The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026, inviting ambitious graduates to apply for 451 vacancies in the Indian Armed Forces. If you’re dreaming of a prestigious career as an officer in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), this is your golden opportunity. The online application process has kicked off today, December 10, 2025, and closes on December 30, 2025. Don’t miss out—secure your spot in one of India’s most revered services!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026, from eligibility criteria and application steps to exam dates, syllabus, and preparation tips. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a working professional, read on to kickstart your journey toward becoming a defence officer.
What is the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted twice a year by UPSC to recruit officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS 1 2026 edition targets entry into premier training academies, leading to commissions in various branches of the armed forces. This exam is your gateway to leadership roles, national service, and a lifetime of honor and adventure.
Key highlights:
- Total Vacancies: 451 posts across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
- Exam Date: April 12, 2026.
- Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper).
- Eligibility: Unmarried graduates aged 19-25 (varies by academy).
With the CDS 1 2026 notification now live, applications are flooding in. Apply early to avoid last-minute glitches!
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details
The UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies for CDS 1 2026, distributed across the following academies. This includes opportunities for both men and women, with reservations for NCC certificate holders.
| Academy/Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 162nd Course (DE) Jan 2027 [13 NCC] | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Jan 2027 Exec/Hydro [6 NCC + 1 Hydro] | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 221 F(P) Jan 2027 [3 NCC] | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 123rd SSC (Men) Course (NT) Jul 2027 | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 38th SSC (Women) Course (NT) Jul 2027 | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
These vacancies offer a diverse range of roles, from combat leadership in the Army to executive branches in the Navy and flying duties in the Air Force.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 1 2026
Before applying, ensure you meet the UPSC CDS eligibility requirements. The criteria vary slightly by academy, but here’s a quick overview:
Nationality
- Must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries.
Age Limit (as on July 1, 2026)
- IMA & INA: 19-24 years (born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2005).
- AFA: 20-24 years (born not earlier than July 2, 2003, and not later than July 1, 2005).
- OTA (Men/Women): 19-25 years (born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2005).
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- AFA: Bachelor’s degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or B.E./B.Tech.
- Final-year students can apply provisionally, provided they complete their degree by the training commencement date.
Physical Standards
- Candidates must meet the medical and physical fitness standards outlined in the official notification. Vision requirements are strict for AFA and INA.
Note: Candidates must be unmarried and remain so until training completion. Relaxations apply for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC). Always cross-check the CDS 1 2026 eligibility in the official PDF.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 1 2026
Mark these dates in your calendar to stay ahead in the UPSC CDS 1 application process:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 30, 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | December 30, 2025 |
| Withdrawal of Application | January 17-24, 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Source: Official UPSC schedule.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS 1 2026
Applying for the CDS 1 2026 exam is straightforward via the UPSC portal. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): If you’re new, complete OTR by providing basic details like name, date of birth, and photo ID. You’ll get a unique 12-digit Registration ID.
- Fill Part I of the Application: Log in with your Registration ID and fill in personal, educational, and contact details.
- Fill Part II: Select your preferred academy, exam center (from 78 options across India), and upload scanned documents (photo, signature). Choose up to three exam centers.
- Pay the Application Fee: ₹200 for General/OBC male candidates (exempt for SC/ST/Females/PwD). Pay online via net banking, card, or UPI.
- Submit and Download Confirmation: Review everything, submit, and save the PDF confirmation page. No hard copy is needed.
Pro Tip: Applications can’t be withdrawn after submission, so double-check details. Corrections (if allowed) will be announced later.
Direct Link: Apply Online for CDS 1 2026.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS 1 2026
Clearing the CDS exam involves a multi-stage process:
- Written Examination: Objective-type papers (detailed below).
- SSB Interview/Personality Test: 5-day assessment at SSB centers, including psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews (300 marks).
- Medical Examination: Thorough health check-up.
- Final Merit List: Based on combined written + SSB scores.
Shortlisting for SSB is based on written exam cut-offs. Prepare holistically for physical, mental, and intellectual fitness!
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
The written exam is your first hurdle. It differs for IMA/INA/AFA (300 marks) vs. OTA (200 marks).
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Duration | Marks | Questions | For (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 2 hours | 100 | 120 | All |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 | 120 | All |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 | 100 | IMA/INA/AFA only |
| Total | – | 300/200 | – | – |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Hindi except English paper).
Syllabus Overview
- English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, synonyms/antonyms.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, defence-related topics.
- Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics (10+2 level).
Download the detailed CDS syllabus PDF from upsc.gov.in for in-depth topics.
Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS 1 2026
With four months until the exam, strategic preparation is key. Here’s how to ace it:
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on high-weightage topics like current affairs (read The Hindu/Indian Express daily).
- Build a Study Plan: Dedicate 6-8 hours daily—2 for Maths, 2 for English/GK, rest for mocks/revision.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve last 10 years’ CDS question papers to master the pattern.
- Mock Tests: Take weekly full-length mocks to build stamina and time management.
- Physical Fitness: Start running, push-ups, and yoga for SSB readiness.
- Resources: NCERT books for basics, RS Aggarwal for Maths, Lucent’s GK, Wren & Martin for English. Join coaching if needed (e.g., Centurion Defence Academy).
Stay consistent, stay motivated—your CDS dream is within reach!
Salary and Career Prospects After CDS
Successful candidates undergo 11-24 months of training, followed by commissioning. Starting salary as a Lieutenant/Captain: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Pay Level 10), plus allowances like DA, MSP (₹15,500), and perks (housing, medical). Career growth leads to Colonel/General ranks, with opportunities in UN missions and more.
The UPSC CDS 1 Exam Notification 2026 for 451 posts is a call to action for every patriot ready to serve. With applications open until December 30, 2025, now’s the time to apply online and start preparing for April 12, 2026. Visit upsc.gov.in for the official notification PDF and stay updated.
Download Official Notification
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