| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination | CDS II 2026 |
| Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 9 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Application Portal | UPSC Online |
| Exam Frequency | Generally twice a year |
CDS 2026 Application Form Dates
| Event | CDS II 2026 |
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
Candidates should check the latest UPSC notification for any future CDS examination cycle because dates can change.
CDS 2026 Eligibility Before Applying
Candidates should check the eligibility requirements before filling out the application form.
| Academy | Basic Educational Requirement |
| IMA | Degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
| INA | Engineering degree |
| AFA | Degree with required Physics and Mathematics background at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering |
| OTA | Degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
Age, marital status, nationality and other conditions also apply. Candidates should use the latest UPSC notification to confirm their eligibility.
How to Fill CDS 2026 Application Form
| Step | What to Do |
| 1 | Visit the official UPSC online application portal |
| 2 | Complete the required registration |
| 3 | Enter personal information |
| 4 | Add educational qualification details |
| 5 | Select eligible academy preferences |
| 6 | Upload required documents or information |
| 7 | Pay the application fee, if applicable |
| 8 | Review the complete application |
| 9 | Submit the application |
| 10 | Save the application details for future use |
Documents and Details Required
Candidates should keep the following information ready before starting the application:
| Requirement | Purpose |
| Personal Details | Registration and identification |
| Date of Birth | Eligibility verification |
| Educational Details | Academy eligibility |
| Photograph | Candidate identification |
| Signature | Application verification |
| Photo ID Details | Identification |
| Category Details | Applicable reservation requirements |
| Payment Details | Application fee, where applicable |
The exact document and upload requirements should be checked in the current UPSC application instructions.
CDS 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate category and the rules mentioned in the relevant UPSC notification.
| Candidate Category | Fee |
| General Candidates | As prescribed by UPSC |
| OBC Candidates | As prescribed by UPSC |
| SC/ST Candidates | Exemption may apply as per UPSC rules |
| Female Candidates | Exemption may apply as per UPSC rules |
Candidates should check the official notification for the applicable fee before making payment.
CDS 2026 Application Form Correction
If UPSC provides a correction facility for the relevant examination, candidates can make permitted changes during the specified correction period.
| Correction Area | Action |
| Personal Details | Check whether correction is permitted |
| Educational Details | Correct only within the allowed period |
| Preferences | Follow UPSC correction rules |
| Uploaded Information | Update where permitted |
| Application Details | Verify before final submission |
Do not wait for the correction window. Enter and check your details carefully before submitting the application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering an incorrect date of birth
- Selecting an academy without checking eligibility
- Providing incorrect educational details
- Missing the application deadline
- Uploading information in the wrong format
- Entering incorrect contact details
- Not checking the application before submission
- Losing registration or application details