CDS 1 2026 Notification [Exam date, eligibility, syllabus and books]

CDS 1 2026 Notification

CDS 1 2026 Notification [Exam date, eligibility, syllabus and books to prepare]. UPSC will be conducting the CDS exam to recruit candidates for course conducted by Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. CDS is a national level exam conducted twice a year in the month of April and September.

Read below to get all the information about CDS 1 2026 notification, eligibility, exam date, vacancies, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, how to prepare and more.

CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY: 

(i) For Indian Military Academy — Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2003 and not later than 1st Jan, 2008 only are eligible.

(ii) For Indian Naval Academy — Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2003 and not later than 1st Jan, 2008 only are eligible.

(iii) For Air Force Academy — 20 to 24 years as on 1st Jan, 2027 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2003 and not later than 1st Jan, 2007 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2002 and not later than 1st Jan, 2007) only are eligible.

(iv) For Officers’ Training Academy — (SSC Course for men & women) unmarried candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2002 and not later than 1st Jan, 2007 only are eligible.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION: 

(i) For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai — Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.

(ii) For Indian Naval Academy—Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.

(iii) For Air Force Academy—Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

VACANCIES:

1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun— 162nd (DE) Course commencing in Jan, 2027  ——–  100 Vacancies

2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala—Course commencing in Jan, 2027 Executive (General Service)/Hydro  ——— 26 Vacancies

3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad—(Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in Jan, 2027 i.e. No. 221 F(P) Course  ———  32 Vacancies

4. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras)— 125th SSC (Men) Course (NT) commencing in April, 2027  ———  275 Vacancies

5. Officers Training Academy, Chennai—37th SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course commencing in April, 2027 ———  18 Vacancies

HOW TO APPLY:

(i) Candidates are required to apply Online using the link www.upsconline.nic.in

(ii) Detailed instructions for filling up Online Applications are available on the above mentioned website.

EXAM FEES:

Candidates (excepting Female/SC/ST candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only) either by depositing the money in any Branch of SBI by cash, or by using net banking facility of State Bank of India or by using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card.

HOW TO PREPARE:

Candidates preparing for CDS 1 2026 exam must refer Mission CDS Book. The 2026 edition has been revised according to the latest UPSC exam pattern and syllabus hence making it the only book which is based on latest syllabus. Some of the salient features of the book are:

1) The book is based on the revised pattern of the examination as conducted by the UPSC.

2) English section covers all the new topics which appeared in the last few years. Additionally, it has ample amount of practice questions to improve your grammar.

3) Mission CDS (2026 edition) features completely updated General Knowledge content, aligned with the latest UPSC syllabus. Every chapter offers in-depth yet easy-to-understand coverage of essential topics.

4) The Book contains latest pattern 600+ most important MCQs with simple techniques and a huge collection of solved questions along with sample papers.

5) The only book fully aligned with the updated syllabus for the 2026 exam.

This book will really help the students in developing the required Speed and Strike Rate, which will increase their final score in the exam.

Mock Test Papers:

Aspirants, here’s the truth: One habit sets successful CDS candidates apart — ‘Regular mock test practice’. Year after year, students who practice mocks perform better and clear the exam more comfortably.

CDS Countdown / CDS (OTA) Countdown has quickly become one of the most trusted mock test papers among defence aspirants because it delivers exactly what students need: accuracy, familiarity, and confidence. These papers are designed with a complete exam-oriented approach, featuring 20 full-length mock test papers created on the latest UPSC syllabus and pattern. Aspirants who practiced using this book often reported that many questions appeared directly or in similar form in the actual CDS exam, helping them increase their attempt rate and manage time far more efficiently.

ALSO READ : How to crack CDS (1) 2026 exam in one month

IMPORTANT DATES: