CDS 1 Application Form 2026, Online Registration Starts @upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced 451 vacancies through the Combined Defence Service Examination (I) for which the application process has started from 10th December 2025 onwards at www.upsc.gov.in. Candidates interested in making a prestigious career in national defense have a good opportunity. This article covers guides about the CDS Online Application Form 2026, application fee, steps to apply online, and other details. 

CDS Online Application Form 2026

The Combined Defence Service Examination is also known as CDS, is a national-level defence exam conducted by UPSC twice a year to recruit candidates for admission in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Candidates must first register themselves on the One Time Registration (OTR), after which they can fill out the CDS 1 Online Application Form 2026 to be eligible to appear for the CDS 1 Exam 2026. 

CDS Apply Online 2026

The UPSC's CDS exam process involves selecting candidates through a written examination and subsequent SSB interviews. Candidates are advised to submit their application forms before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical glitches. Check all the important dates for the CDS 1 Application Form 2026 for the CDS 1 2026 as mentioned in the table below, as notified by UPSC through the UPSC Calendar 2026.

CDS 1 Application Form 2026 Link

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online for the CDS 1 Exam 2026 through the official website www.upsc.gov.in. For the convenience of candidates, the direct link to apply online for the CDS 1 Exam has also shared here, as it is activated by the officials. Candidates are advised to submit their application form before the last date arrives, i.e., 30th December 2025 to avoid last-minute technical glitches. Keep the necessary documents handy while filling out your online form for the CDS 1 examination.

CDS 1 Application Form 2026 Link (Active)- Click to Apply

CDS 1 Notification 2026 Out for 451 Vacancies- Click to Check 

Steps to Fill CDS 1 Application Form 2026

Follow the steps mentioned below to complete your CDS 1 2026 exam registration process.

Step 1: Registration Form

• Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), i.e., www.upsc.gov.in, or directly apply from the above link.
• On the homepage, click on Examination >> Active Examinations >> Combined Defense Services Examination (I), 2026.
• Click on One-Time Registration (OTR) for Examination.
• The candidate has to register himself/herself on the OTR (One Time Registration) portal by clicking the New Registration button.
• You will be redirected to a new page; start filling in your details correctly.
• After registration, he/she has to log in (by Email ID, Mobile number, or OTR ID) to verify the already registered OTR application

Step 2: Application Form

• Login by entering your email ID, mobile/OTR ID, and OTP/password.
• Candidates are redirected to a new page where candidates have to enter the required information, create a new password, and click on the submit tab.
• Read all the instructions carefully and proceed by clicking on "Yes.”
• Submit application forms by filling in details, including educational qualification addresses, etc
• Upload scanned documents as required in the application form.
• Select your preferences carefully and continue to Part I

Step 3: Payment

• Pay the required application fee through online/offline mode as discussed above
• Select the desired examination center from the list
• Check all the details and click on "Submit." Download a copy of the UPSC CDS 1 application form 2026 for future reference

Pre-requisite of CDS 1 Online Form 2026

• The scanned images of the latest photographs and signature should be in jpg/jpeg format.
• photo identity card should be in PDF format
• The size of the photograph and signature must be of the following dimensions:.

Details Required to Enter CDS 1 Application Form 2026

While submitting the CDS 1 Application Form 2026, candidates must keep handy the required documents and should ensure that details are correct. The required details to enter the application forms are as follows:

• Applicant Full Name
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Father's Name
• Mother's Name
• Minority Status
• Valid Mobile Number (to be used as Login ID)
• Alternate Mobile Number, if any
• Valid Email ID (to be used as Login ID)
• Alternate Email ID, if any
• Board Examination Roll No. (Class X)
• Security Questions
• Nationality
• Community
• Educational Qualification
• Address

CDS 1 Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CDS 1 2026 exam, candidates must meet the required educational qualification and age limit for admission to the Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. The CDS 1 2026 exam is open to unmarried male and female candidates who have completed their graduation and fall within the age range of 19–25 years. The CDS 1 2026 exam offers admission to prestigious defense academies, and eligible candidates can apply through the official UPSC website. To participate in the CDS 1 2026 exam, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

Age: 19-25 years

Marital Status: Unmarried

Educational Qualification: Graduation degree from a recognized university

Nationality: Indian citizens or subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibetan refugees.