🔹 Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Exam 2026 – Overview
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Recruiting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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Exam Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination – I, 2026
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Total Vacancies: 451 Posts (as per current report)
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Application Mode: Online
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Recruitment For:
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Indian Military Academy (IMA)
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Indian Naval Academy (INA)
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Air Force Academy (AFA)
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Officers Training Academy (OTA)
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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:
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Indian Military Academy (IMA) – ~100 Posts
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Indian Naval Academy (INA) – ~26 Posts
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Air Force Academy (AFA) – ~32 Posts
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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
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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
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Minimum Age: Typically 20 years
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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
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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
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General / OBC / EWS candidates: Standard examination fee
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Female / SC / ST / PWD candidates: Fee exemption as per norms
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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:
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Written Examination:
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Objective questions (multiple choice) covering:
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English
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General Knowledge
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Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA)
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SSB Interview (Stage-II):
Interview by Services Selection Board for candidates who qualify the written exam. -
Medical Examination:
Medical fitness as per defence standards. -
Final Merit List:
Based on written exam + SSB performance.
📚 Written Exam Pattern
For IMA / INA / AFA
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Paper I – English: 100 Marks
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Paper II – General Knowledge: 100 Marks
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Paper III – Mathematics: 100 Marks
For OTA
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Paper I – English: 100 Marks
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Paper II – General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Note: Objective type questions with negative marking for incorrect answers.
🧠 Useful Tips for Aspirants
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Strong foundation in English, GK, Mathematics.
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Focus on defence awareness and current affairs.
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Practice previous year question papers.
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Consistent preparation for SSB personality and aptitude tests.
