CDS 1 2026 Notification Out Now – Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a prestigious gateway for aspiring officers in the Indian Armed Forces, conducted biannually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The CDS 1 2026 cycle marks the first opportunity in the year for candidates to join elite institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). On December 10, 2025, UPSC released the official notification, sparking interest among defence enthusiasts across India. This article delves into every aspect of the notification, from eligibility criteria and application processes to exam dates, detailed syllabus, and preparation strategies. Drawing from official sources and reliable analyses, it aims to provide a comprehensive resource for potential applicants.
Background on CDS Examination
The CDS exam, introduced to streamline recruitment into the armed forces, evaluates candidates on intellectual, physical, and leadership qualities. It differs from other UPSC exams like the Civil Services by focusing on defence-specific roles. For the 2026 iteration, the notification aligns with UPSC's calendar, released amid growing interest in military careers post-recent geopolitical developments. The exam is held offline, ensuring accessibility, and leads to training at premier academies. Success in CDS not only offers a commissioned officer role but also fosters discipline, strategic thinking, and national service.
Notification Release and Key Timelines
UPSC unveiled the CDS 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025, via its official website (upsc.gov.in). This early release allows ample time for preparation, with applications opening on the same day. The last date for submission is December 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM IST, after which no extensions are typically granted. Candidates can withdraw applications if needed, though this window is limited. The examination itself is set for April 12, 2026, a Sunday, spanning one day. Admit cards are anticipated in the first week of April 2026, downloadable from upsconline.nic.in. Results for the written exam are usually declared within two months, followed by SSB interviews scheduled based on merit.
This timeline reflects UPSC's efficiency, with the 2026 cycle maintaining patterns from previous years. Delays, if any, could arise from administrative issues, but historical data suggests adherence to schedules.
Vacancies and Branch-wise Distribution
The notification announces a total of 451 vacancies, a slight variation from prior cycles possibly due to operational needs in the armed forces. This number underscores the competitive nature of the exam, with thousands vying for limited spots. Here's a breakdown:
| Academy | Course | Vacancies | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 162nd Course | 200 | For male candidates only |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Executive (General Service)/Hydro | 32 | Includes engineering graduates |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | No. 221 F(P) Course | 32 | Flying branch focus |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 120th SSC (Men) | 170 (approximate) | Non-technical |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 34th SSC Women (Non-Technical) | 17 (approximate) | Women-specific |
Total OTA vacancies combine to 187, emphasizing gender inclusivity in recent notifications. These figures are tentative and subject to minor adjustments based on service requirements. Candidates should note that reservations apply as per government policies for SC/ST/OBC and other categories.
Eligibility Criteria: A Detailed Breakdown
Eligibility is multifaceted, ensuring only suitable candidates proceed. Failure to meet any criterion leads to disqualification, so thorough self-assessment is advised.
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with intent to settle permanently. Certain other migrants may qualify with eligibility certificates.
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Age Limits: Calculated as of July 1, 2026.
- IMA and INA: 19–24 years (born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007).
- AFA: 20–24 years (born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2006; upper age relaxable for valid Commercial Pilot Licence holders).
- OTA (Men and Women): 19–25 years (born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2007).
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Educational Qualifications:
- IMA and OTA: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
- AFA: Degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. Final-year students can apply provisionally, provided they submit proof by specified dates.
- Marital Status: Unmarried for all academies. Divorcees or those with living spouses are ineligible, even if legally separated.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit per armed forces guidelines. Minimum height: 157 cm for men (152 cm for women in OTA), with relaxations for certain regions. Vision, weight, and other metrics are detailed in the notification. Medical examination follows SSB.
These criteria promote diversity while maintaining rigorous standards. Women are eligible only for OTA, reflecting ongoing discussions on gender roles in combat.
Application Process and Fees
Applications are online-only via upsconline.nic.in. The process involves One-Time Registration (OTR), followed by Part-I (basic details) and Part-II (fee payment, uploads, centre selection). Required documents include scanned photo, signature, and ID proof. Exam centres are allocated on a first-come basis, with options across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
The fee is ₹200 for male General/OBC candidates, payable via net banking, card, or SBI challan. Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempt. Non-payment invalidates applications. A new UPSC portal enhances user experience, but candidates should apply early to avoid technical glitches.
Exam Pattern: Structure and Marking
The written exam is pen-and-paper based, with objective questions. Negative marking applies (1/3rd mark deducted for incorrect answers). No penalty for unanswered questions.
| Parameter | IMA/INA/AFA | OTA |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 3 (English, GK, Maths) | 2 (English, GK) |
| Total Marks | 300 | 200 |
| Duration | 6 hours (2 hours each) | 4 hours (2 hours each) |
| Question Type | MCQs | MCQs |
| Language | Bilingual (English/Hindi, except English paper) | Bilingual |
Each paper has 100–120 questions. Qualifying requires minimum marks in each subject and overall. The SSB interview, worth 300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 for OTA, includes intelligence tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus remains consistent, testing foundational knowledge. Below is a subject-wise breakdown.
English Syllabus (100 marks, 2 hours): Aims to assess vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Arrangement/Ordering
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Selecting Words
- Ordering of Words in a Sentence
- Reading Comprehension
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Improvement/Correction
General Knowledge Syllabus (100 marks, 2 hours): Broad coverage of current and static knowledge.
- Economics (basic concepts, Indian economy)
- Physics (fundamentals like motion, energy)
- Current Affairs (national/international events)
- Politics (Indian polity, governance)
- Chemistry (elements, reactions)
- Sociology (social issues)
- History (ancient, medieval, modern India)
- Geography (physical, economic)
- Environment (ecology, biodiversity)
- Sports (major events, awards)
- Biology (human body, plants)
- Culture (art, literature)
- Books and Authors
Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (100 marks, 2 hours, not for OTA): Class 10 level, focusing on problem-solving.
- Algebra: Basic operations, factors, remainder theorem, HCF/LCM, polynomials, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations, sets, indices.
- Arithmetic: Number systems, fundamental operations, unitary method, time/distance/work, percentages, interest, profit/loss, ratios, variations, number theory (primes, divisibility), logarithms.
- Trigonometry: Sine, cosine, tangent values; identities; tables; heights/distances.
- Geometry: Lines/angles, planes, theorems on triangles/parallelograms/squares/circles, congruency/similarity, loci.
- Mensuration: Areas of squares/rectangles/triangles/circles; volumes of cuboids/cones/cylinders/spheres.
- Statistics: Data collection/tabulation, graphs (histograms, bar/pie charts), central tendency measures.
Selection Process and Preparation Tips
Selection involves written exam clearance, followed by SSB (5days), medicals, and merit list. SSB tests psychological aptitude via Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception, Group Testing, and conferences.
Preparation: Focus on NCERT books for basics, practice mocks, stay updated via newspapers. Prepare with CDS Online Course for better preparation. Time management is key given the exam's breadth.
In conclusion, CDS 1 2026 offers a vital chance for service-oriented youth. Aspiring candidates should consult the official PDF for nuances.
