UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification Out: Exam Date, Time-Table
Short Information: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This recruitment drive is for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates who are graduates or in their final year can apply. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Ensure you complete your OTR (One Time Registration) before applying online.
| UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 🎖️ GOVT EXAM STUDY: Official Notification (CDS-I 2026) | ||
| 📅 IMPORTANT DATES | ||
| Notification Released | 10 December 2025 | |
| Start Application online Date | 10 December 2025 | |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 (Till 18:00 HRS) | |
| Exam Date (UPSC Time-Table) | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) | |
| Admit Card Out Date | 3 or 4 Days Before Examination | |
| 💰 APPLICATION FEE (AVEDAN SHULK) | ||
| Category | Fees Details | |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹ 200/- | |
| SC / ST / Female (All Categories) | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) | |
| Mode of Payment | Online (Net Banking/Card) or Pay by Cash at SBI Branch. | |
| * Important: Fee payment ki last date 29 Dec 2025 hai agar aap cash pay kar rahe hain (Pay-by-Cash mode). | ||
| 👤 AGE LIMIT & QUALIFICATION (AS ON 01 JAN 2027) | ||
| Academy Name | Age Limit | Educational Qualification |
| IMA & OTA | 19-24 Years (IMA) / 19-25 (OTA) | Bachelor's Degree in any stream. |
| Indian Naval Academy | 19-24 Years | B.E / B.Tech (Engineering Degree). |
| Air Force Academy | 20-24 Years | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or B.E/B.Tech. |
| 💡 Confusion hai? Check age: Free Age Calculator Tool | ||
| 📝 EXAM TIME TABLE (12 APRIL 2026) | ||
| Subject | Time Slot | Subject Code |
| English | 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 11 |
| General Knowledge | 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM | 12 |
| Elementary Maths | 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM | 13 |
| ⚙️ SELECTION PROCESS | ||
| 1. Written Examination: Objective type papers conducted by UPSC. 2. SSB Interview: Intelligence and Personality Test (Stage I & II). 3. Document Verification: Original certificates checking. 4. Medical Examination: Final fitness test at Military Hospitals. |
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| 📝 PROCEDURE TO APPLY ONLINE | ||
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| 📸 PHOTO & SIGNATURE SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| Passport Photograph | • Background: White or Light Color • Size: 50KB to 100KB (JPG/JPEG) • Use our Photo Resizer Tool for perfect dimensions. |
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| Signature | • Ink: Black or Blue Pen on White Paper • Size: 20KB to 50KB (JPG/JPEG) • Resize your signature easily Click Here. |
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| 🛠️ USEFUL TOOLS FOR APPLICANTS | ||
| Image to PDF | Combine Documents | |
| PDF to Image | Convert PDF to JPG | |
| ⚠️ IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS | ||
| • Negative Marking: Written exam mein galat jawab par 1/3 marks kaate jayenge. • Black Ball Pen: Answer sheet (OMR) bharne ke liye sirf black ball pen allowed hai. • Mobile Phones: Exam hall mein mobile aur koi bhi electronic gadget ban hai. • Correction Window: Application band hone ke baad 7 din ka correction window khulega. |
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| 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS | ||
| Download Exam Time-Table PDF | Download Now | |
| Apply Online | Click Here | |
| Official Notification by UPSC | Download PDF | |
| WhatsApp Channel | Join Now | |
| Telegram Channel For Latest Updates | Join Now | |
| Official Website | Visit Now | |
Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to provide accurate information, we are not responsible for any inadvertent errors.
(उम्मीदवारों को सलाह दी जाती है कि आवेदन करने से पहले आधिकारिक अधिसूचना को ध्यान से पढ़ें।)
Official Notification Update
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the exact exam date and schedule for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
The written exam will be held on 12 April 2026 (Sunday). The schedule is: English (09:00 AM - 11:00 AM), General Knowledge (12:30 PM - 02:30 PM), and Elementary Mathematics (04:00 PM - 06:00 PM).
2. Are female candidates eligible for all academies in CDS 1 2026?
No, female candidates are eligible only for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for the Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course.
3. Is there a provision for correcting the application form after submission?
Yes, UPSC provides a Correction Window for 7 days immediately after the closing date of the application (usually starting from the day after the last date of submission).
4. What is the educational qualification for the Air Force Academy?
Candidates must have a Degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E/B.Tech).
5. How much is the application fee for CDS 1 2026?
The application fee is ₹200 for General/OBC male candidates. SC, ST, and all Female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.