How to Fill the CDS Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide
KF
Team Kampus Filter
Student College Research Team
Updated: September 20264 min read
Quick Summary
Application Fee: ₹200 (Gen/OBC Male) | Exempt: Female/SC/ST | Official Portal: upsc.gov.in
Filling the Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services (CDS) application form requires a two-stage process via upsc.gov.in: One-Time Registration (OTR) followed by Part I and Part II application submissions. General and OBC male candidates must pay a ₹200 fee, while female, SC, and ST candidates are exempt. Ensure precise document dimensions to avoid rejection.
Before initiating your UPSC CDS application, verifying your eligibility across educational, age, and nationality parameters is crucial. The Combined Defence Services examination grants entry into prestigious military academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Each academy has strict educational prerequisites, ranging from a recognized engineering degree for technical wings to any graduation degree for OTA.
Candidates must also ensure they possess the necessary digital assets and personal credentials before starting the online process. Having scanned documents formatted correctly saves time and prevents session timeouts on the official UPSC portal.
Key Points for Students
- ✓Age Limit: Varies by academy (typically 20 to 24 years for IMA/INA/AFA, and 20 to 25 years for OTA).
- ✓Educational Qualification: Degree from a recognized university (Physics/Math at 10+2 level for Air Force and Navy).
- ✓Scanned Documents: Passport-size photograph and signature meeting exact UPSC dimension and file-size guidelines.
The application workflow is divided into the One-Time Registration (OTR) module and the specific CDS exam application. According to official guidelines released on upsc.gov.in, candidates must first create an OTR profile, which acts as a master repository for their personal and educational data. Once OTR is completed, applicants log in to select the active CDS examination cycle, fill out preferred exam center cities, choose academy preferences, and complete fee remittance. Reviewing all entered data prior to final submission is critical, as UPSC provides a very limited correction window for rectification of inadvertent errors.
CDS Academy Preferences & Eligibility Parameters
Compare tuition fees, program duration, packages, and ROI ratings
Quick Comparison
| Academy Name | Educational Qualification | Age Limit | Gender Eligibility | Training Duration | Career Entry Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Graduation in any discipline | 19 - 24 Years | Unmarried Male | 18 Months | Permanent Commission |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Degree in Engineering / Technology | 19 - 24 Years | Unmarried Male | 22 Months | Permanent Commission |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Graduation with Physics & Math at 10+2 | 20 - 24 Years | Unmarried Male | 74 Months | Permanent Commission |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation in any discipline | 19 - 25 Years | Unmarried & Married Male/Female | 49 Weeks | Short Service Commission |
Verified Fee Benchmarks: Figures reflect audited notifications and semester schedules.Source: Official Circulars & Mandatory Disclosures
Step-by-Step Practical Decision Framework for Defence Aspirants
Actionable steps to evaluate institutions before applying
1Step 1
Step 1: OTR Profile Creation
Register securely on upsconline.nic.in using valid email, mobile number, and Aadhaar or government ID proof.
2Step 2
Step 2: Academy Preference Mapping
Analyze your educational background (e.g., Engineering vs General Graduation) to accurately rank your academy choices (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
3Step 3
Step 3: Fee Remittance & Final Lock
Complete payment via SBI net banking, credit/debit card, or cash challan, and save the final confirmation receipt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common student admission questions
What is the application fee for the CDS exam?
The application fee is ₹200 for General and OBC male candidates. Female candidates, as well as candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, are fully exempt from paying the application fee.
Can I apply for multiple academies through a single CDS application?
Yes, candidates can choose multiple academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) in a single application form, provided they meet the specific educational and age eligibility criteria for each chosen institution.
Is there a correction window if I make a mistake in my CDS form?
Yes, UPSC provides a dedicated application correction window (typically lasting 7 days after the application deadline closes) where registered candidates can modify specific details in their submitted OTR or examination form.
What documents are required to fill out the CDS online form?
You need a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN), scanned passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and academic marksheets to verify your graduation details during registration.
Institutional Data & Fee Transparency Disclaimer
Fee structures, cutoff percentiles, and placement statistics published on Kampus Filter are compiled from official university prospectuses, NIRF statutory filings, UGC/AICTE public notifications, and institutional disclosures. All figures represent comparative historical benchmarks and are subject to periodic revisions by respective university governing bodies.
Prospective students and guardians are advised to verify current academic session fees, seat matrices, and admission deadlines directly with the official university admissions office prior to financial commitments. Kampus Filter is an independent higher education research directory and does not solicit donations or represent university administration.