The CDS 1 2026 Notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice every year and offers entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
CDS is a national-level defence examination that provides graduates an opportunity to serve the nation with pride, leadership, and responsibility. This article covers all important aspects of CDS 1 2026, including application process, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, exam centres, cut-off trends, preparation strategy, and common mistakes to avoid.
CDS 1 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Exam (I) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Exam Level | National |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Dates | 10–30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Language | English & Hindi |
CDS 1 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card | April 2026 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| OTA (Men) | 275 |
| OTA (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation (any discipline)
- INA: Engineering Degree
- AFA: Graduation with Physics & Maths or Engineering
Age Limit
- IMA/INA: 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008
- OTA: 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2007
CDS Exam Pattern 2026
For IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 120 |
| General Knowledge | 120 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
Negative marking of 1/3 marks applies.
CDS Syllabus 2026
- English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
- GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science, Current Affairs
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics
CDS Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
CDS 1 2026 Application Process
Candidates must submit their applications online only through the official UPSC website. The application process is simple but must be completed carefully to avoid rejection.
Steps to Apply for CDS 1 2026
- Register through One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal
- Log in and fill the CDS 1 2026 application form
- Enter personal, educational, and communication details
- Upload required documents (photograph and signature)
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page
Candidates are advised to complete the application well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
CDS 1 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | Exempted |
The fee can be paid through net banking, debit card, credit card, or SBI challan.
CDS Exam Centres 2026
The CDS examination is conducted across multiple cities in India, allowing candidates to choose a centre convenient to them while filling out the application form.
Popular CDS Exam Centres
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Jaipur
- Chandigarh
- Patna
- Lucknow
Final allotment of exam centres is done by UPSC based on availability and first-come-first-served basis.
CDS Salary Structure & Promotions
Candidates selected through CDS are commissioned as officers and receive an attractive salary along with multiple allowances and long-term career growth.
Pay Scale After Commission
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
Other Benefits & Allowances
- Field Area Allowance
- Uniform Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Leave Travel Concessions (LTC)
- Free medical facilities for self and dependents
- Housing and pension benefits
Promotions are time-bound and performance-based, offering a stable and respected career.
CDS Cut-Off Trends (Previous Years)
The CDS cut-off varies every year depending on exam difficulty and number of candidates.
| Academy | Written Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 132 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 122 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 142 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 101 |
Candidates must also secure minimum qualifying marks in each subject to be considered for the SSB interview.
How to Prepare for CDS 1 2026
- Study according to syllabus
- Practice previous year papers
- Attempt full-length mock tests
- Focus on English & GK accuracy
- Prepare for SSB personality tests
Mistakes to Avoid in CDS Preparation
Many candidates fail not due to lack of knowledge, but due to avoidable mistakes.
- Ignoring the English paper, which is scoring
- Weak and irregular GK revision
- Not practicing previous year question papers
- Neglecting SSB interview preparation
- Overlooking negative marking, leading to guesswork
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of clearing the exam.
Conclusion
The CDS 1 2026 Examination is a prestigious opportunity for graduates who aspire to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. With a clear understanding of the application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and cut-off trends, candidates can plan their preparation in a structured and effective manner.
Consistent study, regular practice, physical fitness, and focused preparation for the SSB interview are the key pillars of success in the CDS examination. Aspirants who remain disciplined, motivated, and well-guided can confidently work towards achieving their goal of wearing the uniform and leading from the front. With the right preparation strategy and academic support from reputed institutions like GICE Academy, candidates can strengthen their foundation and improve their chances of success in both the written examination and the SSB interview.
FAQs – CDS 1 2026
Q1. When was CDS 1 Notification 2026 released?
On 10 December 2025.
Q2. What is the CDS 1 2026 exam date?
12 April 2026.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in CDS 1 2026?
451 vacancies.
Q4. Can women apply for CDS 1 2026?
Yes, women can apply for OTA (SSC).
Q5. What is the application fee for CDS 1 2026?
₹200 (SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted).
Q6. What is the selection process for CDS 2026?
Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical → Merit List.
