CDS 1 Notification 2026: Dates, Vacancies, Age limit, Eligibility

CDS 1 Notification 2026 has been released on 10th December 2025 on the UPSC website. Candidates can start applying online from December 10, until 30th December 2025. The notification includes exam dates, eligibility, vacancies, and the application process for joining the Indian Armed Forces.​

The CDS exam is a national-level test conducted twice a year by UPSC. It includes a written exam and an SSB interview. The written exam for CDS 1 2026 will be held on 12th April 2026. Candidates should check the official notification for detailed eligibility, syllabus, and selection steps.

CDS 1 Notification 2026 Overview

The CDS exam is a national-level test conducted by UPSC for admission to the Indian Armed Forces. It is held twice a year in offline mode and includes both a written test and an SSB interview:

CDS 2026 Important Dates

The CDS 1 2026 notification has been released on 10th December 2025. Candidates can apply online from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. The written exam will be held on 12th April 2026. These dates are set by UPSC and are fixed for all applicants.

Download CDS 1 2026 Important Dates PDF 

CDS Vacancy 2026

UPSC CDS 1 2026 announces a total of 451 vacancies for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). These posts are open to unmarried graduates, with the notification released on December 10, 2025, and applications closing December 30, 2025.​

CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for CDS 1 2026, candidates must meet age and education requirements. For IMA and OTA, a graduation degree is needed. Only unmarried candidates can apply.

Educational Qualification of CDS Exam 2026

Candidates must meet specific degree requirements as set by UPSC given below.

• IMA and OTA: Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university. Any subject is accepted.​
• INA: Candidates must have an engineering degree from a recognized university or institution.​
• AFA: Candidates must have a graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics in Class 12, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree

Age Limit for CDS Exam 2026

To apply for the CDS exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include age limit, educational qualification, gender, and marital status. Below showing the age limits for each academy.

CDS 1 2026 Application Form

CDS 1 2026 application process has begun from 10 December 2025. Candidates can apply online until 30th December 2025. The UPSC has launched a new portal for applications. The common form can be filled out anytime and is used for all UPSC exams.​

How to Fill CDS 1 2026 Application Form Online?

Candidates can fill out the CDS 1 2026 application form online by following a simple step-by-step process on the UPSC official website.

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in.​
2. Register and log in to the OTR (One-Time Registration) platform.​
3. Fill out Part 1 registration with your details.​
4. Upload your photograph, signature, and photo identity proof.​
5. Pay the application fee.​
6. Choose your preferred exam centre for CDS 1.​
7. Submit the form. You will get a confirmation message on your registered mobile and email.​

CDS 2026 Application Fees

Candidates need to apply online on the UPSC website. The application window has opened from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. The application fee is Rs. 200 for most candidates. 

Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempt from the fee. Payment can be made through SBI, net banking, or debit/credit card.

CDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026

The CDS 1 2026 exam has three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates for OTA take only English and General Knowledge. Each paper is 2 hours long and has negative marking. The syllabus covers basic topics from school-level subjects.

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CDS  Exam Pattern 2026

The CDS exam pattern 2026 is split into a written test and SSB interview. The written exam has different sections based on the academy chosen

CDS Syllabus 2026

The CDS exam syllabus covers three main subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The difficulty level is graduation for English and GK, and Class 10 for Mathematics.​

• English: Antonyms, synonyms, sentence improvement, comprehension, prepositions, and grammar.​
• General Knowledge: Economics, current affairs, defence, biology, physics, chemistry, history, geography, and polity.​
• Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics

How to Prepare for CDS 1 2026?

Preparing for CDS 1 2026 requires a clear plan and regular practice. Start by checking the official notification PDF when it is released, and use competitive books for study.

• Check the official notification PDF .​
• Use reliable books for practice and revision.​
• Focus on English grammar, general knowledge, and basic mathematics.​
• Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.​

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