CDS 2026 Notification - Summary
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam two times every year. This exam is for candidates who want to join the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, or Officers’ Training Academy.
For 2026, the CDS 1 Notification for courses starting in January 2027 was released on 10 December 2025. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 through the official website www.upsc.gov.in.
CDS 1 2026 Notification Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service Examination (1) 2026 |
| CDS 1 Vacancy | 451 |
| Level of Exam | National |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Dates | 10th to 30th December 2025 |
| Selection Process | Written Test- Interview- Medical Examination |
| Language of Written Exam | Bilingual |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Males & Females |
| CDS Exam Duration | 2 hours (each paper) |
| Marking Scheme | 1/3 for each incorrect answer |
| Job Location | All Over India |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy 2026
| Name of the academy | Number of Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 160th (DE) | 450+ |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Course | |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad Training Course | |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men 125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) | |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women 125th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) |
CDS Education Qualification
For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy – The candidate should have a graduation degree (any subject) from a recognized University or equivalent.
For Indian Naval Academy– The candidate should have completed their Graduation in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
For Air Force Academy– The candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
CDS Age Limit
The age limit for the candidates who will be applying for CDS 1 Exam will be as follows;
(i) For IMA- Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible
(ii) For Indian Naval Academy- Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible.
(iii) For Air Force Academy- 20 to 24 years, i.e., born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2006.
CDS 1 Exam 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| All category except SC/ST/Females | Rs. 200/- |
| SC/ST/Females | Exempted |