CDS Application Process 2026 (Closed): Apply Online, Exam Dates, Fees

The CDS 2 Application Process 2026 began with the release of the official notification by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on May 20, 2026. The online application window was initially open until June 9, 2026, but UPSC extended the last date to June 11, 2026, up to 6:00 PM. Candidates had to complete the application online through the UPSC portal, including registration, filling in personal and educational details, uploading the required documents, selecting an examination centre, paying the application fee, and submitting the form. The online application process is now closed. Following this, the CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 was released on September 3, 2026, around 10 days before the examination scheduled for September 13, 2026. UPSC will release the e-Admit Card online on its official website.

CDS Application Process 2026: Important Dates

CDS Application Process 2026 dates have been officially announced by the Union Public Service Commission along with the release of the CDS 2 Notification 2026 on May 20, 2026. Candidates could submit the CDS 2 2026 application form until June 11, 2026, up to 6:00 PM. Below are the important events and their dates for CDS 2026:

CDS Application Process 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for CDS 2026 must be Indian, Nepalese, or Bhutanese and permanently settled in India. They should meet the age limits set by UPSC, which vary by academy, and generally must be unmarried, except for women applying to OTA. Education requirements are: IMA and OTA need a graduation in any stream, INA requires an engineering degree, and AFA requires graduation with Physics and Maths at the Class 12 level. Below is the detailed CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026:

CDS Application Process 2026: OTR Registration

The CDS 2 Application Process 2026 was carried out through UPSC's One Time Registration (OTR) system, which candidates needed to complete before applying for the examination. The OTR profile was created only once and could then be used to apply for CDS 2 2026 and other UPSC examinations. The system allowed candidates to use their existing OTR details while submitting the CDS 2 application form through the official UPSC portal.

How to Complete OTR under the CDS Application Process 2026?

Candidates could complete the UPSC OTR registration process by visiting the official UPSC online portal and creating their registration profile using valid personal and contact details. After successful verification through OTP, candidates can set their login credentials and access the CDS application form.

Step 1: Go to upsconline.nic.in.

Step 2: Click New Registration.

Step 3: Fill in personal details: name, father’s name, mother’s name, mobile number, email ID, etc.

Step 4: Enter the captcha and submit.

Step 5: OTP will be sent to the mobile/email for verification to the candidates.

CDS Application Process 2026: OTR Correction

CDS Application Process 2026 also provides candidates with the facility to modify or update details in their UPSC OTR profile within the permitted timeline. Candidates must carefully review all information entered during registration to avoid discrepancies during the examination and selection process.

Step 1: Go to the upsconline.nic.in site.

Step 2: Choose the registration link.

Step 3: Choose the tab for new registration.

Step 4: Provide all the information requested. Name, email address, phone number, name of mother and father, etc.

Step 5: The mobile number and email address registered will receive passwords.

Step 6: Alter the password and again log in to the account.

Step 7: To apply to the test, after relogging in, click on the link to the CDS 2 Application Process.

Check: CDS Admit Card 2026

How Can Candidates Apply for the CDS Application Process 2026?

CDS Application Process 2026 is conducted in two stages, namely Part I and Part II registration. Candidates must first complete the OTR process and then proceed with filling out personal, academic, and examination-related details. After successful submission of the application form and fee payment, candidates are advised to download the confirmation page for future reference.

CDS Application Process 2026: Basic Information

CDS Application Process 2026 Part I registration requires candidates to enter important personal, category, and academic details carefully. Candidates must also choose their preferred academies and examination centres during this stage of the registration process.

Step 1: Fill in personal details: name, DOB, parents’ names, address, community, marital status, and minority status.

Step 2: Claim age relaxation if applicable.

Step 3: Choose preferred exam centres (first-apply-first-allot basis).

Step 4: Select academy preferences: IMA, INA, AFA, OTA. Female candidates can choose OTA only.

Step 5: Indicate NCC ‘C’ certificate status if applicable.

Step 6: Review all information carefully.

Step 7: Accept the declaration and submit Part I.

Step 8: A Registration ID will be generated.

CDS Application Process 2026: Fee Payment & Uploading Documents

CDS Application Process 2026 Part II registration includes payment of the application fee and uploading the required documents in the prescribed format. Candidates must ensure that all uploaded files meet the specifications mentioned in the official notification to avoid rejection of the application form.

Step 1: Log in using the Registration ID.

Step 2: Pay the application fee online

Step 3: Upload the required documents like a photograph, Signature, and a valid ID

Step 4: Apply and take a printout for reference.

Check: CDS Exam Pattern 2026

CDS Application Process 2026: Form Correction

The CDS 2 Application Process 2026 does not provide any correction facility after the application form is submitted. Candidates are not allowed to withdraw their applications or make any correction, alteration, or modification to any field after final submission.

Step 1: Visit upsconline.nic.in.

Step 2: Candidates must log in to their accounts.

Step 3: Click the link for the CDS application correction.

Step 4: Edit details and upload documents again if needed.

Step 5: Save and print the corrected application.

CDS Application Process 2026: Documents Required

Candidates appearing for CDS 2 2026 must keep all required documents ready before starting the online application process. The documents should be uploaded in the prescribed format and size mentioned by the Union Public Service Commission in the official notification.

• Scanned passport-size photograph in JPG format
• Scanned signature in JPG format
• Class 10 (matriculation) certificate for date of birth proof
• Valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence
• Active mobile number and email ID for registration and communication
• Banking details for online fee payment (if applicable)

Check: CDS Result 2026

CDS Application Process 2026 FAQs