC (National Cadet Corps) certificate
- Photo ID card
- Passport-sized photograph
- Scanned signature, etc.
CDS 2026 Correction Facility
While filling out the CDS 2026 application form, candidates need to ensure that they enter all information correctly, whether it is personal, communicational, or educational. Even if they fail to do so, UPSC will provide an application correction facility.
CDS I application correction 2026 window will be available from first week of January 2026 after the completion of the application process. Following that, the CDS II 2026 application correction facility will also available after the completion of the application process from first week of July 2026.
In this article, we provide comprehensive details about the CDS 2026 exam and the application process. Candidates will find instructions for completing the application form, information about application fees, and other essential details.
If you have any queries about How to apply for CDS Exam 2026, ask in the comments section.