The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious opportunities for young Indians aspiring to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — as CDS (I) and CDS (II) — this examination aims to recruit dedicated, disciplined, and patriotic candidates for officer training in India’s premier defence academies: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The CDS exam not only tests academic excellence and aptitude but also reflects leadership, courage, and a spirit of national service. For those who dream of wearing the uniform and leading from the front, the CDS is a gateway to a life of honor, pride, and purpose.
Important Dates – CDS (I) 2026
Notification Release Date: 10 December 2025.
Start of Application / Online Registration: 10 December 2025 (same as notification)
Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (some sources say up to 2 Jan 2026)
Exam Date for CDS (I) 2026: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
Result Declaration: Approximately June 2026 (tentative)
Eligibility Criteria – Key Points
Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 Jan 1962, etc.
Age Limit (varies by Academy)
For CDS (I) 2026:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years
For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years
For Air Force Academy (AFA): 20-24 years
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men & Women: 19-25 years
Note: The exact dates (for example the “born between” dates) will be specified in the official notification. upsc.gov.in
Educational Qualification
For IMA & OTA: A graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
For INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
For AFA: A degree in engineering OR a graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Marital Status / Gender
Only unmarried candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, AFA. For OTA (Women, Non-Technical) widows and divorcees (without children) may apply, subject to rules.
Both male and female candidates can apply (female candidates currently apply for OTA; for other academies the eligibility may vary)
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to standards laid down by the Armed Forces.
Summary Table
| Component | Detail for CDS (I) 2026 |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 10 December 2025 |
| Application window | 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 (approx) |
| Exam date | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Age limit | Varies by Academy – approx 19-24/25 years |
| Education | Graduation required; Engineering for INA/AFA |
| Status | Written examination → SSB interview → Medical |
| Exam mode | Offline / Pen-Paper (as per prior pattern) |
What you should do now
Keep checking the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for the exact notification PDF when it is released.
Note the exact “born between” dates once notification is out — your date of birth must fall within that.
Ensure you fulfil the educational qualification by the date of application.
Gather documents (degree certificate, date of birth proof, etc.).
Prepare for the written exam (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics for many streams) and then the SSB interview after.
Check physical / medical standards early so you aren’t caught off-guard later.