CDS 1 2026 Exam Update: Online Application Started, Know How to Apply
Published On - Dec 12, 2025 01:05PM IST
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the online application process for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I, 2026. Candidates seeking admission in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force or Officers' Training Academy can file their applications online through the official website. As per the recent information, the application period started on 10 December 2025 and will be available for the public until 30 December 2025. The CDS 1 2026 examination is a yearly recruitment campaign that is among the top chances in the defence sector, where first-class students can get access to 451 positions in various academies.
CDS 1 2026 Important Dates
Event | Date |
Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
Admit Card Date | February |
Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
Result Date | March 2026 |
Vacancy Breakdown for CDS 1 2026
Name of the Course | Approximate No. of Vacancies (Refer Note -iii) |
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun - 162 (DE) Course commencing in January 2027 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing) holders] | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala - Course commencing in January 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies for NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 01 for Hydro] | 26 |
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad - (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in January 2027, i.e. 221 F(P) Course. [including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry] | 32 |
Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in April 2027 | 275 |
Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 125th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April 2027 | 18 |
Total | 451 |
CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
UPSC has outlined specific eligibility criteria for each academy. These include:
Academy / Course | Age Criteria (DOB Range) | Gender / Marital Status | Notes |
Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Born between 2 Jan 2003 - 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried male candidates | - |
Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Born between 2 Jan 2003 - 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried male candidates | - |
Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20-24 yrs as on 1 Jan 2027 (DOB: 2 Jan 2003 - 1 Jan 2007) | Male candidates, below 25 years must be unmarried; married allowed if ≥25 years (no family accommodation during training) | CPL holders: age relaxable up to 26 yrs (DOB: 2 Jan 2001 -- 1 Jan 2007) |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA - Men) | Born between 2 Jan 2002 - 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried male candidates | SSC Course for Men |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA - Women) | Born between 2 Jan 2002 -1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried women; issueless widows (not remarried); issueless divorcees (not remarried, with documents) | SSC Women Non‑Technical Course |
Note: For detailed eligibility criteria, candidates should see the official notification released by the UPSC.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2026: Step‑by‑Step Guide
Step 1: Create an Account
Go to https://upsconline.nic.in/ and sign up with your basic details like:
Name
Date of Birth
Mobile Number
Email ID
With this step, you will be given your login credentials.
Step 2: Universal Registration (URN)
After the creation of an account, candidates are required to fill in the details in the URN module, which comprises:
Personal details
Address
Identity verification
On completion of the formalities, UPSC grants a Universal Registration Number, which is compulsory for all future applications.
Step 3: On the website, fill out the CDS 1 2026 Application Form
Use your URN to log in and continue to the CDS-specific application form, where you need to:
Choose academies for training
Upload photograph & signature
Provide educational details
Pick an exam centre
Once the form is submitted, an Application Number is generated, which can be used for future reference.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The Fee UPSC has set it as follows:-
Category | Fee |
General / OBC | INR 200 |
Female / SC / ST | Exempted |
Payment can be made via:
Debit/Credit Card
Net Banking
UPI
Cash (via SBI challan)
CDS 1 2026 Selection Process
The CDS selection procedure includes:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Successful candidates are admitted to their respective academies for further training.
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