The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 2026 exam notification on December 10, 2025 . This exam is for students who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Students interested in applying can find the full details and application form on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in .
The online application process for CDS 1 2026 will also begin on December 10, 2025 . The last date to apply for this important exam is December 30, 2025 . The CDS 1 exam itself will take place on April 12, 2026 . This article provides all the key dates, application steps, and other important details for students planning to take the CDS exam.
Key Dates for CDS 1 and CDS 2 Exams
It is important for all students to know these dates to plan their application and study. The table below shows the important dates for both CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams for the year 2026.
| Event | Date |
| CDS 1 Notification Release | December 10, 2025 |
| CDS 1 Application Period | December 10, 2025 to December 30, 2025 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| CDS 2 Notification Release | May 20, 2026 |
| CDS 2 Application Period | May 20, 2026 to June 09, 2026 |
| CDS 2 Exam Date | September 14, 2026 |
Application Fees and Exemptions
Students applying for the CDS 1 2026 exam need to pay an application fee of INR 200 . However, some categories of students do not need to pay this fee. These include Female candidates, Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWD) . These candidates are completely free from paying the application fees.
How to Apply Online for CDS 1 2026 Exam
The application process for the CDS exam involves a crucial first step: One Time Registration (OTR). If you have not registered on the OTR portal before, you must do so first. This is a one-time process. Once registered, your ID will be valid for all future exams conducted by UPSC.
Steps to Apply:
- First, go to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in .
- Find the "One Time Registration (OTR)" section and register yourself.
- Fill in all the required details carefully on the registration page.
- Upload any documents needed, if asked.
- UPSC will then create a Login ID for you. This ID will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID. Keep this safe.
- After completing OTR, go to the 'Latest Exam' tab on the UPSC website.
- Click on the link for the CDS 1 2026 exam .
- Fill out the application form with your personal and educational details.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the online payment options.
- Review your application form carefully before final submission.
- Download and print a copy of your submitted application for your records.
CDS 2026 Selection Process
To join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers' Training Academy (OTA) through CDS, candidates must clear two main stages. The first stage is a written examination . Students who pass the written exam then move to the second stage, which is the SSB Interview . The SSB interview is a detailed personality and aptitude test conducted by the Services Selection Board.
Students are advised to regularly visit the official UPSC website ( upsc.gov.in ) for the latest updates and detailed instructions regarding the CDS 1 2026 notification and application process.
