The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the CDS Exam Notification 1 2026, providing clear information to defence aspirants aiming to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Naval Academy (INA).
For graduates seeking to serve in the Indian Armed Forces, this notification marks an important step in their preparation.
As the competition increases every year, more and more aspirants are opting for CDS Exam Coaching and CDS Written Exam Coaching to get structured guidance and improve their chances of success.
This article explains all the key details about the CDS 1 2026 exam, including the schedule, eligibility requirements, age limits, syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy, all in a simple and easy-to-understand format for aspirants.
Overview of CDS 1 2026 Examination
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is held twice a year by UPSC to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces.
CDS 1 2026 will select candidates for training that will start in July and October 2027 at their respective academies.
Candidates who pass the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview and then a medical check-up.
Due to the increasing competition, many aspirants now rely on the Best CDS Coaching Institute to ensure disciplined and effective preparation.
CDS 1 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| CDS 1 2026 Written Exam | 12 April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 (Expected) |
With CDS exam batches beginning soon at various coaching centres, aspirants should start finalizing their preparation plans immediately.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2026
The eligibility conditions differ based on the academy.
Many aspirants with graduation and final-year students are eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA | Graduation in any discipline |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or an Engineering degree |
| OTA | Graduation in any discipline |
Final-year students are also eligible to apply, but they will need to provide proof of passing during the SSB interview.
Age Limit for CDS 1 2026
Age is an important factor in determining eligibility.
Only single candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA accepts both men and women.
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 years |
| INA | 19 to 24 years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19 to 25 years |
Candidates must check the exact date range for age limits as mentioned in the official notification.
Age Limit for CDS 1 2026
Understanding the exam pattern helps aspirants plan their preparation better.
Enrolling in CDS Written Exam Coaching helps candidates manage their time and improve accuracy.
Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, and AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
Exam Pattern for OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
There is negative marking for incorrect answers, so precision in answering is vital.
Take the First Step Towards Your Defence Dream
Fill out the form to receive a call from academic counselors.
Syllabus Overview for CDS 1 2026
Understanding the syllabus helps aspirants prepare in an organized manner.
English
The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement, error spotting, and paragraph jumbles.
Regular practice tests under the guidance of a CDS Exam Coaching Institute can significantly improve performance.
General Knowledge
This section covers History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science, Defence-related news, and Current Affairs.
Updated study material and weekly revisions are key to scoring well.
Elementary Mathematics
This is only for IMA, INA, and AFA.
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics are among the subjects covered. Math requires a clear understanding of concepts and consistent practice, so many students prefer enrolling in the Best CDS Coaching Institute.
Why Coaching Matters for CDS Aspirants
While self-study is the base, structured coaching at Nation Defence Academy provides a competitive edge.
Our CDS Exam Coaching includes topic-wise classes, mock tests, updated notes, and regular doubt-solving sessions.
Key Benefits of CDS Coaching
- UPSC-level mock tests and practice papers
- Targeted improvement in weak areas
- Disciplined and time-bound preparation
- Expert strategies for each subject
- Regular doubt-solving and discussion of previous year questions
With several institutes launching CDS exam batches soon, this is the perfect time to start structured preparation.
Preparation Strategy for CDS 1 2026
1. Follow a Structured Timetable
Allocate daily study time for English, GK, and Mathematics with regular revision slots.
2. Practice Previous Year Question Papers
Solving PYQs helps understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
3. Attempt Weekly Mock Tests
Mock tests enhance speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.
4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Reading defence news and national developments daily is important.
5. Strengthen Maths Fundamentals
Start from basic concepts and move to advanced problems gradually.
Final Words for CDS Aspirants
The release of the CDS Exam Notification 1 2026 marks the start of an important and rewarding journey for defence aspirants.
With focused preparation, conceptual clarity, and consistent practice, passing the CDS exam is achievable.
Whether you choose self-study or enroll in the Best CDS Coaching Institute, discipline and commitment are the key to success.
Nation Defence Academy encourages all aspirants to begin early, follow a structured plan, and stay dedicated.
With the exam date announced and CDS exam batches starting soon, this is the perfect time to take the first confident step towards a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces.
UPSC CDS Exam Notification 1 2026 Released - FAQs Answered
What is the CDS Exam Notification 1 2026?
The CDS Exam Notification 1 2026 is released by UPSC to recruit officers for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA in the Indian Armed Forces.
Who is eligible to apply for CDS 1 2026?
Graduates and final-year students meeting the educational qualification and age limit criteria specified by UPSC are eligible for CDS 1 2026.
What is the exam pattern for CDS 1 2026?
The CDS 1 2026 exam pattern includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA/INA/AFA, while OTA has only English and General Knowledge.
Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, the CDS exam has negative marking for incorrect answers, making accuracy and time management extremely important.
Why should aspirants join CDS Exam Coaching?
CDS Exam Coaching provides structured preparation, UPSC-level mock tests, expert guidance, and discipline, improving overall performance and selection chances.
