CDS Exam Notification (I) 2026 Out: Latest Update on Exam Date, Eligibility, Age Limit & Complete Syllabus
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS Exam Notification (I) 2026 Out, bringing clarity for all defence aspirants preparing for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). For students aiming to join the armed forces right after graduation, this notification is the first major step toward their goal. With increasing competition every year, many students are turning towards structured guidance such as CDS Exam Coaching and CDS Written Exam Coaching to secure top results.
This detailed blog covers the exam date, eligibility, age limit, syllabus overview, and preparation tips—presented in simple and SEO-friendly language.
CDS 1 2026 Official Notification PDF
Overview of CDS (I) 2026 Examination
UPSC conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination twice every year. CDS (I) 2026 will select eligible candidates for the July and October 2027 courses at the respective academies. The SSB interview and medical examination follow the written exam. Due to rising competition, aspirants are looking for the Best CDS Coaching Institute to ensure structured preparation and regular practice.
Below is a quick summary of important exam details.
CDS (I) 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| CDS Written Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 (Expected) |
With the CDS exam batch starting soon across many coaching centres, candidates should finalize their preparation strategy early.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS (I) 2026
The eligibility conditions for the CDS exam vary depending on the academy. Many students pursue CDS coaching with Graduation, as they can apply while still in their final year.
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA | Graduation in any discipline |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or Engineering |
| OTA | Graduation in any discipline |
Final-year graduation students can apply, provided they submit proof of passing during the SSB process.
Age Limit for CDS (I) 2026
The age range is one of the most important aspects of eligibility. The CDS exam uses only an unmarried category for IMA, INA, and AFA, with relaxations only for OTA Women (Non-Technical).
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 years |
| INA | 19 to 24 years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19 to 25 years |
Candidates must check the exact date range mentioned in the notification.
CDS (I) 2026 Exam Pattern
A clear understanding of the exam pattern helps students streamline their preparation. Proper coaching, such as CDS Written Exam Coaching, helps in mastering time management and question-solving techniques.
CDS Exam Pattern – IMA, INA and AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
CDS Exam Pattern – OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
There is negative marking for wrong answers, which makes accuracy extremely important.
Syllabus Overview for CDS (I) 2026
A simplified view of the syllabus helps candidates plan their study schedule more effectively.
English
The English paper mainly checks grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement, spotting errors, and para-jumbles. Students focusing on improvement usually benefit from regular practice tests and guidance from a professional CDS Exam Coaching institute.
General Knowledge
This section covers history, geography, economics, Indian polity, science, defence-related news, and current affairs. Updated study material and weekly revision sessions help a lot in scoring well here.
Elementary Mathematics
This paper is asked only for IMA, INA, and AFA. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, mensuration, geometry, and statistics. Many students prefer joining the Best CDS Coaching Institute because mathematics requires consistent practice and concept clarity.
Also Read: Integrated NDA Coaching With Schooling – Nation Defence Academy
Why Coaching Is Important for CDS Aspirants
While self-study is important, structured coaching from Nation Defence Academy provides an extra edge for CDS aspirants. Our CDS Exam Coaching offers topic-wise classes, mock tests, updated notes, and doubt-clearing sessions to ensure complete preparation. Students in our CDS coaching with Graduation programs save time and manage college effectively.
Key Advantages of CDS Coaching:
- Regular practice tests similar to the UPSC level
- Clear guidance for improvement in weaker subjects
- Discipline and time-bound preparation
- Expert strategies for each paper
- Doubt sessions and discussion of previous year papers
With many institutions announcing their CDS exam batch that are starting soon, this is the ideal time for students to enroll.
Preparation Strategy for CDS (I) 2026
A simple and practical study plan increases the chances of cracking the exam.
1. Create a Structured Timetable
Split daily hours between English, GK, and Maths. Regular revision is important for remembering facts.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers
This helps students understand the exam difficulty level and pattern.
3. Take Mock Tests Weekly
Mock tests help in time management. Students learn how to maintain speed without compromising accuracy.
4. Stay Updated With Current Affairs
General Knowledge requires daily revision of current affairs, defence updates, and important national events.
5. Focus on Concept Clarity in Maths
Mathematics requires solving basic to advanced level questions. Steady practice is key.
Final Advice for CDS Aspirants
The release of the CDS Exam Notification (I) 2026 Out is the beginning of a new journey for thousands of students dreaming to wear the uniform. With the right preparation, clarity of concepts, and consistent practice, cracking the exam becomes achievable. Whether students choose self-study or enroll in the Best CDS Coaching Institute, what matters most is discipline and commitment.
Nation Defence Academy encourages all aspirants to stay focused, follow a strong study plan, and keep improving their performance. With the exam date announced and the CDS exam batch starting soon across India, now is the perfect time to start your preparation and move one step closer to your dream career in the armed forces.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CDS Exam Notification
The CDS Exam (I) 2026 is typically held in April, with the exact date announced in the official UPSC notification. Application forms open a few months prior, closing after 2-3 weeks.
Candidates need a graduation degree for IMA and OTA, engineering for INA, and specific physics/math qualifications for AFA. Unmarried status applies to most academies.
IMA candidates must be 19-24 years old as of the notification cut-off date. Relaxations apply for certain categories.
IMA/INA/AFA: 3 papers (English, GK, Math) totaling 300 marks. OTA: 2 papers (English, GK) totaling 200 marks.
Yes, 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer across all papers. No penalty for unattempted questions.
Yes, unmarried women are eligible for OTA with a graduation degree and age 19-25 years.
Download from the UPSC website post-notification; covers English grammar, current affairs, history, and math basics like algebra and geometry.
Join CDS Exam Coaching at Nation Defence Academy for structured CDS Written Exam Coaching, mock tests, and CDS coaching with Graduation. CDS exam batch starting soon.
