CDS 1 2026 Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus, and Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has finally released the CDS 1 2026 Notification, and if you dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as an officer, it’s time to gear up. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is one of the most popular officer-entry exams, and lakhs of aspirants appear for it every year.
To make things easier for you, here’s a simple, down-to-earth breakdown of everything you need to know: important dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, vacancies, and the selection process.
CDS 1 2026 – Short Details
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1 2026) |
|
Conducting Body |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|
Recruitment For |
INA, IMA, OTA & AFA |
|
Exam Frequency |
Twice a year |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen & Paper) |
|
Selection Process |
Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medicals |
|
Official Website |
upsc.gov.in |
CDS 1 2026 Important Dates
Make sure you mark these dates on your calendar so you don’t miss anything:
- Notification Release Date: December 10, 2025
- Application Form Starts: December 10, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: December 30 2025
- CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- Admit Card Release: Around 1 week before the exam
- Result Declaration: Within 15 - 20 days of the exam
CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC usually announces vacancies for four prestigious academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)
The exact number of seats varies each year, depending on the academy's requirements. CDS vacancies generally fall in the range of 300–350 seats. Once UPSC publishes the detailed breakup, you can refer to the official PDF.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2026
Before applying, ensure you meet the required eligibility. Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Nationality
You must be:
- A citizen of India
OR
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan
OR
- A Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)
2. Age Limit
The age requirement depends on the academy:
|
Academy |
Age Limit |
|
IMA |
19–24 years |
|
INA |
19–22 years |
|
AFA |
19–24 years (Flying Branch) |
|
OTA |
19–25 years |
3. Educational Qualification
|
Academy |
Qualification Required |
|
IMA & OTA |
A graduation in any discipline |
|
INA |
B.Tech/B.E. degree |
|
AFA |
B.Tech OR Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 |
4. Marital Status
- IMA, INA & AFA: Unmarried male candidates
- OTA: Unmarried male & female candidates
CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern
The CDS exam pattern is very predictable and easy to understand:
For IMA, INA & AFA
|
Subject |
Marks |
Duration |
|
English |
100 |
2 hours |
|
General Knowledge |
100 |
2 hours |
|
Mathematics |
100 |
2 hours |
For OTA
|
Subject |
Marks |
Duration |
|
English |
100 |
2 hours |
|
General Knowledge |
100 |
2 hours |
Important Notes:
- All papers are objective type.
- There is negative marking for wrong answers.
- Maths is only for IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants; OTA candidates skip it.
CDS 1 2026 Syllabus Overview
Here’s a quick, no-nonsense overview of what you need to study:
English
- Spotting errors
- Reading comprehension
- Synonyms & antonyms
- Sentence improvement
- Ordering of sentences
- Vocabulary-based questions
General Knowledge
- Current affairs
- History & polity
- Geography
- Defence-related news
- Economy
- General science
Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
If you’ve prepared for NDA or other competitive exams before, the Maths and GK syllabus will feel very familiar.
Selection Process – How You Get Recommended
The CDS selection process has three major stages:
1. Written Exam
This is the first step. You must score above the UPSC cut-off for each subject and overall.
2. SSB Interview
This is the real game-changer. SSB evaluates your officer-like qualities (OLQs) through psychology tests, GTO tasks, and personal interviews.
If you’re serious about clearing SSB, guided mentorship and regular practice play a huge role.
3. Medical Examination
Once recommended, candidates undergo a detailed medical check to ensure they meet the required physical and mental standards.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2026
When UPSC activates the link, you can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Click on “CDS 1 2026 Registration.”
- Complete Part 1 registration with basic details.
- Fill Part 2 with documents, fee, and exam centre.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Why CDS Is a Golden Opportunity
- CDS gives you the chance to:
- Wear the uniform
- Serve the nation
- Build a meaningful, adventure-filled career
- Enjoy unmatched respect & growth
- Join the elite officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces
Every attempt counts, so start early, plan smart, and prepare sincerely.
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