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CDS 2026 Notification
7/24/2026
CDS 2026
CDS 2026 Notification: Exam Date, Eligibility, Vacancy, Application Form & Selection Process
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit eligible graduates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). If you are planning to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer, the CDS 2026 Notification is the first step in your journey. This guide covers the notification details, important dates, eligibility, application process, vacancy information and selection procedure.
CDS 2026 Notification Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination, SSB Interview and Medical Examination |
What is the CDS Examination?
The Combined Defence Services Examination is one of India's most prestigious defence entrance examinations. Conducted twice every year by UPSC, it offers graduates an opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as commissioned officers after successfully clearing the written examination, SSB interview and medical fitness tests.
Academies Covered Under CDS 2026
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Women
CDS 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC notification for the latest schedule related to the CDS 2026 examination. The notification includes details about the application process, correction window, admit card and examination dates. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per UPSC Calendar |
| Online Application Begins | With Notification |
| Last Date to Apply | As Mentioned in Official Notification |
| Admit Card | Before Examination |
| Written Examination | As Per UPSC Schedule |
| SSB Interview | After Written Exam Result |
CDS 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC announces academy-wise vacancies in the official CDS notification. The number of seats may vary for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA) based on recruitment requirements. Candidates should refer to the latest notification for the exact vacancy distribution. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA - Men)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA - Women)
CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by UPSC. Eligibility is determined based on nationality, age, educational qualification and marital status for the respective academies. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | As prescribed by UPSC |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate / Engineering Degree (Academy-wise) |
| Age Limit | Varies according to the academy |
| Physical Standards | As specified in the official notification |
Educational Qualification for CDS 2026
| Academy | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Bachelor's Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 or Engineering Degree |
| OTA | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University |
CDS 2026 Age Limit
The age limit for the CDS examination varies depending on the academy. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age, marital status and other eligibility conditions mentioned in the official UPSC notification before applying. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
| Academy | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | As prescribed in the latest UPSC notification |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | As prescribed in the latest UPSC notification |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | As prescribed in the latest UPSC notification |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | As prescribed in the latest UPSC notification |
CDS 2026 Application Fee
The CDS application fee is announced in the official notification. Certain categories such as female candidates and SC/ST candidates are generally exempt from paying the examination fee, while other candidates are required to pay the prescribed fee through the available online payment methods. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | As per UPSC Notification |
| SC / ST | Fee Exempted (As Applicable) |
| Female Candidates | Fee Exempted (As Applicable) |
CDS 2026 Selection Process
The CDS recruitment process is designed to evaluate candidates on academic knowledge, leadership qualities, communication skills, decision-making ability and medical fitness. Candidates must successfully qualify at every stage to receive final selection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Stage I & Stage II)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
- Training at Respective Academy
CDS 2026 Exam Centres
The CDS written examination is conducted at multiple examination centres across India. Candidates can choose their preferred centre while filling out the online application form, subject to availability. Once allotted, the examination centre cannot normally be changed. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Patna
- Pune
- Ranchi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Visakhapatnam
Note: UPSC may add or modify examination centres in the official notification.
How to Apply Online for CDS 2026?
Candidates can submit their CDS 2026 application online through the official UPSC website after the notification is released. Ensure that all eligibility conditions are fulfilled before completing the registration process.
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR), if not already registered.
- Open the CDS 2026 online application form.
- Enter personal, educational and communication details.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all details carefully before submitting the form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents Required for CDS 2026 Application
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Candidate's Signature
- Valid Photo Identity Proof
- Graduation Marksheet / Degree Certificate (if applicable)
- Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth Proof)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Active Mobile Number and Email ID
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who conducts the CDS Examination?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
How many times is the CDS exam conducted in a year?
The CDS examination is generally conducted twice every year by UPSC.
Can final-year graduation students apply for CDS 2026?
Yes. Final-year students may apply if they satisfy the eligibility conditions specified in the official UPSC notification.
Is there any negative marking in the CDS examination?
Yes. The CDS written examination includes negative marking for incorrect answers as per the UPSC examination rules.
What is the selection process for CDS 2026?
The selection process consists of a Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination and Final Merit List.
Conclusion
The CDS 2026 Notification is the starting point for candidates aspiring to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Before applying, carefully review the official notification, verify your eligibility, prepare the required documents and begin your preparation with a structured study plan. Consistent practice, regular revision and mock tests can significantly improve your chances of success.
Related CDS 2026 Articles
- CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- CDS 2026 Syllabus
- CDS 2026 Exam Pattern
- CDS 2026 Application Form
- CDS 2026 Admit Card
- CDS 2026 Answer Key
- CDS 2026 Result
- CDS 2026 Cut Off
- CDS 2026 Salary
Start Your CDS 2026 Preparation with Katara Academy
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