The CDS 1 2026 Notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), bringing a golden opportunity for aspirants who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, making it one of the most prestigious officer-entry exams in India.
At GAPS SSB, we bring you a clear, student-friendly explanation of the CDS 1 2026 Notification, covering important dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern, syllabus, and the complete selection process—all in one place.
CDS 1 2026 Notification – Overview
The CDS 1 2026 Notification officially announces recruitment for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA through a national-level competitive examination.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1 2026) |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Recruitment For | IMA, INA, AFA & OTA |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The CDS 1 2026 Notification is the starting point for candidates planning structured preparation for defence services.
CDS 1 2026 Important Dates
As per the CDS 1 2026 Notification, candidates must strictly follow the official timeline:
- Notification Release Date: 10 December 2025
- Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
- CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- Admit Card Release: Around 1 week before the exam
- Result Declaration: Within 15–20 days after the exam
Staying updated with the CDS 1 2026 Notification ensures you never miss a deadline.
CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details
According to the CDS 1 2026 Notification, UPSC has announced approximately 451 vacancies across various academies.
| Academy | Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Graduation in any discipline |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Graduation with Physics & Maths (10+2) or Engineering |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Graduation in any discipline |
Vacancy numbers mentioned in the CDS 1 2026 Notification may vary slightly in the final merit list.
CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility mentioned in the CDS 1 2026 Notification.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India
- OR a subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- OR a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962
Age Limit (Academy-wise)
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 years |
| INA | 19–22 years |
| AFA | 19–24 years |
| OTA | 19–25 years |
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation in any stream
- INA: Engineering degree
- AFA: Engineering degree OR Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2
Marital Status
- IMA, INA, AFA: Unmarried male candidates
- OTA: Unmarried male & female candidates
All eligibility rules are strictly followed as per the CDS 1 2026 Notification.
CDS 1 2026 Written Exam Pattern
The written exam structure is clearly defined in the CDS 1 2026 Notification.
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 Points:
- Objective-type questions
- Negative marking applicable
- Mathematics paper is not for OTA candidates
CDS 1 2026 Syllabus Overview
As highlighted in the CDS 1 2026 Notification, the syllabus remains consistent and exam-oriented.
English
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Spotting errors
- Sentence improvement
General Knowledge
- Current affairs
- History & Geography
- Polity & Economy
- Defence awareness
- General science
Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
CDS 1 2026 Selection Process
The CDS 1 2026 Notification clearly outlines the three-stage selection process:
1. Written Examination
Candidates must clear the UPSC cut-off in each subject and overall.
2. SSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates face a 5-day SSB process involving:
- Psychological Tests
- GTO Tasks
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
Final medical fitness is mandatory for commissioning.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2026
Steps mentioned in the CDS 1 2026 Notification:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill CDS 1 2026 application form
- Upload required documents
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and download confirmation page
Why Start Preparing Early for CDS 1 2026?
The CDS 1 2026 Notification opens the door to:
- A respected officer’s career
- Leadership and discipline
- Adventure and national service
- Long-term growth and stability
At GAPS SSB, aspirants are trained not just to clear the written exam but to excel in the SSB Interview with confidence and officer-like qualities.
Final Words
The CDS 1 2026 Notification is more than just an exam announcement—it is an invitation to serve the nation as a commissioned officer. With the right guidance, disciplined preparation, and consistent effort, success is achievable.
If your goal is to wear the uniform and lead from the front, now is the time to act.
