The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification 451 Posts Apply Direct link on its official website. The commission has, announced a total of 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Whether you are looking for the CDS April 12 2026 exam date announced details or searching for the CDS SSB interview preparation 2026 April exam strategy.
We have deconstructed the official PDF to bring you accurate information about the UPSC CDS 1 2026 age limit for OBC and General candidates, educational qualifications, and the new Live Photo upload instruction for the application form.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Exam Overview
The CDS 2026 application started December 10, and the window is short. Below is the complete schedule based on the UPSC CDS 1 2026 notification latest news.
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification No. | 4/2026.CDS-I |
| Notification Release Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Upsc cds i 2026 notification out date | 10th December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| CDS 1 2026 Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 (till 06:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 7 Days from the next day of application closure |
| CDS 2026 admit card download | Last week of March 2026 (Tentative) |
| CDS 1 2026 exam date 12th April confirmed | 12th April 2026 |
| Application Status | UPSC CDS 1 2026 Registration Link Active |
Application Fee
To, complete your UPSC CDS online application form, candidates must pay the requisite examination fee.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC (Male) | Rs. 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
You Can Also Apply For : UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification PDF Download Direct Apply Links
Payment Mode: Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or Internet Banking.
CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details (Category Wise Breakup)
One of the most exciting parts of the UPSC CDS 2026 notification is the vacancy distribution. This year, there are 451 vacancies in total. Here is the detailed breakup for CDS 2026 vacancy vacancies:
| Academy/Course | Vacancies | Remarks |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Includes 13 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders (Army Wing). |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Includes 06 for NCC ‘C’ (Naval Wing) and 01 for Hydro. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | Includes 03 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing). |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 | 125th SSC (Men) (NT) Course. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 | CDS 1 2026 OTA Women vacancy breakup shows 18 seats for the 125th SSC Women (NT) Course. |
| Total | 451 |
The CDS 2026 451 vacancies Indian Military Academy and other wings are provisional and subject to change by Services HQ.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2026
Before applying, you must strictly ensure you meet the CDS 1 2026 eligibility criteria. The CDS 1 2026 IMA vs OTA eligibility differs slightly, especially in terms of age and education.
1. CDS 2026 Age Limit Requirements
This is the most searched query: “Who is eligible for CDS 1 2026?” Here is the official CDS 2026 age limit requirements as per the notification:
- For IMA (Unmarried Male): Born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2008.
- For INA (Unmarried Male): Born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2008.
- For Air Force Academy (20-24 Years): Born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2007.
- Note: Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders.
- For OTA (Men & Women): Born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008.
Also Read : November 2025 Current Affairs MCQ PDF
Note : Your date of birth must match exactly with your Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate.
2. Educational Qualification
- For I.M.A. and OTA: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. (Graduates from any stream).
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution. (naval academy engineering specialization 2026)
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Note: Candidates studying in the final year/semester can also apply provided they submit proof of passing by the specified dates.
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 selection process in Hindi and English follows a two-stage procedure. Understanding this is vital for your CDS exam preparation 3 month strategy guide.
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC. It is an offline (pen and paper) test.
- For IMA, INA, AFA: Three Papers (English, GK, Maths).
- For OTA: Two Papers (English, GK).
- SSB Interview: Conducted by the Services Selection Board. This involves CDS 2026 SSB stage 1 stage 2 detailed procedure.
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
- Document Verification: CDS document verification checklist requirements will be checked after the interview.
- Medical Examination: Final selection depends on meeting the CDS medical fitness vision hearing standards 2026.
Also Read : Bombay High Court Recruitment 2025 For Stenographer,Clerk,Peon,Driver
CDS 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
To ace the exam, you need to master the CDS 2026 syllabus exam pattern.
Exam Pattern
The papers in all subjects will consist of Objective Type Questions only. There is negative marking (0.33 marks deducted for wrong answers).
For Admission to IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy:
| Subject | Subject Code For CDS | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| 1. English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| 2. General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| 3. Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
| Subject | Subject Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| 1. English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| 2. General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
CDS 2026 Syllabus Overview
- English (Code 11): Designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. Focus on CDS English grammar comprehension practice questions.
- General Knowledge (Code 12): Includes CDS general knowledge current affairs study material, History of India, and Geography. It covers everyday observation and scientific aspects expected of an educated person.
- Elementary Mathematics (Code 13): Matriculation level. Topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. Focus on CDS mathematics elementary math topics weightage like Number Systems, Profit & Loss, and Basic Operations 1.
Also Apply For : UPSC Trade Marks Examiner Recruitment 2025 Notification
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification 451 Posts Apply Direct
Applying for the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification 451 Posts Apply Direct is a simple process, but you must be careful. Here is How to fill UPSC CDS 1 2026 form step by step:
- One Time Registration (OTR): Visit upsconline.nic.in. If you haven’t registered, complete the OTR first. This is mandatory for all UPSC exams.
- Login: Use your Email/Mobile/OTR ID to log in.
- Go to Latest Notifications: Click on “Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026”.
- Fill Part-I: Enter your personal details, educational qualification, and address.
- Pay Fee: Pay the Rs. 200 application fee (if applicable).
- Fill Part-II: Select your Exam Centre and upload documents.
- Live Photo Capture: New Feature! You are required to capture a live photograph using a webcam/mobile camera. Ensure good lighting and a plain background2.
- Upload Scanned Photo & Signature: Upload your scanned signature and identity proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID, etc.).
- Final Submit: Review all details and click Submit. Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Also Visit : CSIR AMPRI Bhopal RECT-04/2025 Online Form
Note : The UPSC OTR registration for NDA 2026 process (and CDS) allows you to update your OTR profile once in a lifetime, so fill it carefully.
CDS SSB Interview Preparation 2026 April Exam
Once you clear the written exam on CDS April 12 2026 exam date, the real challenge begins: the SSB.
The CDS SSB interview December 2026 schedule (tentative for successful candidates) will test your personality, intelligence, and compatibility for the armed forces.
- Stage I: Screening Test (OIR + PP&DT). This is a filtration stage.
- Stage II: Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT), GTO Tasks (Ground Tasks), and Personal Interview.
- Conference: The final recommendation.
Preparation Strategy:
- Start working on your physical fitness now.
- Read newspapers daily for Current Affairs (GD/Lecturette).
- Practice OIR sets and story writing for PP&DT.
- Be honest and natural during the interview.
Important Direct Official Links for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification
Here are the direct links to help you with the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification 451 Posts Apply Direct.
| Link Description | Direct Link |
| UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026 PDF Download | Download PDF |
| Apply Online for UPSC CDS 1 | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| For Any Educational Updates Join Telegram Channel | Notify U |
| For Study Material Subscribe YouTube Channel | Subscribe Notify U |
| For Any Educational Updates On Whatsapp | Join Whatsapp Channel |
You Can Also Apply For : UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification PDF Download Direct Apply Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When to apply for CDS 2026?
The application window is open now! You can apply starting from 10th December 2025 until 30th December 2025.
What is the date of UPSC 2026?
The CDS April 12 2026 exam date has been officially announced by the UPSC for the CDS (I) exam.
When can I apply for CDS 1 2025?
The CDS 1 2025 cycle is already over. The current notification is for UPSC CDS 1 2026. If you missed previous chances, this is your new opportunity.
Is the CDS 2 2025 date extended?
The current blog is focused on UPSC CDS 1 2026. For updates on UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025, please refer to the archived notifications or the official UPSC calendar.
What are the CDS 2026 age limit requirements?
For IMA and INA, you must be born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2008. For AFA, between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2007. For OTA, between 2nd Jan 2002 and 1st Jan 2008.
Can final year students apply?
Yes, candidates studying in the final year/semester of their degree course can apply, provided they submit proof of passing by the deadline specified in the notification.
Is there a negative marking in CDS Exam?
Yes, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Author’s Suggestions
As someone who tracks UPSC defence exam notification 2025 2026 trends closely, I highly recommend you don’t take the written exam lightly. The CDS 2026 previous year question paper book should be your best friend for the next 3 months. Focus on high-weightage topics in Maths and English. Also, pay attention to the CDS medical fitness vision hearing standards 2026 early on to avoid disappointment later.
This UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification 451 Posts Apply Direct opportunity is huge, especially with 275 seats in OTA. Prepare a CDS exam preparation 3 month strategy guide and stick to it. Good luck, Jai Hind!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is based on the official “UPSC CDS (I) 2026 Notification” PDF. While we strive for accuracy, candidates are advised to verify all details such as dates, eligibility, and vacancies with the official advertisement on upsc.gov.in before applying. We are not responsible for any changes made by the commission.