Attention Aspirants, the CDS 1 2026 Notification for 451 vacancies has been officially released! Those willing to participate in the CDS exam 2026 must follow the UPSC CDS Notification 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) issued at upsc.gov.in. Per the latest schedule, the exam will be held on April 12, 2026.
If you are one of those appearing in this exam, then this blog is your one-stop destination where we have covered the complete details about the 2026-2027 cycle.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam twice a year. It is India’s most prestigious entrance exam to make a career in the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, or Officers Training Academy.
The selection process for the CDS Exam 2026 is rigorous. Those who qualify for the Written Test will be shortlisted for the 5-Day SSB Interview, followed by Document Verification and a Medical Examination for final selection.
CDS-1 2026 Exam Overview!
| Name of Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Name of Exam | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 |
| CDS 1 2026 Vacancies | 451 |
| CDS 1 2026 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Test – SSB Interview – Document Verification – Medical Exam |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer | Penalty of 1/3 (0.33) for incorrect |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 | Check Here |
CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Distribution
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for the first cycle of 2026. You can find the exact academy-wise distribution below:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| OTA Chennai (SSC Men) | 275 |
| OTA Chennai (SSC Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam Shift Timings
The written examination will be conducted in three shifts. Candidates must reach the center at least 60 minutes before the commencement of each paper:
- English: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
CDS Exam Eligibility Criteria (2026-2027)
To fill out your online registration, you must fulfill the specific eligibility criteria for your chosen academy.
Education Qualification & Deadlines
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy: Graduation degree in any subject from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- For the Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR a Bachelor of Engineering.
- Final Year Students: You can apply if you are in your final year, provided you can produce proof of passing by January 1, 2027 (for IMA/INA) or April 1, 2027 (for OTA).
Age Limit (Date of Birth Brackets)
For the CDS 1 2026 cycle, candidates must fall within these specific birth ranges to be eligible:
| Academy | Birth Range (Not earlier than / Not later than) |
|---|---|
| IMA & INA | January 2, 2003 – January 1, 2007 |
| AFA | January 2, 2003 – January 1, 2007 |
| OTA (Men & Women) | January 2, 2002 – January 1, 2008 |
Physical & Vision Standards
Maintaining physical fitness is non-negotiable. You must meet the following eyesight standards to be eligible for commissioning:
| Parameter | Standard (Army/Navy/OTA) |
|---|---|
| Uncorrected Vision (Better/Worse Eye) | 6/6 & 6/9 |
| Corrected Vision (With Glasses) | 6/6 in both eyes |
| Myopia Limit | Max -3.5D (Females -5.5D) |
| Hypermetropia Limit | Max +3.5D |
| Colour Perception | CP-II Standard |
Selection Process: Written + 5-Day SSB
Shortlisted candidates from the written exam must clear the SSB Interview, which carries equal weightage in the final merit list:
- IMA/INA/AFA: Written (300) + SSB (300) = 600 Total Marks.
- OTA: Written (200) + SSB (200) = 400 Total Marks.
The SSB is a 5-day process involving Screening (OIR & PPDT), Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks, and the Final Conference.
Watch: CDS 2026 Selection Process & SSB Guide
FAQs!
When can I apply for CDS 2026?
The CDS 1 2026 registration window was active in December 2025. For CDS 2 2026, the notification is officially scheduled for release on May 20, 2026.
Can I give the CDS exam in the 3rd year?
Yes, you can appear if you are in your final year, provided you submit your degree completion proof by the commencement date of the course.
Important Link Area
UPSC OTR & Online Application Portal
Final words!
Our team expects this information on the CDS 2026 Notification helps you prepare effectively. If you find any issues, do comment below!
References & Authority Sources:
- UPSC Official Notification (CDS I 2026)
- NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings (for INA Eligibility)
- UPSC Annual Calendar 2026
