UPSC CDS Documents Checklist

Complete document requirements for UPSC CDS 2026 – from online application and written exam to SSB interview, medicals and final joining for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. All formats, eligibility proofs and category certificates in one place.

Application → Written → SSB → Medical → Merit List → Joining
10th, Graduation, NCC, ID proof, category & marital status proofs
Last Updated: 1-May-2026

UPSC CDS Complete Document Requirements (2026 Cycle)

CDS is conducted by UPSC, but document verification mainly happens later at SSB and training academies. Application stage needs photo, signature and ID; SSB needs all originals (10th, graduation, NCC, caste, EWS, residence) plus multiple photocopies.

Always cross-check latest UPSC CDS notification, SSB call-up instructions and service-specific joining letters before travelling for SSB or reporting to academy.

1
Online Application & OTR

  • Scanned Photograph

    JPG/JPEG, 20–300 KB, ≥350×350 px, plain white background
    MANDATORY
    Used on CDS admit card and cross-checked at exam and SSB; must follow UPSC OTR pixel & size rules.

  • Scanned Signature / Triple Signature

    JPG/JPEG, 20–100 KB, 350–500 px, black ink on white paper
    MANDATORY
    UPSC now wants a single image containing three signatures, to prevent rejection due to unclear or mismatched signatures at later stages.

  • Selected Photo ID Proof

    Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport / DL (JPG/PDF)
    MANDATORY
    Same ID number used throughout CDS cycle; must carry this original to written exam and SSB.
2
Written Exam Day

  • CDS Admit Card Printout

    A4 print, preferably colour
    MANDATORY
    Shows roll number, exam centre and photo; must be signed in front of invigilator as per UPSC instructions.

  • Original Photo ID (Same as OTR)

    Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Passport/DL
    MANDATORY
    Identity is checked against admit card and OTR data before entry to exam hall.
3
SSB Interview Reporting

  • SSB Call-up Letter & CDS Result

    Printed e-mail/call letter + mark sheet (if provided)
    MANDATORY
    Proof that you are shortlisted for SSB at IMA/INA/AFA/OTA; checked on Day 1 reporting.

  • Original Matriculation / 10th Certificate

    Original + 2 self-attested photocopies
    MANDATORY
    Primary proof of Date of Birth and name spelling; used by Services Selection Board to validate age eligibility.

  • Original 12th / Intermediate Certificates

    Original + 2 copies (especially for AFA & INA)
    AFA needs Physics & Maths at 10+2; INA needs science background – boards verify subject eligibility from these documents.

  • Graduation Degree / Provisional & Marksheets

    All years/semesters, original + 2 copies
    MANDATORY
    IMA & OTA require any recognised degree; INA requires B.E/B.Tech; AFA needs degree plus Physics & Maths at 10+2.
4
Category, NCC & Marital Status Proofs

  • SC/ST/OBC Category Certificate

    Central govt format, original + 2 copies
    Used for reservation, fee exemption and age relaxation; must match category claimed in CDS application.

  • EWS Certificate

    Valid for current financial year, original + copies
    Required to get EWS reservation in CDS merit lists and academy allotment.

  • NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable)

    Original + 2 photocopies
    For NCC special entry benefits and bonus marks in SSB/interview (where applicable).

  • Marital Status Proof

    Affidavit / marriage certificate / divorce decree as applicable
    CDS has strict unmarried/age rules for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA; SSB checks documents for widows/divorcees applying for OTA (women).
5
Identity, Residence & Photos (SSB)

  • Original Government Photo ID

    Same ID as used in UPSC form
    MANDATORY
    Checked at SSB centre gate, documentation room and before conference; must exactly match OTR details.

  • Residence / Domicile Proof

    Aadhaar, ration card, domicile certificate etc.
    Some SSB boards ask for residence proof for record-keeping and travel allowance claims.

  • Passport Size Photographs

    12–20 copies, colour, same as application
    Used for documentation, PIQ forms and various SSB record sheets and identity cards.
6
Medical Examination

  • All Educational & Category Certificates (Original)

    Shown again at service medical board
    MANDATORY
    Before declaring you fit, board reconfirms that you meet age, education and category conditions.

  • Previous Medical Records (if any)

    Reports of surgeries, eye treatments, chronic illnesses
    Helps board interpret X-ray, ECG, eye and blood test findings; can avoid temporary rejection for known issues.
7
IMA/INA/AFA/OTA Joining

  • Bond / Agreement & Character Certificates

    As per individual academy joining instructions
    MANDATORY
    Academies require character/antecedent verification and training bond forms before admission.

  • Relieving Letter / NOC (If Employed)

    From Govt/PSU/private employer
    Confirms you have left previous job properly before joining IMA/INA/AFA/OTA.

UPSC CDS Photo & Signature Specifications (2026)

Document Format File Size Dimensions Key Rules
Photograph JPG/JPEG 20–200 KB (some OTR tools allow up to 300 KB) Minimum 350×350 pixels Recent colour, plain white background, full face visible; follow new UPSC 2026 OTR norms.
Signature / Triple Signature JPG/JPEG 20–100 KB 350–500 pixels height Three signatures in one image, black ink on white paper, no capital letters, clear scan or digital signature pad.

Free PDF download – use it for document verification preparation

UPSC CDS Documents FAQ

Most common document-related doubts for CDS aspirants.

Do I need to upload all certificates with CDS application? ›
For CDS, UPSC mainly takes photo, signature and ID details at application stage; full verification of 10th, graduation and category certificates happens later at SSB and academy.
Can final-year students apply for CDS without degree? ›
Final-year candidates can apply provisionally, but they must produce proof of passing degree before the course starts; otherwise joining will be cancelled.
How many photocopies of documents should I carry to SSB? ›
SSB guidelines typically ask for 2 self-attested copies of each certificate; many candidates carry 5–10 extra sets for safety, especially for long SSB plus medical.
What if name or date of birth differs between documents? ›
You must get official corrections done and carry Gazette notification/affidavit along with original certificates; otherwise SSB/academy can treat you as ineligible despite clearing exam.