The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the exam date for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. The CDS 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026 . This national exam takes place offline across India.
Students who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces through this exam should note these important dates. The application period for CDS 1 exam has already closed. It was open from December 10 to 30, 2025 . There are a total of 451 vacancies available through the CDS 1 exam.
For those looking ahead, the application process for the CDS 2 exam will start on May 20, 2026 . The last day to apply for CDS 2 will be June 9, 2026 . The CDS 2 exam is planned for September 13, 2026 .
Important Dates for CDS Exams 2026
| Exam Name | Application Start Date | Application End Date | Exam Date |
| CDS 1 Exam 2026 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | April 12, 2026 |
| CDS 2 Exam 2026 | May 20, 2026 | June 9, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
About the CDS Exam
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is held twice a year by UPSC. It is for young men and women who want to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam is held in an offline mode, which means you will write the answers on paper. The CDS 1 exam on April 12, 2026 , will be held in three shifts on the same day.
A total of 451 positions are to be filled through the CDS 1 exam. These positions are for different defence academies across India.
CDS Exam Pattern
The CDS exam has two main parts: a written test and an interview (SSB Interview). The written test is different for various academies:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):
- There are three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- Each paper carries 100 marks .
- You get 2 hours to complete each paper.
- The total written test marks for these academies are 300 .
- After the written test, candidates face an SSB Interview, which is also for 300 marks .
For Officers Training Academy (OTA):
- There are two papers: English and General Knowledge.
- Each paper carries 100 marks . n
- You get 2 hours to complete each paper.
- The total written test marks for OTA are 200 .
All question papers are available in both English and Hindi languages.
How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2026
To do well in the CDS exam, students need a clear plan. Here are some simple tips to help you prepare:
- Know the Exam Well: First, understand the exam pattern and what topics are in the syllabus. This helps you know what to study.
- Practice with Old Papers: Solve question papers from previous years. This helps you understand the types of questions asked and improves your speed and accuracy.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests. These are like practice exams. They help you get used to the real test environment and manage your time better.
- Manage Your Time: Learn to complete the papers within the given time. Practice answering questions quickly and correctly.
- Study Daily: Follow a regular study routine. Try to study for six to eight hours every day. Consistency is key for good results.
- Revise Weekly: Set aside time each week for revision. Go over what you have studied. This helps you remember facts and concepts better.
- Understand Basics: Focus on understanding the basic ideas instead of just memorizing formulas or facts. When your basics are clear, you can solve more complex problems.
- Start Mock Tests Early: Once you have covered about 70% of your syllabus, start taking mock tests. This helps you apply what you've learned and find areas where you need more practice.
With a good study plan and consistent effort, you can prepare for and crack this important entrance exam.
