UPSC CDS Exam Date 2026: Complete Schedule & Notification Details

The allure of a career in the Indian Armed Forces – the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force – has long captivated the aspirations of young Indians. It represents a path of discipline, courage, service, and national pride. For many, the gateway to this distinguished career is the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Aspiring officers must possess not only physical and mental fortitude but also a clear understanding of the examination process, especially its crucial dates. As 2026 approaches, prospective candidates are keen to understand the definitive schedule and notification details for the UPSC CDS Exam 2026. This comprehensive guide aims to provide aspirants with all the essential information, from exam dates and notification releases to eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and the selection process, empowering them to strategize their preparation effectively.

The Gateway to the Indian Armed Forces

The Combined Defence Services examination serves as a pivotal recruitment tool for the Indian Armed Forces. It is designed to identify and select officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering a challenging yet immensely rewarding career path. The UPSC, a constitutional body responsible for conducting examinations for various civil services and defence services of India, ensures a transparent and merit-based selection process. Passing the CDS exam is the first significant step towards donning the uniform and dedicating one's life to the service of the nation. The UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year, providing two distinct opportunities for candidates to appear. This regular cadence ensures a consistent influx of new talent into the officer cadre of the armed forces.

What This Article Covers for CDS 2026 Aspirants

The complete timeline for the UPSC CDS 1 & CDS 2 examinations in 2026, from notification to the final selection stage.

This article is meticulously crafted to be your definitive resource for the UPSC CDS Exam 2026. We will delve into the official exam schedule, detailing important dates for both CDS 1 and CDS 2 examinations. You will find comprehensive information regarding the UPSC CDS 2026 Notification Release, including anticipated vacancy details for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Furthermore, we will provide a thorough breakdown of the eligibility criteria, covering nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards. The article will also detail the exam pattern and syllabus, offering insights into the written examination structure, subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, and the overall selection process, including the crucial SSB Interview. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to navigate the application process and begin your preparation with confidence.

Understanding the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination

Overview of the UPSC CDS Examination

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Its primary objective is to recruit commissioned officers for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The examination is a stringent process designed to assess candidates on various parameters, including academic knowledge, aptitude, and officer-like qualities. The sheer volume of aspirants underscores the exam's significance; around 4 to 5 lakh students appear for the CDS written exam annually, out of which only a fraction successfully clear it. This competitive landscape demands meticulous planning and dedicated preparation from all participants.

Academies and Career Paths: IMA, INA, AFA, OTA

The CDS examination offers pathways to several prestigious training academies, each catering to a specific branch of the armed forces:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: This academy trains gentlemen cadets for the Indian Army. Successful candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants.

• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: This academy is responsible for training cadets for the Indian Navy. Cadets are commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants.

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigul: This academy trains cadets for the flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical) branches of the Indian Air Force. Cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers.

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: This academy trains cadets for the Army's Short Service Commission (Technical and Non-Technical). While IMA, INA, and AFA offer Permanent Commission (PC), OTA offers a Short Service Commission (SSC), which can be extended or lead to a permanent commission for some. Candidates appearing for the CDS exam may be selected for any of these academies based on their performance, preference, and the vacancies available.

UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Schedule: Key Dates and Timeline

The UPSC typically releases its annual calendar in the latter half of the preceding year, detailing the examination schedules for the upcoming year. For 2026, aspirants should anticipate the release of the official UPSC Calendar, which will contain the definitive dates for both CDS 1 and CDS 2 examinations. While exact dates are subject to official announcement, we can provide a projected timeline based on previous years' patterns.

CDS 1 2026 Important Dates

The first phase of the CDS examination in 2026, denoted as CDS 1 2026, is expected to follow a similar timeline to previous years:

• Notification Release: Likely in December 2025 or early January 2026.

• Application Start Date: Usually within a week of the notification release.

• Application Last Date: Approximately four weeks after the application commencement date.

• CDS 1 2026 Written Examination Date: Anticipated in late April or early May 2026.

• Result Declaration: Typically declared a few months after the written examination.

CDS 2 2026 Important Dates

The second phase of the CDS examination in 2026, CDS 2 2026, will also adhere to a predictable schedule:

• Notification Release: Expected around May or June 2026.

• Application Start Date: Shortly after the notification is published.

• Application Last Date: Around four weeks from the application start date.

• CDS 2 2026 Written Examination Date: Usually held in September or early October 2026.

• Result Declaration: Expected a few months post-examination.

Interpreting the UPSC Calendar 2026 for CDS Planning

The official UPSC Calendar 2026 is the most crucial document for aspirants planning their CDS journey. It provides the definitive dates for notification releases, application windows, and examination dates. Aspirants must mark these dates on their calendars and use them to create a realistic and effective preparation timetable. Understanding these timelines allows for proactive planning, ensuring sufficient time for syllabus coverage, revision, and practice. For instance, knowing the CDS 1 2026 exam date well in advance permits candidates to allocate study hours strategically for each subject, factoring in the difficulty level and personal proficiency. Similarly, the CDS 2 2026 schedule offers a second chance or an alternative target for those who might need more preparation time or wish to improve upon their previous attempt.

UPSC CDS 2026 Official Notification Details

Notification Release and Key Information

The official notification for the UPSC CDS 2026 examinations will be released on the UPSC website. This document is comprehensive, detailing every aspect of the examination. It includes crucial information such as the number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, application procedure, examination fees, important dates, and the selection process. Aspirants are strongly advised to read the notification thoroughly before applying to ensure they meet all the requirements and understand the examination framework. The release of the notification is the official commencement of the recruitment cycle for each examination.

Anticipated Vacancy Details for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA

The exact number of vacancies for CDS 1 2026 and CDS 2 2026 will be announced in their respective official notifications. Historically, the number of vacancies varies each year and between the different academies. For instance, a previous notification indicated 451 seats combined for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy, though this number can fluctuate. Typically, IMA and OTA receive a significant number of vacancies, followed by INA and AFA. The notification will specify the breakdown of vacancies for the Permanent Commission (PC) entries (IMA, INA, AFA) and Short Service Commission (SSC) entries (OTA). Aspirants should note that these are provisional numbers and can be altered by the UPSC.

Application Process, Registration Last Date, and Examination Fee

The application process for the UPSC CDS 2026 examinations is conducted entirely online through the UPSC's official website. Aspirants must register themselves, fill in the required details, upload scanned photographs and signatures, and pay the examination fee. The fee for the CDS examination is generally nominal and subject to revision by the UPSC. Reserved category candidates may be eligible for fee concessions or exemptions as per government rules. It is imperative to note the application deadline; late applications are not accepted. Missing the registration last date means forfeiting the opportunity to appear for that particular examination cycle.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 2026

Meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria is a non-negotiable requirement for appearing in the CDS examination. These criteria ensure that candidates are suitable for the demanding life and responsibilities of an officer in the armed forces.

Nationality Requirements

To be eligible for the CDS examination, candidates must be:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Nepal, or

• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma (now Myanmar), Sri Lanka, or the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Candidates belonging to categories other than Indian citizens must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit for Different Academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)

The age limits are strict and vary depending on the academy and the type of commission:

• For Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must be born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004, for CDS 1 2025, and similar ranges will apply for 2026 exams. The exact dates will be specified in the official notifications. This typically translates to an age range of 18 to 24 years.

• For Air Force Academy (AFA) - Flying Branch: Similar age criteria apply as for IMA/INA, usually 19 to 23 years for flying branch.

• For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) - SSC Men & Women: Candidates must be born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2005, for CDS 1 2025. For 2026, the specific dates will be detailed in the notification, generally reflecting an age range of 18 to 25 years for SSC entries.

Candidates must ensure they fall within the specified age bracket for the academy they wish to join.

Educational Qualification: Bachelor Degree and Specific Requirements

The educational qualifications for the CDS examination are:

• For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA): A Bachelor's degree from a recognized University or equivalent.

• For Air Force Academy (AFA) - Flying Branch: Candidates must have passed the Intermediate or 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a recognized Board or University. Those currently in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination by the specified date.

• For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) - SSC Course: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University or equivalent.

Candidates appearing in their final year of degree examination are also eligible to apply, but they must produce their degree certificate by a stipulated date.

Marital Status Regulations

• For IMA, INA, and AFA: Only unmarried candidates are eligible.

• For OTA: Unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Candidates who are already married and have more than one child are not eligible for OTA.

Essential Physical and Medical Standards

Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the armed forces. This includes criteria for height, weight, vision, and absence of any debilitating medical conditions. Candidates who clear the written examination and SSB interview will undergo a thorough medical examination conducted by military doctors. Detailed specifications for physical and medical standards are available in the official CDS notification.

UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The CDS examination consists of a Written Examination followed by an SSB Interview. The Written Examination assesses candidates' knowledge and aptitude across core subjects.

Written Examination Structure and Question Type

The written examination is objective in nature, comprising Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The papers are designed to test candidates' command over English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The specific subjects and their weightage depend on the academy for which the candidate is applying.

Detailed Syllabus for English

The English paper aims to assess a candidate's understanding of the language and their ability to use it effectively. Key areas include:

• Grammar and Usage: Error spotting, sentence improvement, use of tenses, prepositions, articles, voice, and narration.

• Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, word formation, and sentence completion.

• Comprehension: Reading comprehension passages with questions based on inference, vocabulary, and understanding the central idea.

• Sentence Structure: Ordering of words and sentences.

The English section of the CDS exam typically includes grammar-based questions like error spotting, sentence improvement, comprehension, and cloze tests as detailed by experts. In the CDS 2 2024 exam, on average, 90-93 questions could be answered from English, indicating its significant contribution.

Detailed Syllabus for General Knowledge (including Science & Current Affairs)

The General Knowledge (GK) paper is broad, covering a wide range of topics to gauge a candidate's awareness of the world around them. It includes:

• Current Events: National and international important events. In recent years, the GK section has focused more on current affairs, with emphasis on national and international events according to experts.

• Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the matriculation level.

• History: Indian history, including the freedom struggle.

• Geography: Indian geography, world geography, and environmental science.

• Civics: Indian polity, constitution, and governance.

• Economics: Basic economic concepts.

• Defence: Awareness of defence-related matters.

Detailed Syllabus for Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA)

Candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA must appear for the Mathematics paper. This paper tests fundamental mathematical concepts up to the matriculation and intermediate levels. Topics include:

• Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, ratios and proportions, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time and distance.

• Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, equations, exponents, logarithms.

• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, polygons.

• Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric ratios, identities, heights and distances.

• Mensuration: Areas and volumes of plane and solid figures.

• Statistics and Probability: Data interpretation, averages, mean, median, mode, basic probability.

Exam Duration, Marking Scheme, and Shift Timings

• Duration: Each paper (English, GK, Mathematics) is typically of 2 hours' duration.

• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a penalty for every incorrect answer (negative marking). The minimum qualifying mark in each subject is 20% as per examination guidelines.

• Shift Timings: The examination is usually conducted in three shifts on a single day to accommodate all papers.

The Comprehensive CDS Selection Process

The journey to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS examination is multi-phased, designed to select candidates who possess not only academic acumen but also the inherent qualities of leadership, discipline, and patriotism.

Phase 1: The Written Examination (Recap)

This is the initial screening phase. Candidates must secure qualifying marks in each subject of the written examination. The aggregate marks obtained in the written test are crucial for shortlisting candidates for the next stage.

Phase 2: The SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)

Candidates who successfully clear the written examination are called for the SSB Interview, a rigorous 5-day assessment process. The SSB interview is designed to evaluate candidates for Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) through various psychological tests, group dynamic exercises, and personal interviews. It is a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's personality, leadership potential, and suitability for a career in the armed forces. It's important to note that out of 100 candidates, only 5-6 clear the SSB interview, highlighting its challenging nature and the need for holistic preparation.

Following the SSB interview, candidates undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the stringent physical and medical standards required for service. Those who successfully clear all stages are then recommended for admission to the respective academies.

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS Exam Date 2026 marks the beginning of a critical journey for aspiring officers of the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the complete schedule, from the notification release for both CDS 1 and CDS 2, application deadlines, to the examination dates, is paramount for effective planning. The Union Public Service Commission’s meticulous process, culminating in the challenging SSB Interview, aims to select individuals who embody the spirit of service, leadership, and dedication. Aspirants must leverage the official notifications and the UPSC Calendar 2026 to chart their preparation strategy, focusing on academic rigor for the written examination, covering subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics with equal importance, and cultivating the officer-like qualities essential for the SSB Interview. By adhering to the eligibility criteria and staying informed about every detail, candidates can confidently step onto the path towards a distinguished career in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Officers’ Training Academy. Your commitment to preparation, starting with these foundational details, is the first step towards achieving your dream of serving the nation.