CDS 1 2026 Notification Out! Age Limit, Syllabus, Dates

CDS 1 2026 Notification – Complete Guide to Eligibility, Dates, Syllabus & Coaching

CDS 1 2026 Notification has officially been released, and it’s time for aspirants to gear up for one of the most prestigious defense exams conducted by UPSC. This article offers everything you need to know—from age limits and educational qualifications to the complete syllabus, important dates, and why New Career Academy is your best shot at success.

What is CDS?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a gateway for aspirants who wish to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Overview of UPSC CDS Exam Structure

The exam is divided into:

A written test
An SSB interview (for shortlisted candidates)
Medical examination

CDS 1 2026 Notification Highlights

Release Date

UPSC has released the CDS 1 2026 notification in December 2025.

Official Notification PDF Link

Visit the official UPSC site: upsc.gov.in to download the notification.

Who Conducts the Exam?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the CDS exam on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, India.

Important Dates for CDS 1 2026

Event	Date
Notification Release	December 2025
Application Start Date	December 2025
Last Date to Apply	January 2026
Admit Card Release	March 2026
CDS 1 2026 Exam Date	April 2026
Result Declaration	June 2026 (Tentative)

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2026

Age Limit and Relaxation Rules

IMA: 19 to 24 years
INA: 19 to 22 years
AFA: 20 to 24 years
OTA (Men/Women): 19 to 25 years

Educational Qualification

IMA/OTA: Graduation in any discipline
INA: B.E./B.Tech
AFA: B.E./B.Tech + 12th with Physics & Math

Nationality and Marital Status

Must be Indian citizen
Unmarried candidates only (Except OTA Women – who can be unmarried, widowed, or divorced)

Detailed Age Limit Criteria (Post-wise)

Academy	Age Range
IMA	02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008
INA	02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008
AFA	02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007
OTA (Men/Women)	02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008

Educational Qualification for CDS 2026

IMA & OTA: Graduation in any field from a recognized university

INA: Degree in Engineering
AFA: Degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 level or B.E/B.Tech

CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern

Section	Marks	Duration
English	100	2 Hours
General Knowledge	100	2 Hours
Elementary Mathematics	100	2 Hours
OTA (Only English & GK)	200	4 Hours Total

Syllabus for CDS 1 2026

English

Vocabulary, Comprehension
Synonyms/Antonyms
Sentence Improvement

General Knowledge

Current Affairs
History & Polity
Science & Geography

Elementary Mathematics

Algebra & Arithmetic
Geometry, Trigonometry
Mensuration, Statistics

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

+1 mark per correct answer
-0.33 mark per incorrect answer
All sections are compulsory for IMA, INA, AFA

How to Apply for CDS 1 2026?

Online Registration Steps

Visit upsconline.nic.in
Complete Part I & II Registration
Upload scanned documents
Pay the fee online
Submit and take a printout

Preparation Tips for CDS Aspirants

Time Management

Create a 3-month focused plan with weekly milestones.

Best Books to Refer

English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy
GK: Lucent’s GK, Daily Current Affairs
Maths: RS Aggarwal, NCERTs

Solve Previous Year Papers

Helps identify trends and common question patterns.

Why Choose New Career Academy for CDS 2026?

Legacy and Results

5,000+ Selections in CDS over 20 years.

Experienced Faculty

Ex-Defense Officers & Subject Experts.

Daily Tests and Doubt Sessions

Live classes, unit tests, and doubt-clearing every week.

Offline + Online Hybrid Learning

Online recorded + offline weekend batches for working students.

Student Success Stories at New Career Academy

Topper Interviews

Many students ranked in the top 100 CDS list.

CDS Success Rate Comparison

3x higher success rate than national average.

FAQs about CDS 1 2026

Q1: Can final year students apply for CDS 2026?

Yes, but they must provide proof of graduation before SSB interview.

Q2: What is the mode of CDS exam?

The exam is conducted offline (pen and paper).

Q3: Is there any limit on the number of attempts?

No, as long as age and eligibility are met.

Q4: Can women apply for all academies?

No, women can only apply for OTA (Officers Training Academy).

Q5: Which academy has the toughest cutoff?

AFA (Air Force Academy) generally has the highest cutoff.

Q6: How long is the training period post-selection?

IMA: 18 months
OTA: 49 weeks
INA: 1.5 years
AFA: 74 weeks

Conclusion – Crack CDS 2026 with Confidence

If you’re dreaming of donning the uniform and serving the nation, CDS 1 2026 is your gateway. Understand the eligibility, prepare with the right material, and most importantly—enroll with a trusted institute like New Career Academy to maximize your chances.

Let this year be the one you march toward your goal with clarity, courage, and the best guidance!