The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will close applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 2026 exam on December 30, 2025, at 6 PM . Candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers must apply before this deadline. There are a total of 451 vacancies available through this exam. The application process is completely online and can be completed on the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in . The CDS 1 2026 exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026 , and will be held offline using pen and paper.
Key Dates for CDS 1 & 2 2026 Exams
Here are the important dates for the CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams in the year 2026:
| Event | Dates |
| CDS 1 Notification Release | 10-Dec-2025 |
| CDS 1 Application Period | 10-Dec-2025 to 30-Dec-2025 (6 PM) |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | 12-Apr-2026 |
| CDS 2 Notification Release | 20-May-2026 |
| CDS 2 Application Period | 20-May-2026 to 09-Jun-2026 |
| CDS 2 Exam Date | 14-Sept-2026 |
Who Can Apply for CDS 1 2026?
Candidates interested in building a career as an officer in India's defence forces can apply. This exam leads to entry into prestigious academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
How to Apply Online for CDS 1 2026
Follow these simple steps to fill out the CDS 1 2026 application form online:
- Go to the official UPSC application website: upsconline.nic.in .
- Click on the "Account Creation" tab on the homepage. This is where you will begin your One Time Registration (OTR).
- Complete the One Time Registration by providing all your necessary personal and contact details.
- After successfully registering, UPSC will send a login ID to your registered mobile number and email ID.
- Log in to the application portal using your registered details (either email ID and password, mobile number and OTP, or Universal Registration Number (URN) and password).
- Navigate to the "Latest Exam" section and click on the link specifically for the CDS 1 2026 exam.
- Carefully fill in all the required information in the application form.
- Upload scanned images of your recent photograph and signature. Make sure these images follow the specified size and format guidelines.
- Pay the application fee using the available online payment options. Keep your bank account details ready for this step.
- Select your preferred exam centre from the list provided.
- Review all the information you have entered in the form one last time to ensure everything is correct.
- Finally, submit your CDS application form.
The direct link to apply is: https://upsconline.nic.in/
Documents Needed to Apply Online for CDS 1 2026
When you fill the CDS 1 application form, make sure to have these documents and details ready:
- Scanned images of your latest photograph .
- Scanned images of your signature .
- Your Class 10th Pass Certificate details.
- Details of a valid Photo-Identity Proof (such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
- Your Bank Account details for making the application fee payment.
About the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level test conducted twice every year by the UPSC. It is for graduates who want to join various officer training academies of the Indian Armed Forces. Successful candidates can become officers in the Indian Army (through IMA and OTA), Indian Navy (through Indian Naval Academy), or Indian Air Force (through Air Force Academy). The exam is held offline, meaning candidates mark their answers on OMR sheets using a pen or ballpoint pen.
