UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 – Apply Online for 451 Posts | SiviaJobPoint.xyz

🔹 Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Exam 2026 – Overview

  • Recruiting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

  • Exam Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination – I, 2026

  • Total Vacancies: 451 Posts (as per current report)

  • Application Mode: Online

  • Recruitment For:

    • Indian Military Academy (IMA)

    • Indian Naval Academy (INA)

    • Air Force Academy (AFA)

    • Officers Training Academy (OTA)

  • Updated By: SiviaJobPoint.xyz

The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted to select candidates for direct entry as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.


📅 Important Dates – CDS 1 Exam 2026

Event Date
Notification Release December 2025
Online Application Start December 2025
Last Date to Apply Online 30 December 2025
CDS 1 Written Exam 12 April 2026
SSB Interview Calls To be announced
SSB Interview Dates To be announced
Final Merit & Training Start To be announced

📋 Vacancy Breakup – 451 Posts (Approx.)

The vacancies are distributed among the four academies:

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA) – ~100 Posts

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA) – ~26 Posts

  • Air Force Academy (AFA) – ~32 Posts

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA) – ~293 Posts

Note: Exact post-wise breakup will be updated when the official notification PDF is published.


🎓 Eligibility Criteria – CDS 1 Exam 2026

1. Educational Qualification

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA) / Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
    Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA):
    Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.

  • Air Force Academy (AFA):
    Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.


2. Age Limit

  • Minimum Age: Typically 20 years

  • Maximum Age: Varies by academy (often 24–25 years)

Exact age range is defined in the official notification based on course commencement date.


3. Nationality / Citizenship

  • Candidate must be a citizen of India, or as defined under the CDS eligibility criteria for subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or persons of Indian origin with certificate of eligibility.


💰 Application Fee

  • General / OBC / EWS candidates: Standard examination fee

  • Female / SC / ST / PWD candidates: Fee exemption as per norms

  • Fee once paid is non-refundable.

Exact fee structure is given in the official UPSC notification.


📝 Selection Process – CDS 1 Exam 2026

The selection involves:

  1. Written Examination:

    • Objective questions (multiple choice) covering:

      • English

      • General Knowledge

      • Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA)

  2. SSB Interview (Stage-II):
    Interview by Services Selection Board for candidates who qualify the written exam.

  3. Medical Examination:
    Medical fitness as per defence standards.

  4. Final Merit List:
    Based on written exam + SSB performance.


📚 Written Exam Pattern

For IMA / INA / AFA

  • Paper I – English: 100 Marks

  • Paper II – General Knowledge: 100 Marks

  • Paper III – Mathematics: 100 Marks

For OTA

  • Paper I – English: 100 Marks

  • Paper II – General Knowledge: 100 Marks

Note: Objective type questions with negative marking for incorrect answers.


🧠 Useful Tips for Aspirants

  • Strong foundation in English, GK, Mathematics.

  • Focus on defence awareness and current affairs.

  • Practice previous year question papers.

  • Consistent preparation for SSB personality and aptitude tests.


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