Where can I find the CDS exam date 2026 application form for CDS 1 and CDS 2?

The CDS exam date 2026 application form for CDS 1 and CDS 2 is available on the UPSC official website from 10th Dec.

CDS Exam Date 2026 Out: Check CDS 1 Schedule, Registration & Exam Details

Q: What is CDS exam date 2026 registration for CDS 1 and CDS 2?

Registration for CDS 1 is from December 12 to December 30, 2025. For CDS 2, it is from May 20 to June 9, 2026.

CDS Exam Date 2026 has been announced by UPSC. CDS 1 will be held on April 12, 2026, while CDS 2 is scheduled for September 13, 2026. Candidates can now plan preparation, revision strategies, and mock tests effectively for defence services.

CDS Exam Date 2026 Out: Check CDS 1 Schedule, Registration & Exam Details

CDS Exam Date 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 1 2026 exam date along with the complete schedule, shift details, and paper-wise timings. The CDS 1 Exam 2026 will be on 12th April 2026 (Sunday). Aspirants aiming to build a career in the Indian Armed Forces can now plan their preparation in a more structured and focused manner. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is among the most prestigious national-level defence exams, conducted twice a year by UPSC.

The CDS 1 2026 exam presents a significant opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). With the official timetable now available, candidates can streamline their revision strategy, schedule mock tests effectively, and enhance their overall exam readiness.

CDS Exam Date 2026 (Out)

The CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 has been announced for 12th April 2026 (Sunday). Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the CDS 1 2026 exam date along with the complete schedule and timings. This national-level defence exam offers candidates an opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA, helping them plan their preparation effectively.

CDS 1 Timetable

CDS Exam Date 2026 Overview

CDS exam 2026 is a national-level test for entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam is held twice a year, known as CDS 1 and CDS 2. The CDS exam date 2026 is important for all candidates who want to join the defence services.

CDS Exam Date 2026 Overview
Particulars	Details
Organization	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name	Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
Total Vacancies	Approximately 400+ (varies per session)
Exam Date	CDS 1: April 12, 2026 CDS 2: September 13, 2026
Official Website	upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in

CDS 2026 Exam Schedule

The CDS exam date 2026 schedule is set for two sessions. The first session, CDS 1, will be held on April 12, 2026. The second session, CDS 2, will be held on September 13, 2026. The CDS exam date 2026 application form for CDS 1 and CDS 2 will be available online. Students must apply before the last date to avoid missing the exam.

CDS 2026 Exam Schedule
Event	CDS 1 2026	CDS 2 2026
Notification	Dec 10, 2025	May 20, 2026
Application Start	Dec 10, 2025	May 20, 2026
Last Date to Apply	Dec 30, 2025	Jun 9, 2026
Exam Date	Apr 12, 2026	Sep 13, 2026
Admit Card	Early April 2026	Early Sep 2026
Result	Late Apr 2026	Late Sep 2026

CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 Registration Dates

The registration for CDS 1 began on December 10, 2025, and the last date to apply was December 30, 2025. Candidates must fill out the application form on the official UPSC website for both CDS 1 and CDS 2. The CDS 1 exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026. Ensure all details are checked carefully before applying.

CDS 2 Exam Date 2026 Registration Dates

CDS exam date 2026 registration for CDS 2 starts on May 20, 2026. The last date to apply is June 9, 2026. The CDS 2 exam date 2026 is September 13, 2026. Students must fill the CDS exam date 2026 application form for CDS 1 and CDS 2 on time. The CDS exam date 2026 is important for all candidates.

How to Check CDS Exam Date 2026?

To check the CDS Exam Date 2026, candidates should follow simple steps to access the official timetable and important announcements. Using UPSC’s official platforms ensures accurate and updated information.

Visit the UPSC official website: upsc.gov.in
Click on the “Examinations” tab on the homepage
Look for the UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 or CDS notification
Download the CDS Exam Date 2026 PDF from the exam calendar
Check both CDS 1 and CDS 2 exam dates listed for 2026
Print the calendar for easy reference while preparing for the exam

Also Read | CDS Exam Date 2026 Official Calendar PDF Download

CDS 2026 Result

The CDS 2026 result will be announced on the UPSC website after the exam. The CDS exam date 2026 result for CDS 1 and CDS 2 will be posted online. Students can check their result by entering their roll number. The CDS exam date 2026 result is important for the next steps in the selection process.

CDS Exam Dates Year-wise Trends

CDS Exam Date 2026 follows the usual schedule, with CDS 1 set for April and CDS 2 scheduled for September.

CDS Exam Dates 2026: Year – wise Trends
Year	CDS 1 Exam Date	CDS 2 Exam Date
2026	April 12	September 13
2025	April 13	September 14
2024	April 21	September 1
2023	April 16	September 3

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CDS 2026 Exam Day Instructions

Candidates must follow essential guidelines on the CDS Exam Date 2026 to enter the exam centre without any difficulty. These instructions help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during CDS 1 2026 and CDS 2 2026:

Reach the exam centre at least one hour before the reporting time.
Carry your CDS admit card along with a valid photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID.
Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or any electronic gadgets inside the exam hall.
The exam consists of English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA); each paper is 2 hours long.
Use only a black ballpoint pen to mark the answers on the OMR sheet.
Entry gates will close sharply at the scheduled time, so avoid last-minute rush.
Have a light meal, stay calm, and manage time effectively across all papers.