CDS 2 2026 Online Application: How to Fill the Form Before June 9

Exciting news for all those wanting to join the defence forces! UPSC has officially released the CDS 2 2026 notification and the online application is now open. There is not much time left as the last date of applying is June 09, 2026. For those who are interested in joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as an officer, this is the opportunity. 

CDS is an acronym of Combined Defence Services. This is a written test held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Those who clear the written test are invited for an interview at the SSB. Once they clear both, they are offered admission to either one of the following academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) or Officers Training Academy (OTA). The process of the CDS online application 2026 will be explained in a very simple manner in this blog.

CDS Exam Date 2026 and Key Dates

The first step should be to review all important dates to ensure that you don't miss out. This is a simple table:

The most important date at present is June 9, 2026 – the last date to fill the CDS online application 2026. Don't wait until the end of the day. The website can get slow due to heavy traffic near the deadline.

Who Can Apply for CDS 2 Exam – Basic Eligibility

Check the eligibility before the registration process of CDS. IMA, INA and AFA require an unmarried male Indian citizen to graduate. Physics and Maths are compulsory for AFA at degree level. For INA, a degree in Engineering or BSc with Physics and Mathematics is needed. The application is open for OTA for both male and female graduates. The age range is usually 19-25 years, depending on the academy. For the exact age limit for each academy, always refer to the official notification given on upsc.gov.in.

CDS Online Application Form 2026 – Step-by-Step

The CDS registration process is done in two parts on the UPSC website. If you follow the steps individually, it is easy. The process is as follows:

During Part I of the CDS registration process, you provide your fundamental details such as your name, date of birth, address and education. Once you submit Part I, you will receive a Registration ID and Password. Save these carefully. You will use them for part II to upload your photo and signature and to pay the application fee. 

Once you've finished both, you will see a confirmation page on the screen. Print it out or save it to your phone. You will find the details of your roll number and other details on this page which you will need later while downloading the CDS admit card.

CDS 2 Registration Process – Documents Needed

Before you begin to fill out the form, make sure you have the following items ready for a smooth registration process for the CDS. You will need to scan a passport-size photo in JPG format of 20KB-300KB (white background), a scanned signature in JPG format of 4KB-300KB, a Class 10 certificate (for proof of date of birth), a graduation degree or final year admit card (if still studying) and a category certificate (if applicable for SC/ST or OBC). 

Be sure to have a recent, clear photo. One of the most frequent reasons for an application to be rejected is due to a dark, blurry or old photo. The background should be white, and there should be no shadows on the face.

CDS 2 Application Fee Details

CDS 2 2026 Application Fees Rs. 200. Female candidates and candidates from SC/ST category are fully exempted from paying the fee. Payment can be made online through a debit card, credit card, or Net Banking. Offline payment facility is also available by generating a challan during Part II registration at any State Bank of India branch. Once payment is successful, you will receive a payment confirmation as part of your final application receipt.

Read More: CDS II 2026 Notification Released: 451 Vacancies Across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

CDS 2 Admit Card – What to Know

The CDS Admit card 2026 will be issued by the UPSC about 3 weeks before the CDS exam date, after the successful submission and acceptance of the CDS online application 2026. The admit card will be uploaded on upsc.gov.in under e-Admit Card section. 

Click the link to download the CDS admit card, enter the registration number and Date of Birth. Verify all the information on the admit card, including your name, roll number, exam centre address and exam date. If you discover any errors, let the UPSC know right away. Without the CDS admit card, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Make a minimum of two copies and store them in a safe place.

Best CDS Books for Exam Preparation

After completing your CDS online application for 2026, start preparing right away. The written test of the CDS consists of 3 papers for IMA, INA and AFA (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) and 2 papers for OTA. 

Solve Oswaal Books' previous year solved papers at all times, as UPSC tends to repeat questions. Keep in mind that there is negative marking (1/3) for each incorrect answer, so take your time and don't just guess.

Recommended CDS Books and Study Materials

Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for CDS 2026 Exams

Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test for CDS 2026 Exams

Are You a Teacher? Apply for FREE CDS Specimen Books For Teachers from our end.