The CDS 1 2026 Notification has been officially shared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is inviting applications for one of India’s most prestigious officer-entry exams – CDS . The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam opens the path to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). This year’s cycle offers an amazing opportunity for aspirants with dreams of serving the country.
If you also have a goal to achieve success in CDS, especially from Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring states, joining the best CDS coaching in Chandigarh can surely increase your chances. IFA Defence Academy is known for its quality guidance, structured programmes, and consistent results in CDS preparation. Whether you are looking for CDS coaching in Chandigarh or the most structured CDS exam coaching in Chandigarh, IFA Defence academy helps you with every stage of the examination journey.
Let’s dive into the complete details of the CDS 1 2026 Notification, eligibility criteria, exam dates, syllabus and preparation tips.
CDS 1 2026 Notification — Key Dates & Application Timeline
The UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 Notification on 10 December 2025. Candidates could begin filing the online CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 Application form on the same day, with the deadline to apply being 30 December 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of key dates:
| Event | Date |
| CDS 1 2026 Notification Out | 10 December 2025 |
| CDS 1 2026 Application Form Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| CDS 1 2026 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | ~1 week before exam |
| Result Declaration | Within 15–20 days post exam |
These dates are crucial for all CDS aspirants planning a focused preparation strategy.
Vacancy Details for CDS 1 2026:
UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies across all academies. These include:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – 100 vacancies
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – 26 vacancies
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – 32 vacancies
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA, Men & Women) – 293 vacancies
The detailed breakdown helps aspirants decide which branch to target and how to plan their preparation accordingly.
CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria:
Before applying via the online CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 Application form, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
1. Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Citizens of India, OR
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, OR
- Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1962.
2. Age Limit
Age requirements depend on the academy:
| Academy | Age Range |
| IMA | 19–24 years |
| INA | 19–24 years |
| AFA | 19–24 years |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19–25 years |
3. Educational Qualifications
| Academy | Qualification Required |
| IMA & OTA | Graduates in any discipline from a recognised university. |
| INA: | Degree in Engineering. |
| AFA | Engineering degree OR Graduation with Physics and Math at 10+2 |
4. Marital Status
- IMA, INA & AFA: Unmarried male candidates.
- OTA: Unmarried male & female candidates.
Meeting these criteria is mandatory before starting your exam preparation.
CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus:
The CDS exam has two main stages: the Written Examination and the SSB Interview, followed by a medical fitness test.
Written Exam Structure
The written test is offline (pen & paper) and tests candidates in objective-type questions.
For IMA, INA & AFA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 marks | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 marks | 2 hours |
| Mathematics | 100 marks | 2 hours |
For OTA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 marks | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 marks | 2 hours |
Each paper carries negative marking for incorrect answers.
Written Exam Syllabus Overview:
1. English
- Vocabulary & Usage
- Sentence completion
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar & Composition
2. General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- History & Polity
- Geography
- Economy
- General Science
3. Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
This syllabus tests the overall aptitude, analytical skills and general awareness of candidates.
Selection Process Beyond the Written Exam:
The selection process includes three stages:
1. Written Exam
Candidates must qualify by scoring above the UPSC cut-off marks in all subjects.
2. SSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates undergo the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview which tests officer-like qualities through tasks, psychology tests and personal interviews.
3. Medical Examination
Final stage ensures candidates meet physical and medical standards required for service.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2026:
To fill the CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 Application form:
- Visit the UPSC official portal at upsc.gov.in.
- Go to the CDS registration link.
- Complete Part-I registration and generate a URN (Universal Registration Number).
- Fill Part-II with documents, preferences and exam centre details.
- Pay applicable fees and submit the form.
Fees: General/OBC male candidates pay a standard fee, while SC/ST/female candidates receive exemptions as per rules.
Why IFA Defence Academy is The Best Defence Academy in Chandigarh:
Preparing for CDS needs a proper plan, guidance and consistent assessment. If you are looking for CDS coaching in Chandigarh or the best CDS coaching in Chandigarh, IFA Defence Academy stands out for:
- Experienced Faculty: Teachers with subject specialisation and UPSC insight.
- Comprehensive Study Programs: Updated, exam-focused study resources tailored to CDS.
- Mock Tests & Performance Analysis: Weekly tests to work on weak areas.
- SSB Guidance: Intensive coaching to build confidence and performance skills.
- Individual Attention: Personalized strategies based on aspirant progress.
IFA Defence academy provides the kind of progressive coaching that gives CDS aspirants the edge needed to qualify both written and SSB stages.
Preparation Tips for CDS 1 2026 Aspirants:
- Start early and follow a balanced routine.
- Cover the syllabus completely with topic-wise focus.
- Practice previous years’ question papers.
- Take regular mock tests to improvise speed and accuracy.
- Stay updated with current affairs and defence news.
Regular preparation and the right coaching approach can improve chances of qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. When was the CDS 1 2026 Notification released?
The official notification was released on 10 December 2025.
2. What is the CDS 1 Exam Date 2026?
The exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
3. How many vacancies are there in CDS 1 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies are available across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
4. What is the last date for applying for CDS 1 2026?
The last date to apply was 30 December 2025.
5. What is the eligibility age for the CDS exam?
Age ranges from 19 to 25 years depending on the academy.
6. Can female candidates apply for CDS 1 2026?
Yes, women can apply for OTA posts.
7. Is Maths compulsory for CDS?
Yes, Mathematics is compulsory for IMA, INA & AFA aspirants, but not for OTA.
8. Where can I fill the CDS application form?
Online at the UPSC official website: upsc.gov.in.
9. What is the selection process after the written exam?
Shortlisted candidates attend the SSB interview and medical exam.
10. Why join the best CDS coaching in Chandigarh?
Coaching provides structure, expert guidance, regular evaluation and confidence key to success in CDS.
