The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as commissioned officers.
The CDS 1 2027 Form Notification is expected to be released in December 2026, and thousands of candidates across India eagerly await this opportunity to serve the nation.
This detailed blog covers important dates, eligibility, age limit, vacancies, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, selection procedure, and preparation tips for CDS 1 2027.
CDS 1 2027 Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Dates 2027 (Announced) | |
| CDS IÂ | CDS II | |
| Released of notification | 2nd December 2026 | 12th May 2027 |
| Online application form | 2nd December 2026 | 12th May 2027Â |
| CDS 2027 registration Last date | 22nd December 2026Â | 1st June 2027 |
| Issue of admit card | 1st week of April 2027 | September 2027 |
| CDS 2027 Exam | 11th April 2027 | 19th September 2027 |
| Answer key available | 2nd week of April 2027 | September 2027 |
| Answer key objection window | 3rd week of April 2027 | 3rd week of September 2027 |
| Result announcement | May 2027 | October 2027 |
CDS 1 2027 Vacancy Details (Expected)
Vacancies are generally announced for:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Men)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Women)
Expected total vacancies may range between 400–500 posts, depending on the official notification.
CDS 1 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill nationality, educational qualification, age, and physical standards prescribed by UPSC.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Citizens of India
- Subjects of Nepal
- Subjects of Bhutan
- Tibetan Refugees (as per UPSC rules)
- Persons of Indian Origin from specified countries
Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Graduation Degree from a recognized university.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Engineering Degree from a recognized university/institution.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- Graduation Degree from a recognized university.
Final-year students can also apply, subject to eligibility conditions.
CDS 1 2027 Age Limit (Expected)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- 19 to 24 Years
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- 19 to 24 Years
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- 20 to 24 Years
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- 19 to 25 Years
The exact date of birth criteria will be available in the official notification.
Marital Status
- IMA, INA, and AFA: Unmarried candidates only.
- OTA: Both unmarried male and female candidates can apply.
CDS 1 2027 Application Process
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC portal by following these steps:
How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC official website.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill the CDS 1 2027 application form.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Verify details carefully.
- Submit the form.
- Download the confirmation page.
Application Fee
The application fee details will be mentioned in the official notification. Fee exemptions are generally available for specific categories.
CDS 1 2027 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
Stage 1: Written Examination
Candidates appear for the written exam conducted by UPSC.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam undergo:
- Screening Test
- Psychological Test
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates must meet prescribed medical standards.
Final Merit List
Final selection is based on:
- Written Exam Marks
- SSB Performance
- Medical Fitness
- Vacancies
CDS 1 2027 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
CDS 1 2027 Syllabus
English
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Improvement
General Knowledge
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Economics
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Defence News
Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to the standards prescribed by UPSC and the Armed Forces.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Graduation Marksheet
- Class 10 Certificate
- Identity Proof
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Salary & Benefits
After successful training, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Starting Rank
- Lieutenant
Basic Pay
- ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 Pay Matrix)
Additional benefits include:
- Military Service Pay
- DA
- HRA
- Medical Facilities
- Canteen Benefits
- Pension Benefits
Preparation Tips for CDS 1 2027
1. Understand the Syllabus
Complete all subjects systematically.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers
Improve speed and accuracy.
3. Read Current Affairs Daily
Focus on defence and national news.
4. Attempt Mock Tests
Regular tests improve performance.
5. Prepare for SSB Simultaneously
Develop communication and leadership skills.
Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy for CDS Preparation?
Trishul Defence Academy provides:
- Expert Defence Faculty
- Complete Written Coaching
- SSB Interview Guidance
- Physical Training
- Daily Mock Tests
- Current Affairs Classes
- Residential Campus Facility
- Online & Offline Classes
Conclusion
The CDS 1 2027 Form Notification is a golden opportunity for graduates who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates should begin preparation early and stay updated with the official UPSC notification.
Success in CDS requires consistent preparation, discipline, and proper guidance. Start your preparation today and move one step closer to wearing the prestigious uniform of the Indian Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will CDS 1 2027 Notification be released?
The notification is expected in December 2026.
2. Who conducts the CDS examination?
The exam is conducted by UPSC.
3. What is the qualification for CDS?
Candidates must possess a graduation degree. Engineering is required for INA.
4. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year students can apply subject to eligibility conditions.
5. Is there negative marking in CDS?
Yes, negative marking is applicable.
6. Can girls apply for CDS?
Yes, women candidates can apply for OTA.
7. What is the age limit for CDS?
The age limit varies according to the academy.
8. How many stages are there in CDS selection?
Written Exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.
9. What is the salary after selection?
The starting basic pay is ₹56,100 per month.
10. Which academy is best for CDS preparation?
Trishul Defence Academy provides complete CDS written and SSB preparation.



