CDS 2023 Application: Dates, Registration, Form-Filling & Documents

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

CDS stands for Combined Defence Services. It is a national level entrance examination. Do you want to apply for CDS this year? If yes, this post will be of help to you. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of CDS 2022 application process.

In this post, readers will find the following details – CDS application form (dates and details), registration process (step by step guide), documents required and application fee. In short, this post contains all the important details that you need to know about CDS application process.

Come let us take a quick look at CDS application process-overview:

CDS is a national level competitive examination. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts this examination each year. This examination is conducted twice in a year (CDS I and CDS II).

The main aim of CDS examination is to facilitate selection of eligible candidates into training academies of Indian Armed Forces’ different wings – Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy.

Bachelor’s Degree holders are eligible to apply for this test. Do you want to become an officer in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force after graduation? If yes, CDS test will be of help to you.

After going through this post, readers will find answers to the following questions –

• How to register for CDS examination?
• How to fill up CDS application form?
• When is the last date to submit CDS application form?
• And more…

Let us begin –

Important Dates

In short, this examination is conducted two times in a year. The examination is organized by the UPSC. CDS examination forms the first stage of selection process. Candidates who crack this test are selected to appear for SSB interview. The interview process further evaluates a candidate. Based on his/her performance in the SSB interview, he/she may get rejected or recommended for selection. Final selection (after getting recommended) is made on the basis of a candidate’s score in the merit list.

What is CDS registration process like, some of you may ask. Come, let us take a closer look at the application process –

CDS 2022 Application Process

CDS application process can be broadly classified into two parts – Part 1 and part 2. These parts can be further classified into stages such as – registration, form-filling, uploading relevant documents and payment of application fee.

Eligible candidates may register for this test online. Come, let us check out the steps involved in CDS application process –

CDS 2022 Registration – Part 1

1. Visit the official website of UPSC (upsc.gov.in).
2. Click on ‘apply online’ option (right-hand) side of the website).
3. Search for CDS examination name. Click on ‘click here for part 1’ button for this examination.
4. Go through the set of instructions. Click on ‘yes’ button to proceed.
5. An application form will appear on your screen.
6. Fill up the application form by entering the following details – personal details, academic details, address and contact details.
7. Click on ‘continue’ button.
8. Select the type of photo ID card (Aadhar card, PAN card, Driving license, Passport etc).
9. Enter the photo ID card number.
10. Enter your preferences.
11. Click on ‘continue’ button.
12. Preview your part 1 form. Click on ‘update’ button to make changes to the form.
13. Enter the captcha code and click on ‘I agree’ button to proceed.
14. You will get a part 1 registration slip/receipt. Print this slip for future use/reference.
15. You’ll also receive confirmation message via SMS/E-Mail.

Part 1 registration process is complete! After completing this process, a candidate may proceed to part 2 registration process. Let us check out the steps involved in this process –

CDS 2022 Registration – Part 2

1. After completing part 1 registration, click on ‘click here for part 2 registration’ button.
2. Enter your registration id, date of birth and captcha code.
3. Click on ‘submit’ button.
4. Pay the application fee. Choose preferred mode of payment and pay the application fee.
5. After payment, you will find payment receipt on the screen.
6. Save payment receipt for future use/reference.
7. Click on ‘continue’ button.
8. Enter your choice of exam center.
9. Click on ‘submit’ button.
10. Upload relevant documents (photograph, signature and photo ID proof of the candidate).
11. Click on ‘upload image’ button.
12. Preview the uploaded images and click on ‘continue’ button.
13. Enter your photo ID number.
14. Go through the declaration text. Click on ‘I agree..’ button.
15. Part 2 registration process is complete. You may click on view/print application button to save/print the application form.

While filling up the application form (part 1 and 2), a candidate is supposed to enter the following details –

Details required

• Personal information: Name of the candidate, gender, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, nationality, marital status, community etc.
• Academic details: Select your academic qualification.
• Address: Address of residence, district/city/town, state and pin-code.
• Contact information: Email id, mobile number and alternate email id.
• Photo ID details: Type of photo ID and photo ID number
• Preferences: Choice of service wing and choice of exam center.
• Documents: Scanned images of candidate’s passport size photograph, signature and ID proof.

CDS 2022 application fee

• CDS application fee is 200 INR.
• SC/ST candidates are exempted from fee payment.

Important documents required

• A valid email id
• An active mobile number
• Academic certificates
• Scanned documents (photograph, signature and photo ID card)
• Photo ID card
• Credit/debit card for paying application fee

Keeping the above mentioned things/documents ready will simplify the application process. For example, a candidate is supposed to enter his/her photo ID card number. Keeping the card ready will help you enter the number quickly.

Guidelines for scanned images

While filling up the application form, a candidate is supposed to upload the following documents –

• Latest passport size photograph of the candidate
• Candidate’s signature specimen
• Photo ID card

• All scanned images must be clear, not blurry.
• Dimension of photograph – 350 x 350 px minimum and 1000 x 1000 px maximum.
• Dimension of signature – 350 x 350 px minimum and 1000 x 1000 px maximum.
• Upload your latest passport size photograph.
• Don’t wear cap/mask/sun-glass/dark glass while getting the photograph clicked.
• Signature specimen must be on white paper.
• Sign using black or blue inked pen only.
• Don’t upload password protected document.

Let us check out whether you are eligible to apply for CDS or not –

General instructions

• Make sure that you are eligible to apply (before filling the application form).
• Fill up and submit the application form before the deadline.
• Fill up the application for correctly. Revise it before submitting.
• Enter a valid email id while registering.
• Enter a working mobile number while registering.
• Keep necessary documents ready while filling up the form.
• Make sure that scanned documents adhere to the guidelines set by the authorities.
• Take printout of the form/confirmation page.

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.