Quick Answer
The CDS 1 2027 notification will be released by UPSC on 2 December 2026, with the online application open till 22 December 2026 and the written exam on 11 April 2027 (per the official UPSC Calendar 2027). CDS recruits unmarried graduates for the IMA, INA, AFA and OTA (men and women), leading to officer commissions in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The CDS 1 2027 exam (Combined Defence Services Examination I) is the UPSC gateway for graduates to become officers through the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. With the official UPSC Calendar 2027 out, dates are confirmed. This guide covers the notification, application, eligibility, exam pattern, vacancies and selection. See the CDS 1 2027 eligibility, the exam pattern & syllabus, and the application form guides.
CDS 1 2027 Notification — Important Dates (Official)
| Event | Date (CDS 1 2027) |
|---|---|
| Notification release | 2 December 2026 |
| Online application opens | 2 December 2026 |
| Application last date | 22 December 2026 |
| Correction window | Late December 2026 |
| Admit card | Late March 2027 |
| CDS 1 2027 written exam | 11 April 2027 |
Dates are from the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2027. UPSC may revise them for administrative reasons — confirm on upsc.gov.in.
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Explore NDA CoachingTalk to a MentorCDS 1 2027 Vacancies
CDS 1 2026 was released for around 450+ vacancies; CDS 1 2027 is expected in a similar range. The typical academy-wise split is:
| Academy | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | ≈100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | ≈32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | ≈32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) — SSC Men | ≈275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) — SSC Women | ≈17 |
Exact academy-wise vacancies are announced in the notification. See who qualifies for each in the CDS 1 2027 eligibility guide.
CDS 1 2027 Eligibility (Summary)
| Academy | Age | Education | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 | Graduate (any) | Unmarried |
| INA | 19–24 | Engineering degree | Unmarried |
| AFA | 19–23 | Graduate + Physics & Maths at 10+2, or Engineering | Unmarried |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19–25 | Graduate (any) | Men/Women as per rules |
Full age tables and standards are in the CDS 1 2027 eligibility criteria.
CDS 1 2027 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA and AFA the written exam has three papers — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks each, 300 total). For OTA there are two papers — English and GK (200 total), with no Maths. Each paper is 2 hours with 1/3 negative marking, followed by the SSB Interview. Full breakdown in the exam pattern & syllabus guide.
CDS 1 2027 Selection Process
Selection has two stages: (1) the UPSC written examination, and (2) the SSB Interview — a 5-day process with screening, psychological tests, GTO tasks and the personal interview, followed by a medical examination. Prepare for the written stage with our CDS resources and read the CDS 1 2027 cut off to set a target.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2027
When the window opens on 2 December 2026: complete the UPSC One Time Registration (OTR), fill the CDS 1 2027 form on upsconline.nic.in, upload your photo and signature, pay the ₹200 fee (women and SC/ST are exempt), and submit before 22 December 2026. Step-by-step help is in the CDS 1 2027 application form guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the CDS 1 2027 notification be released?
The CDS 1 2027 notification will be released by UPSC on 2 December 2026, as per the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, on upsc.gov.in.
What is the CDS 1 2027 exam date?
The CDS 1 2027 written exam is scheduled for 11 April 2027 by UPSC.
What is the last date to apply for CDS 1 2027?
The online application is expected to close on 22 December 2026.
Who can apply for CDS 1 2027?
Unmarried graduates within the prescribed age limits can apply for IMA, INA and AFA (with academy-specific degree requirements); OTA admits both men and women graduates.
Can women apply for CDS 1 2027?
Yes. Women can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) through CDS, leading to a Short Service Commission.
What is the CDS application fee for 2027?
The CDS examination fee is ₹200 for general and OBC male candidates; women, SC and ST candidates are exempt.
