The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to release the notification for the Combined Defense Services (CDS) Examination (1) 2026 soon. This important exam helps young Indians join the country's armed forces as officers. Students looking to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force should watch for the official announcement. The notification is expected to be released in the second week of December 2025 .
The CDS exam takes place twice every year. This first exam for 2026, known as CDS 1, will open doors for candidates to apply for officer training. After the notification comes out, interested candidates can register and fill out their application forms online. They must do this within the dates given by UPSC.
Based on how UPSC has released notifications in previous years, here are the expected dates for the CDS 1 2026 notification:
| Particulars | Details |
| Expected Date for UPSC CDS 1 Notification | December 10 to 12, 2025 |
| Alternative Expected Date for UPSC CDS 1 Notification | December 13 to 16, 2025 |
What is the UPSC CDS Exam?
The Combined Defense Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level test conducted by UPSC. It is for selecting officers for various branches of the Indian armed forces. This exam is a key way for young men and women to start a career in defense.
Where to Find the Notification and Apply
The UPSC will share the full CDS 1 2026 exam notification on its official website. Students should regularly check upsc.gov.in for the latest updates. Once the notification is out, the online application process will begin. Candidates will need to register and complete their application form on the same website.
Important Details in the Notification
The official notification will provide all the necessary information for students. This includes:
- The number of vacant positions in each academy.
- The full timeline for applying online.
- The exact date when the written exam will be held.
- Details about the exam pattern, including subjects and marks.
- The complete syllabus for the exam.
- A clear step-by-step explanation of the selection process.
Academies You Can Join
Through the CDS 1 exam, candidates can join prestigious defense academies. These academies train future officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The main academies include:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) : For joining the Indian Army.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) : For joining the Indian Navy.
- Air Force Academy (AFA) : For joining the Indian Air Force.
Application Deadline
Candidates will have a limited time to submit their applications. Based on previous years, the online applications are expected to be accepted until December 30, 2025 , or during the first week of January 2026 . Students must make sure to apply before this deadline.
How Candidates Are Selected
The selection process for the CDS recruitment involves three main stages:
- Written Examination : Candidates first need to pass a written test. This exam checks their knowledge in different subjects.
- SSB Interview : Those who pass the written exam will then go through a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. This interview checks a candidate's personality, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
- Medical Examination : The final stage is a medical examination. Candidates must meet certain health and fitness standards set by the defense services.
Students interested in joining the defense services should keep checking the official UPSC website for the exact dates and full details. Being prepared and applying on time is important.
