Login/Register
Trishul Defence Academy 
Trishul Defence Academy (TDA) presents the latest updates on the CDS 1 2026 Notification. If your dream is to be a part of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force, this is your chance. CDS (Combined Defence Services) is a national-level examination conducted by UPSC to select candidates for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA courses.
What is CDS 1 2026?
CDS 1 2026 is a path for eligible male/female candidates to be part of the prestigious defence academies of India. The CDS exam will be conducted twice in a year – CDS 1 in April and CDS 2 in September. CDS provides an organized recruitment process comprising of a written exam and the SSB Interview thereafter.
CDS 1 2026 Exam Overview
The below table summarizes the aspirants overview with all major details about CDS 1 2026 like the organization, mode, frequency, phases, fees, duration, and total marks.Â
| Parameter | Details |
| Conducting Organization | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Name | CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Frequency | Twice a Year (April & September) |
| Exam Phases | Written Test & SSB Interview |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type |
| Language | Hindi and English (Except English Paper) |
| Total Marks | IMA, INA, AFA – 300, OTA – 200 |
| Time | 2 hours per section |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for CDS 1 2026
Here’s a brief overview of all crucial dates of the examination of CDS 1 2026, including when the notification will be released, when the application will start and close, when the exam will be conducted, and when the results will be announced.
| Event | Date |
| CDS 1 2026 Notification | 10th December, 2025 |
| CDS 1 2026 Application Form Date | 10th December, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December, 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release Date | Last week of March 2026 |
| Written Exam | 12th April 2026 |
| Result | 26th April 2026 (Expected) |
| SSB Interview Dates | To be notified |
CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Here’s a brief summary for candidates about who can apply for CDS 1 2026, including age limits, educational qualification requirements, and specific requirements according to the branch.
| Academy | Age Limit / CDS 1 2026 Age Limit | Educational Qualification |
| IMA | 19–24 years | Graduation degree from a recognized university |
| INA | 19–24 years | Graduation degree in Engineering |
| AFA | 20–24 years | Graduation degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech |
| OTA (Men) | 19–25 years | Graduation degree |
| OTA (Women) | 19–25 years | Graduation degree |
Sex: Both male and female candidates are welcome to apply; only females for OTA, and males for IMA, AFA, and OTA.
Marital Status: Only unmarried or widows or divorcees who have not remarried can apply.
CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA, and AFA
Here’s a brief guide to the examination pattern for candidates opting for IMA, INA, and AFA regarding subjects, marks, and duration of examination.
| Subjects | Duration | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Negative Marking |
| English | 2 hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 per wrong answer |
| General Knowledge | 2 hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 per wrong answer |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 per wrong answer |
For OTA
Here’s a brief guide to the examination pattern for OTA candidates regarding subjects, marks distribution, and duration of examination.
| Subjects | Duration | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Negative Marking |
| English | 2 hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 per wrong answer |
| General Knowledge | 2 hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 per wrong answer |
How to Apply for CDS 1 2026
The official date for the CDS 1 2026 application form date is from 10th December 2025. All candidates must apply for the exam online through the UPSC portal, and it is important to make sure all the information is correct before submitting the application. Trishul Defence Academy, the best institute in India for defence exam coaching, will assist students with the application as well as their preparation.
Why Prepare with Trishul Defence Academy (TDA)?
TDA is one of the leading institutes for defence exam coaching in India. Benefits of studying with TDA includes:
- Experienced Teachers: Experienced officers with years of Experience in Armed Forces as well as SSB experience.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: A thorough breakdown of the entire CDS 1 2026 syllabus, which covers CDS 1 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and AFSB preparation.
- Mock Tests & Interview Coaching: Thorough feedback so a candidate can maximize his chance of success.
- Online & Offline Classes: Learn from absolutely anywhere.
- Track Record: Most of TDA students have cleared CDS and joined the Indian Armed Forces.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 is an excellent opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces. With a basic idea of the CDS 1 2026 age limit, notification, eligibility criteria, application form date, and upsc cds 1 2026 exam date, enables you to plan your preparation intelligently. The Trishul Defence Academy (TDA) also has elite level coaching. We offer several stages of mock tests and interviews, as well as mastering the syllabus. With us, candidates are ensured stepwise preparation and graduate from the CDS foundation 2026 to advanced exam techniques. In conclusion, with optimal preparation from the TDA, aspirants will be successful, gain a career in a prestigious Indian Army, Navy or Air force position.
FAQ’S:
Q1: How many times CDS exam held in a year?
The CDS exam is organized two times a year in CDS 1 and CDS 2.
Q2: What is the difference between CDS 1 and CDS 2?
CDS 1 is the first test (usually in February), and CDS 2 is the second test (usually in September), but the syllabus and pattern remain unchanged.
Q3: Can I give CDS 1 2026?
Yes, the eligible candidates can apply for CDS 1 2026 when the notification will be announced.
Q4: Can I give the CDS exam after 12th?
Only those candidates who have graduated or are in their last year can apply; 12 passed is not enough.Â
Q5: Does Trishul Defence Academy provide coaching for CDS 1 2026?
Yes, Trishul Defence Academy has a specialized coaching for preparation of CDS exam 1 2026
Q6: What career opportunities open up after clearing CDS 1 2026?
After the clearing CDS 1 of 2026, one can serve as a commissioned officer in Indian army, Navy or Air Force, also it provides with future prospects of growth of career and leadership responsibilities.
