I am unable to upload photograph and signature while filling CDS application form. What to do?

If you are experiencing difficulty uploading your photograph and signature while filling the CDS application form, here are a few things you can try: a) Check the file size and format: Ensure that the photograph and signature you are trying to upload are in the prescribed format and size as specified in the instructions. The file format should be JPEG and the file size should not exceed the specified limit. B) Clear cache and cookies: Sometimes, clearing the cache and cookies of your browser can resolve issues related to uploading files. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, and then try uploading the files again. C) Try a different browser: If you are still having trouble uploading the files, try using a different browser. Sometimes, compatibility issues with the browser can prevent files from being uploaded. D) Resize the photograph and signature: If the file size is too large, you can try resizing the photograph and signature using an online image resizing tool. However, you should keep in mind that the image size should be within the given limits. E) Contact the UPSC If you have tried all the above steps and are still unable to upload the files, you can contact the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for assistance. The officials may be able to provide you with further guidance and solution on how to resolve the problem. F) It's important to ensure that you upload the photograph and signature correctly, as any errors or inconsistencies in the application form can lead to the rejection of your application.

Do I need to submit the hard copy of CDS application form?

No, you do not need to submit a hard copy of the CDS application form to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The entire application process for CDS, including submission of the application form, is done online. Once you have completed the application process and submitted the form, you will receive an acknowledgement from the UPSC. You should keep a copy of this acknowledgement for your records, as it contains important information such as your roll number, application ID, and exam center details. It's important to note that you should fill out the application form carefully and ensure that all the details provided are accurate and complete. Any errors or inconsistencies in the application form can lead to rejection of your application. Also, make sure to keep all the necessary documents ready and uploaded in the prescribed format and size as specified in the instructions. This includes your photograph, signature, and any other supporting documents that may be required. In summary, the entire application process for CDS is online, and you do not need to submit a hard copy of the application form.

What to do if there is a delay in assessing the CDS application page?

If there is a delay in assessing the CDS application page, it is possible that there could be a technical issue or high traffic on the website. A few suggestions have been given below to solve the issue: a) Wait and try again later: Sometimes, technical issues can cause delays in accessing the application page. Wait for some time and try accessing the page again later. B) Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that there are no connectivity issues. Try restarting the modem or the router c) Use a different device or browser: If you are still unable to access the application page, try using a different device or browser to SEE if that makes a difference. D) Contact the UPSC If you have tried all the above steps and are still experiencing a delay in accessing the application page, you can contact the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for assistance. The officials may be able to help with the issue and further provide a solution for it. It's important to note that the application deadline for CDS is usually well in advance of the exam date, so it's a good idea to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute hassle or delays.

Can girls apply for CDS exam?

Yes, girls can apply for CDS exam. They are considered for OTA and are allotted to SSC (Short Service Commission) in the non-technical cadre. The SSC ends after 10 to 14 years of service. Further, the commissioned girls can apply for the permanent service after the approval of the board. The girls cannot be admitted in IMA, INA, and AFA through CDS exam. Though, the candidates can apply for the Indian Air Force as pilot or ground duty officers through the AFCAT exam.

What is the selection process of CDS exam 2025?

The CDS 2025 selection process comprises various stages: The selection process of CDS comprises three stages that assess the academic knowledge, physical fitness and mental aptitude of candidates. The selection process includes: Stage 1: Written Examination Stage 2: SSB Interview (Service Selection Board) Stage 3: Medical Examination and Merit List After all these stages, a Final Merit List is prepared based on the written examination and SSB performance. The written test is of 300 marks (for INA, IMA and AFA) and 200 marks (OTA). The candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview. At the second stage, the candidates have to undergo the vigorous 5 days interview in which the candidates are assessed on the physical, psychological and analytics level. Further, the SSB interview is followed by the medical test in which the candidates are assessed on physical standards. In the final stage merit list is released along with the release of the CDS results.

What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?

Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate candidates for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). NDA exam is conducted for Class 12 pass candidates. Whereas, CDS exam is conducted for graduate-level candidates. NDA exam carries two subjects-GAT and Maths. CDS exam carries three papers-Maths, English and GK. English and GK section is conducted for OTA, IMA, INA and AFA. Maths paper is conducted for IMA, INA and AFA. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA is 900 whereas it is 300 for CDS.

Can I change my CDS exam centre after submitting the CDS application form?

No, candidates cannot change their CDS exam centre after submitting the application form. The exam centre allotted by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC is final, and candidates must appear for the exam at the allotted centre only. Therefore, candidates are advised to carefully choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form and ensure that they can reach the exam centre on the day of the exam. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC for any changes or updates related to the exam centre.

Why CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS exam is conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for admission to various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, and candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the exam. The exam consists of a written test followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is designed to assess the personality traits and suitability of the candidates for the respective course or post. The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates who clear the written test and the SSB interview are selected for admission to the respective course or post based on their overall performance in the exam. The CDS exam provides an opportunity for candidates who are interested in a career in the Indian Armed Forces to pursue their dream and serve the country with honor and pride.

How many exam centres allotted to CDS exam?

The number of exam centres allotted for the CDS exam may vary each year depending on the number of candidates and other related factors. The UPSC which is the conducting authority for the CDS exam, usually releases a list of exam centres along with the notification for the exam. In general, the CDS exam is conducted at multiple centres across India to accommodate the large number of candidates who appear for the exam. Candidates can choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form, and the final allotment of exam centres is done by the UPSC based on the availability of seats and other related factors. Candidates should check the official notification for the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC to get the latest updates on the exam centres and other related information.

CDS Application Form 2025 Extended: CDS 1 Correction Window, Apply Link

536K Views577 Comments

Exam On: 13 Apr '25

Shikha GoyalAssistant Manager

Updated on Jan 13, 2025 11:59 IST

CDS Application Form 2025: The last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 was extended due to technical issues from December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025 (6 PM). The CDS 1 2025 application form link was activated on December 11, 2024. Also, the CDS 2 2025 application form will be released on May 28, 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 2 2025 will be June 17, 2025. The candidates who are willing to appear for the CDS 1 2025 exam must know the CDS 1 dates so that they do not miss any event related to the exam. For this, the candidates are advised to regularly visit the UPSC CDS website, upsc.gov.in. Also, check the CDS eligibility criteria before filling out the CDS application form.

CDS exam is conducted for the selection of candidates for admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses. Candidates who wish to apply for CDS 1 2025 must check the eligibility criteria to ensure that they are eligible for the exam.

Q: What are the exam dates for CDS 2025 exam?

The Union Public Service Commission released the exam calendar for the year 2025. According to the UPSC CDS calendar the CDS 1 2025 application form and the notification was released on December 11, 2024 and the last date to apply was January 1, 2025 (extended). The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. On the other hand the CDS 2 exam application and notification will be released on May 28, 2025. The application remained active till June 17, 2025. However, the exam for the CDS 2 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025.

The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through exam calendar. There are slight chances that the exam dates get changed due to any circumstance. However, the candidates must prepare for the CDS exams according to these exam dates.

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Q: Who is eligible to take the CDS exam?

The minimum age limit for applying CDS exam is 19 years. Candidates must be graduate or appearing in the final year. B.Tech and BE candidates can apply for IMA, INA and AFA. The age limit criteria for CDS 1 exam have been given below for the candidates:

Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years

Air Force Academy: 20 years to 24 years

Indian Military Academy: 19 to 24 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non Technical Course): 19 to 25 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): 19 to 25 years

The candidates must note that if they don't fulfill the age limit and educational qualification criteria will not be able to appear in the CDS exam.

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Q: What are the correction dates for CDS 1 2025 application form?

CDS 1 2025 application form correction window was closed. The authority extended the last date to apply for the CDS 1 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 was January 1, 2025.

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Q: What is the application fee for the CDS exam?

The application fee for the Combined Defence Services CDS exam varies depending on the category and gender of the candidate. The application fee for CDS exam has been given below: a) For candidates belonging to the General category and male candidates of the OBC category: Rs. 200/- b) For female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories: No fee It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, and the applicants should always check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for the latest information on application fees.

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Q: What was the last date to apply for CDS 1 application form 2025?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) application form was released on the official website for CDS 1 on December 11, 2024. The last date to apply was extended from December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025 (6 PM). Also, for the CDS 2 exam from May 28, 2025 to June 17, 2025. The candidates can apply for the exam by following the steps given below:

Go to the official website- upsconline.gov.in
Login into the account on the OTR platform (The registration process for OTR has given above)
Fill out the details that have been asked for part 1 registration
Upload the photograph, signature and photo identity proof
Make the application fees
Choose the exam centre for the CDS 1 exam
Finally, submit the application form
The confirmation message will be sent to the registered mobile number and email id

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Table of Contents

CDS Application Form 2025: UPSC OTR
CDS Exam Dates & Schedule
How to Make Corrections in CDS 1 Application?
How to register for CDS application form?
How Can I Apply for CDS 1 2025?
Filling Part I of CDS Application Form 2025
How to Choose Exam Centres in CDS Application Form?
How to Choose CDS Exam Centres 2025
CDS Career Growth
Other Defence Exam Application Form
CDS Application 2025 FAQs

CDS Application Form 2025: UPSC OTR

UPSC introduced the One Time Registration (OTR) platform for the candidates to fill out the application form for any exam under UPSC. The OTR is done once in a lifetime. The OTR can be filled at any time in a year. Though the candidates are allowed to make changes in the OTR within 7 days of registration on the OTR. The candidate. To register for OTR, the candidates have to follow the steps given below:

Go to the official website- upsconline.nic.in
Click on the new registration tab
Fill out the details- Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Mobile number, Email Id, etc
Enter the captcha
Click on Submit
OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email id
Re-login into your account and reset the password
Again Login into the account and go for the CDS application link

Click here to apply for CDS 1 2025 exam-https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/OTRP/

Also Read:

CDS Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDS 2025 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
13 Apr '25	CDS 1 Exam 2025
28 May '25	CDS 2 Notification 2025
28 May '25 - 17 Jun '25	CDS 2 Application Form 2025
14 Sep '25	CDS 2 Exam 2025
Dates	Past Exam Dates
11 Dec '24	CDS 1 Notification 2025
11 Dec '24 - 01 Jan '25	CDS 1 Application 2025
01 Sep '24	CDS 2 Exam
View More Past Events (3)

How to Make Corrections in CDS 1 Application?

The candidates can correct the CDS 1 application form by logging in to their registered UPSC OTR profile. The steps to make corrections in the UPSC CDS application form are given below.

How to Make Corrections in the CDS 1 Application Form?

The steps to make corrections in the CDS 1 application form have been given below for the candidates:

Go to the official website
Click on the link available for CDS 1 form correction
Log in to the registered account using login credentials
Make corrections to the CDS1 application correction
Save and print a copy of the modified CDS 1 application form
Log out from the registered profile

Also Read: UPSC CAPF 2024

How to Make Corrections in UPSC OTR Profile?

The candidates need to follow the steps given below to register themselves on the OTR platform:

Go to the official website: upsconline.nic.in
Click on the registration link
Click on the new registration tab
Fill out the details asked- Name, Mother's Name, Father's Name, Mobile Number, Email Id, etc
Password will be sent to the registered email id and mobile number.
Re-login to the account and reset the password
After the re-login go to the account and click on the CDS 2 application form link to apply for the exam

Also Read: SSC JE Exam Analysis 2024

How to register for CDS application form?

The steps to fill out the application form are given below:

Go to the official website for application- upsconline.nic.in
Log in to your registered account or register for the OTR (the steps to register for UPSC OTR have been given below in the article)
Click on the CDS exam link
Fill out the details asked
Upload the photograph, signature, and Photo Identity card
Make the application fee for the CDS exam
Choose the CDS exam centre
Finally, submit the application form
A confirmation message will be sent to the candidate's registered mobile number and email id

Also Read: CDS OTA Syllabus

Watch the video to apply for CDS 2 Application Form 2024

How Can I Apply for CDS 1 2025?

CDS application form can be filled in two stages: Part I & II. In Part I of registration, candidates must fill in the basic information. In Part 2, candidates must pay the application fees, select the exam centre, upload the photograph, signature, photo identity card document, and declaration. The steps to fill both parts of the application form are explained below:

Filling Part I of CDS Application Form 2025

The detailed process to fill out the application form has been given below for the candidates. The candidates have to follow the steps to know the application process in brief:

Page One: Here the system inter-alia asks for Candidates to fill in personal information including, name, date of birth, father's name, mother's name, address, community the candidate belongs to, whether fee remission is claimed, whether he/she belongs to a minority, marital status

Page Two: Here system asks for claiming age relaxation and CDS exam centre. Candidates need to choose their preferred CDS exam centres while filling out the application form. Candidates are provided with the option of choosing one exam centre. The exam centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis. Please note that the only option available to the candidate is default no, so the candidates who have NCC C certificate holders (Naval Wing) need not worry and they can proceed further by only choosing the examination centre from which they wish to appear and proceed further for the next page where they can choose-Whether having/likely to have NCC 'C' Certificate Sr. Division: option and select navy and they will be automatically provided with two years age relaxation in upper age limit. The candidate is to select a centre from the drop-down menu.

Page Three: On this page Information about preferences for IMA, NA, AFA, and OTA are to be given. The preferences are to be given using numbers 0/1/2/3/4. Candidates will have to enter at least one preference. Since female candidates are eligible for OTA only, they should indicate OTA as the only preference. Candidates who desire to join Air Force Academy must indicate AFA as their first choice. On this page, candidates are also required to indicate whether they have or are likely to have an NCC C certificate (Sr. Division) and whether they are serving in the armed forces.

Page Fourth: Here the system displays all the information provided by the candidate in the application form for verification. An update button is also provided therein at the bottom of the CDS online application details to move back and make any corrections in the information filled in. The candidates are advised to check the filled-in details and satisfy themselves that all information is correctly filled up. No change in information filled in by the candidates will be allowed at any subsequent stage of the examination process.

Declaration Box

At the bottom of the page, there is a declaration for the candidates. They should go through the contents of the declaration carefully. Candidates have the option to either agree or disagree with the contents of a declaration by clicking on 'I Agree' or 'I Do Not Agree'. Accepting to agree only will submit the candidate's online application, and the Part-I data submitted will be saved and a registration Id generated for the candidate.

Page Five: Here the system displays the registration ID along with the essential identification information about the candidate such as name, father's name, mother's name, DOB, address, exam centre, etc opted by the candidate. They are also intimated that Part-I is complete with the registration of the online application procedure. The candidates may however note that CDS will be treated as incomplete and rejected unless accompanied with Part-II Registration.

Part-I of the CDS application procedure is completed. Candidates have to complete the Part-II registration for the successful online application submission.

The screenshot of the registration is given below:

Part-II: Fee Payment, Exam Centre Selection, Uploading Images

Candidates need to log in with the generated registration ID to fill in the details in Part II of the CDS application form. The Part-II registration comprises the following steps:

Fee Payment
Uploading of Photograph
Uploading of Signature
Uploading of Photo-Identity Proof

Fee Payment

Applicants can pay the examination fee through cash/credit card/debit card or net banking. The fee structure is given below.

Category	Application fees (In INR)
General and OBC male candidates	200
Female/SC/ST candidates	Nil

Image Uploading

Candidates need to upload scanned images of their photograph, signature, and uploading photo-identity proof. The images should not exceed 300 kb and must not be less than 20 kb
Submit the application form and take its printout

Also Read: CDS syllabus

Documents Required for Filling Out the CDS Application Form

Before filling CDS application form, candidates must keep the following documents ready:

Photograph and Signature: Before starting filling up the CDS online form, candidates must have their photographs and signatures duly scanned in the .jpg format in such a manner that each file should not exceed 300 KB and must not be less than 20 KB in size
Class 10 Certificate: Candidates must have their matriculation certificate ready prior to filling up the CDS application form. The details related to the candidate's name, father's name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth are required to be filled in the application form. These particulars should match exactly with the particulars mentioned in the matriculation certificate.
Details of Photo-Identity Proof: The Candidate should also have details of one photo ID such as an Aadhar Card/ Voter Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Driving License/ Any other photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. The details of this photo ID will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the online application form. Candidates will have to upload a scanned copy of their Photo ID whose details have been provided in the online application by him/her. This photo ID will be used for all future referencing and the candidate is advised to carry this ID while appearing for examination/Personality Test/SSB.

Specifications for Uploading Signature and Photograph

Candidates need to scan the signature, photograph, and photo-identity proof as per the specifications given below:

The scanned photograph should be uploaded first in JPG format
The digital size of the file should not exceed 300 kb and must not be less than 20 kb. The resolution should be 350 pixels (Width) X 350 pixels (Height) minimum, 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels (Height) maximum. The bit depth of the image should be 24 bit
The photo identity card document should be in PDF format. The digital size of a PDF file should not exceed 300 kb and must not be less than 20 kb

Also Read:

CDS vacancies 2024

Information Related to Fee Payment

Candidates can check below the information related to the payment of application fees:

Candidates are required to pay the application fee online through SBI Net banking or by cash through SBI bank challan or through credit card/debit card
To pay a fee in cash, candidates should take the printout of challan generated online after completion of registration
Candidates need to go to the nearest SBI branch for depositing fees after 24 hours of generation of challan
Pay by cash mode option is deactivated a day before the exam. However, applicants who have generated their pay-in-slip before it is de-activated may pay at the counter of the SBI Branch during working hours on the closing date of the application

Also More:

Defence exams in India

How to Choose Exam Centres in CDS Application Form?

Choosing an examination centre is important in the CDS application form as the candidates should choose the nearest centre from where they live. Choosing the nearest exam centre helps the candidates avoid any problems while reaching the CDS exam centre. The steps to choose the exam centre and list of the exam centre in the CDS application form has been given below:

Candidates have to fill out the application form for the CDS exam after the registration
The candidates will have to fill out the application form by giving personal details like- name, address, educational qualification etc.
After filling out the personal details candidates will be given the option to choose the exam centres
Choose the exam centres near your home town or where you live

How to Choose CDS Exam Centres 2025

Choosing an exam centre is one of the crucial points while filling out an application form. The candidates will be able to choose from a list of 70+ cities. The name of the cities that can be chosen has been given below in the table below:

Agartala	Ghaziabad	Panaji (Goa)
Agra	Gorakhpur	Patna
Ajmer	Gurgaon	Port Blair
Ahmedabad	Gwalior	Prayagraj (Allahabad)
Aizawl	Hyderabad	Puducherry
Aligarh	Imphal	Pune
Almora (Uttarakhand)	Indore	Raipur
Anantpur (Andhra Pradesh)	Itanagar	Rajkot
Aurangabad	Jabalpur	Ranchi
Bengaluru	Jaipur	Sambalpur
Bareilly	Jammu	Shillong
Bhopal	Jodhpur	Shimla
Bilaspur	Jorhat	Siligudi
Chandigarh	Kochi	Srinagar
Chennai	Kohima	Srinagar (Uttarakhand)
Coimbatore	Kolkata	Thane
Cuttack	Kozhikode (Calicut)	Thiruvananthapuram
Dehradun	Leh	Tiruchirapalli
Delhi	Lucknow	Tirupati
Dharwad	Ludhiana	Udaipur
Dispur	Madurai	Varanasi
Faridabad	Mumbai	Vellore
Gangtok	Mysore	Vijayawada
Gaya	Nagpur	Vishakhapatnam
Gautam Buddh Nagar	Navi Mumbai	Warangal

Also Read: UGC NET 2024

CDS Career Growth

The candidates who will join the Indian defence as commissioned officers will be promoted according to the norms and time period of the service. The candidates can check the rank-wise post list below:

Captain - Two years of commissioned service
Major - Six years of commissioned service
Lieutenant Colonel - Thirteen years of commissioned service
Colonel - Fifteen years of commissioned service
Colonel (TS) - Twenty-six years of commissioned service
Major General - Twenty-five years of commissioned service
Brigadier - Twenty-three years of commissioned service
Lieutenant General - Twenty-eight years of commissioned service
General - No restrictions
Lieutenant - Promotion only after completion of training

Also Read: UGC NET

Other Defence Exam Application Form

The aspirants who want to become defence personnel in Indian defence can also go for different defence exams like AFCAT, NDA and CAPF. The candidates can check the defence exam application form by clicking the links below. The list of other defence exams in India has been given below for the candidates: