feat: update docs for new collator selection update (#765)

* feat: update docs

* Add Request for approval from governance section

---------

Co-authored-by: Gaius_sama <[email protected]>

Author: ashutoshvarma

docs/build/nodes/collator/learn.md

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ A collator (block producer) is rewarded a fixed amount for each block produced.
 
 ## Collator election mechanism
 ### Election process
-To join the election process you must register for a collator and bond tokens, see [Collator Requirements](https://docs.astar.network/docs/build/nodes/collator/requirements) for details. When your node fits the parameters and checks all the boxes to become a collator, it will be added to the chain. **Note: if your collator doesn’t produce blocks during two sessions (2h) it will be kicked out.**
+To join the election process you must apply for a collator candidacy and bond tokens, then ask for approval from governance (2/3 MainCouncil or referendum), see [Collator Requirements](https://docs.astar.network/docs/build/nodes/collator/requirements) for details. When your node fits the parameters and checks all the boxes to become a collator, it will be added to the chain. **Note: if your collator doesn’t produce blocks during two sessions (2h) it will be kicked out.**
 
 ---
 
@@ -56,6 +56,8 @@ At every block you produced as a collator, rewards will automatically be transfe
 Starting April 2022, a slashing mechanism is implemented on Astar and Shiden networks - a collator that doesn't produce blocks during two sessions (2 hours) will be slashed 1% of its total stake and kicked out of the active collator set.
 This slashing ensures the best block rate and prevents malicious actors from harming the network without financial consequences.
 
+Additionally, collators can be forced slashed by governance (3/4 MainCouncil or Referendum)
+
 ---
 
 ## FAQ

docs/build/nodes/collator/requirements.md

@@ -9,9 +9,12 @@ import TabItem from '@theme/TabItem';
 
 ## How to become a collator
 
-### Permissionless collator
+### Semi-Permissionless collator
 
-To become a permissionless collator on our networks, you need to meet the requirements below.
+To become a collator on our networks, you need to be approved by governance (2/3 MainCouncil or referendum).
+1. Apply for candidacy by reserving the bond (**Extrinsics - CollatorSelection - Apply for candidacy**)
+2. Request for approval from governance.
+3. Once governance proposal is executed (**Extrinsics - CollatorSelection - Approve application**). The onboading takes **n+1** session.
 
 **Collator staking requirements**
 
@@ -39,9 +42,8 @@ To become a permissionless collator on our networks, you need to meet the requir
 </Tabs>
 
 :::tip
-Set your collator with:
-**Extrinsics - CollatorSelection - Register as candidate** |
-Onboarding takes **n+1** session.
+If you want to withdraw the application and unlock the bond
+**Extrinsics - CollatorSelection - Close Application** 
 :::
 
 ---

docs/build/nodes/collator/spinup_collator.md

@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ Submit the transaction.
 
 On the Polkadot.js portal select _**Accounts**_.
 
-Open the 3 dots next to your collators address: **Set on-chain Identity**:
+Open the 3 dots next to your collators address: **Set onchain Identity**:
 
 <center>
 <img src="https://i.imgur.com/YIIWINt.png" border="1"></img>
@@ -132,20 +132,66 @@ Select your **collator account** and extrinsic type: _**identity / requestJudgme
 
 Send the transaction.
 
-### Bond funds
+### Bond funds and apply for candidacy
 
-To start collating, you need to have **32 000 SDN** tokens for Shiden or **3 200 000 ASTR** tokens for Astar.
+To apply collator candidacy, you need to have **32 000 SDN** tokens for Shiden or **3 200 000 ASTR** tokens for Astar.
 
 On the Polkadot.js portal select _**Developer > Extrinsic**_.
 
-Select your **collator account** and extrinsic type: _**CollatorSelection / registerAsCandidate**_:
+Select your **collator account** and extrinsic type: _**CollatorSelection / applyForCandidacy()**_:
 
 <center>
-<img src="https://i.imgur.com/3YvdJbt.png" border="1"></img>
+<img src="/img/tutorial/apply_for_collator.png" border="1"></img>
 </center>
 
 Submit the transaction.
 
+### Request for approval from governance
+
+Once your node is synchronized, session keys are set, identity is verified, and your **collator candidacy** has been submitted onchain using the `apply_for_candidacy` extrinsic, you must request approval from **Astar Governance** to officially join the active collator pool.
+
+#### Step 1 – Create your governance application
+
+All collator applications must now be reviewed and approved by governance before activation.
+
+1. Go to the [**Astar Forum**](https://forum.astar.network/).  
+2. Create a new topic under **Governance → [Collator & Node Operators](https://forum.astar.network/c/astar-governance/collator-node-operators/39)**.  
+3. Title your post following this format:  `[Collator Application] {Your Collator Name}`
+4. In your post, include the following information:
+- **Collator name**  
+- **Collator address** (account used for locking)  
+- **Node details** (hardware specs, hosting provider, uptime/monitoring setup)  
+- **Technical experience / background**  
+- **Motivation to join the Astar collator set**  
+- **Session key hash** (from `author_rotateKeys`)  
+- **Proof of bond** (3,200,000 ASTR reserved onchain)  
+- Any **additional details** that demonstrate reliability and contribution to the network  
+
+#### Step 2 – Choose your governance approval path
+
+After posting your forum application, you have **two possible approval paths**:
+
+##### Option 1: Main Council review  
+Within your forum post, you can directly **request a review and evaluation by the Astar Main Council**.  
+If approved by a two-thirds majority vote, the Council will execute the onchain `approve_application` call to officially add your node to the collator candidates pool.  
+Council discussions typically take place within the official [Astar Governance](https://forum.astar.network/c/astar-governance/29) forum threads or during Council meetings.
+
+##### Option 2: Community Referendum  
+Alternatively, you can submit your application directly to the **Astar community** via referendum.  
+To do this:
+- Create an **external proposal** that calls the `approve_application` extrinsic.  
+- Once submitted, it will progress to a **referendum** where token holders can vote to approve or reject your candidacy.  
+- Refer to the [Submitting an Onchain Proposal](/docs/use/how-to-guides/layer-1/governance/subsquare_guide.md#311-submitting-an-onchain-proposal) for detailed steps on how to submit an onchain proposal through Subsquare.
+
+> ⏳ The approval timeline depends on the chosen path — Council votes are typically faster, while referendums follow standard onchain voting durations.
+
+#### Step 3 – Onboarding confirmation
+
+After approval:
+- Your collator will appear in the **Network → Collators** tab on the [Polkadot\{.js\} portal](https://polkadot.js.org/apps/?rpc=wss%3A%2F%2Fastar.public.blastapi.io#/collators).  
+- Block production will start automatically at the next session (`n + 1`).  
+- You can monitor your block authorship and performance directly from the **Network** dashboard or telemetry.
+
 ### Production blocks
 
 :::info
@@ -165,6 +211,7 @@ Once you become a collator and enter a session, you are required to produce bloc
 On the Polkadot.js portal select _**Developer > Extrinsic**_.
 
 Select your **collator account** and extrinsic type: _**CollatorSelection / leaveIntent**_:
+
 <center>
 <img src="/img/tutorial/collator-selection-leave-intent.png" border="1"></img>
 </center>