CDS 1 2026 Application Form (Started), Get Apply Online Link Here
Nigam Sharma11 Dec, 2025
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CDS 1 2026 Application Form: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced 451 openings through the Combined Defence Service Examination (I), for which applications will be accepted from December 10, 2025 at www.upsc.gov.in. There is a strong chance for those who want to pursue a highly successful career in national defense. The CDS Online Application Form 2026, the application fees, how to apply online, and other information are all covered on this page.
The UPSC CDS Application Form is released twice a year for CDS (1) and CDS (2). Candidates who are found to have specified Eligibility Criteria and submit the detailed filled form will be allowed to write the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Service) Examination. CDS 1 2026 registration last date is 30th December 2025.CDS 1 2026 Application Form
CDS 1 2026 Application Form link is activated now, as the official notification was released on the UPSC website on 10th December 2025. Candidates should fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements to become eligible to complete the application process. CDS 1 2026 Notification has now been released and is available to download. After that, candidates can get an active link from the official website to complete the application process. Fill out all the details in the application form correctly. Any mistake in filling out the application form could cause the cancellation of candidature. Submit the relevant documents online and make the fee payment.
CDS 1 Application Form 2026 Important Dates
A list of all important dates related to the CDS 1 Exam is provided in a table format. Candidates can refer to the table to keep track of all the important information regarding the application process.| CDS Events | CDS 1 2026 |
|---|---|
| CDS Notification | 10th December 2025 |
| CDS Vacancies | 451 |
| CDS Application Form | 10th December 2025 |
| Last date to apply for CDS | 30th December 2025 |
| CDS Application Form Correction | Will be Updated |
| CDS Application Withdrawal | NA |
| CDS Admit Card | Will be Updated |
| CDS Exam Date 2026 | 12th April 2026 |
CDS 1 2026 Apply Online Link
The Application Process for CDS 1 2026 is now active from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. Eligible Candidates can apply online through the official website. Aspiring candidates can access the CDS 1 2026 Apply Online Link on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is also provided below for the ease of candidates. It is important for candidates to carefully fill out the application form, providing accurate details and necessary documents.How to Fill UPSC CDS Application Form 2026
Let us understand CDS 1 2026 how to apply online in this section. The CDS Application form needs to be submitted carefully. There are four phases in the CDS Application Form Filling, Check out the section below to know about the same.Phase 1: Registration
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Visit the official UPSC website www.upsc.gov.in or use the direct link given above.
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On the homepage, go to Examination → Active Examinations → Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026.
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Click on One-Time Registration (OTR) for Examination.
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Select New Registration and create your OTR profile by entering all required details correctly.
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After successful registration, log in using your Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID to verify and complete your OTR application.
Phase 2: Application Fee Payment
- Pay the CDS 1 2026 application fee as admissible to the candidate’s category
- Check payment status and move to the next phase
- Check all the details and click on "Submit." Download a copy of the UPSC CDS 1 application form 2026 for future referene.
Phase 3: Upload Photo, Signature & Photo Identity Card
Upload the required documents, photo, signature, etc in the prescribed format and size limit
Submit the CDS application form on the dashboard and take its printout.
| Pre-requisite of CDS 1 Online Form 2026 | ||
| Documents | File Size and Format | Format |
| Photograph | 20 to 300 KB | JPG format |
| Signature | ||
| Photo Identity Document (PID) | 20 to 300 KB | PDF format |
Phase 4: Centre Selection
Log in to the dashboard using the registration number and password
Choose the exam centre from the list of cities available and then submit the details
Also, click on the agree to all declaration and complete the application form filling
Please note that the CDS Exam Centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
Documents Required for Filling UPSC CDS Application Form
A lot of details are required while filling out the CDS Application Form. Due to this, candidates have to keep the following documents handy while doing so. Given below is the list of required documents while filling out the CDS Application Form:-Class 10th, 12th roll number
Academic certificates of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Adhaar Card
Caste Certificate
Scanned copy of signature, photograph, and ID proof within the limit of 20 KB to 300 KB
CDS Application Form Fees
As per the notification, candidates must pay the CDS Application Form fee as admissible for their category. This fee can be paid using any online payment mode, such as a Debit card, Credit card, or UPI.| Categories | CDS Application Fee |
| Unreserved | Rs 200 |
| Reserved/Female/PWD | Nil |
How To Withdraw a CDS Application?
CDS 1 2026 application form withdrawal is not permitted after submission, so applicants should exercise caution and ensure all details are accurate before finalising their forms. Queries or requests for corrections after submission will not be entertained by the Commission. It is essential for all candidates, including those in government service, the Armed Forces, or private employment, to complete their applications online through the prescribed process to avoid errors and ensure smooth examination procedures.
CDS Eligibility Criteria
Candidates filling out the CDS 1 2026 Application Form must be familiar with CDS Eligibility. The CDS 1 2026 eligibility criteria are one of the important factors to follow before filling out the CDS Application Form.CDS Nationality
The candidate should be a permanent citizen of India
One should have the relevant certificates to prove their CDS Eligibility for the Examination.
CDS Age Limit & Marital Status
Union Public Service Commission has prescribed the concerned age limit and marital status for the defence academies that will be participating in the UPSC CDS Recruitment Process.| Defence Academy | Age Limit | Marital Status |
| Indian Military Academy | 19 to 24 years | Unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy | 19 to 22 years | Unmarried |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 23 years | <25 years unmarried or >25 years both married and unmarried. |
| Officers' Training Academy (Men) | 19 to 25 years | Unmarried females, issueless widows who haven’t remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried are eligible. |
| Officers Training Academy (Women, Non-Technical) | 19 to 25 years | Unmarried |
CDS Educational Qualification
The final appointment of the candidate shall be done in three academies, namely, IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The admissible education qualification to fill out the CDS Application form can be checked below.| Defence Academy | CDS Educational Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelors in Engineering from a recognised University |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) |
Graduated with Physics and Mathematics in Class 12th or Bachelor of Engineering |