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CDS 1 2026 Exam Notification

CDS 1 2026 Notification Out – Check Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus

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 Official Notification PDF

CDS 1 2026 Written Exam - 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 Exam Important Dates

CDS 1 2026 Notification Out, 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 announces the number of vacancies for CDS, offering 451 seats combined for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.

The distribution usually looks like this:

Wings

Vacancies

Eligibility

IMA (Indian Military Academy)100Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India
INA (Indian Naval Academy)26Engineering Degree from Any Recognized University in India
AFA (Air Force Academy)32Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level OR Engineering Degree
OTA (Officers Training Academy)293Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India

CDS 1 2026 Notification Complete Details

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2026 Exam

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 2026 Course Admission Open…Contact Now​!

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    CDS 1 2026 Written 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, AFand A aspirants; OTA candidates skip it.

    CDS 1 2026 Written Exam 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 CDS or other competitive exams before, the Maths and GK syllabus will feel very familiar.

    CDS 2026 Exam 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 Exam

    When UPSC activates the link, you can follow these simple steps:

    1. Visit the official UPSC website.
    2. Click on “CDS 1 2026 Registration.”
    3. Complete Part-1 registration with basic details.
    4. Fill Part-2 with documents, fee, and exam centre.
    5. 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.

    CDS 2026 Course

    Turn Your CDS Dream Into Reality With Centurion Defence Academy

    With the CDS 1 2026 Notification out, this is the best time to put your preparation into top gear. Whether you’re targeting IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, what truly makes the difference is consistent practice, the right guidance, and a disciplined approach.

    And if you’re looking for a coaching institute that actually understands the exam pattern, the SSB expectations, and the journey of a defence aspirant from start to finish, Centurion Defence Academy is one of the most trusted names you can rely on.

    At Centurion Defence Academy, you get:

    • 21-day SSB program covering psych tests, GTO tasks, and personal interviews
    • Expert faculty, including ex-SSB board officers
    • Regular mock tests for the CDS written exam
    • Updated study material based on the latest pattern
    • Personalized feedback and mentorship
    • Online + offline classes through the Centurion Digital App

    The academy’s consistent results and structured approach make it a go-to choice for aspirants who genuinely want to improve, not just attend coaching.

    So, if you’re serious about wearing the uniform and want guidance that actually helps you grow as a future officer, Centurion Defence Academy can be your perfect preparation partner.

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    Comments (8)

    • Rishi February 2, 2026

      Want to know about crash course availability.

      Reply
    • Raman February 9, 2026

      Is a weak English student is crack ssb

      Reply

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