UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Date (Out), Admit Card Download Link

UPSC CDS 2026: The Combined Defence Service Examination is administered by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice yearly to the candidates seeking admission in Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Officers Training Academy. The UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Date is 12th April 2026 (Sunday) for courses beginning in January 2027.

Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a defence examination offered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit a number of officer cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The UPSC CDS 2026 Exam is conducted semi-annually in April-September and the test involves both the written examination and interview.

UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Date Out

The CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 is announced in accordance with the UPSC Calendar 2026 as 12th April 2026 (Sunday). All the candidates who have registered successfully in 451 vacancies will take the Combined Defence Service Examination (1) 2026. The information about the exam, such as the exam date, timing, the examination venue, noteworthy instructions etc using the respective admit cards of the candidates, which will be issued in 2nd April 2026.

UPSC CDS 2026 Overview

CDS Exam 2026 Important Dates

How to Download CDS 1 2026 Admit Card?

Download the CDS 1 2026 Admit Card in steps: This is very simple and thus follow these steps to have a hassle free process and download your UPSC CDS 1 2026 hall ticket:

• Go to the official website of UPSC, upsc.gov.in.
• Once you get to the next page, you will see a link that points to the E-Admit Cards of various Examination of UPSC, which should be clicked.
• A new page will open. Find the download button that is particular to the CDS 1 2026 Admit Card and tap on it. Click on it to proceed.
• Read the significant instructions that are presented on the screen. Print out the instructions, as necessary.
• Select registration or roll number option to be further processed.
• This is where you input your registration or roll number, date of birth and the text that you are supposed to verify.
• Once the CDS 1 2026 Admit Card has been downloaded, go through all the details that are mentioned. Print out and save a copy of the admit card. Do not forget to bring it to the examination hall on the examination day.

CDS 1 Exam 2026 Exam Pattern

In order to be selected to the interview round, the candidates must pass the CDS Written Examination. Confirm the pattern of examination in each job below.

Multi choice questions in each paper There will be Multiple-Choice Questions in each paper

• The General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics question paper will be done in both Hindi and English.
• 1/3 marks will be deducted in the case of a wrong answer.
• Time per exam will be separate i.e. 2 hours.

For Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

For Officers’ Training Academy

How to Check UPSC CDS Result 2026?

Their UPSC CDS Result 2026 by following these steps:

• Navigate to the “Examinations” tab and select “Written Results.”

• Click on the link titled “UPSC CDS 1 2026 Written Result.”

• Download the PDF containing the roll numbers of shortlisted candidates.
• Use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find your roll number in the UPSC CDS 2026 Shortlisted Candidates list.
• Save and print the PDF for future reference in interview and document verification processes.

UPSC CDS Courses and Training Details

Successful candidates will undergo training in the following prestigious institutions with respective course start dates:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 161st Dehradun Course starting July 2026
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala: Course starting July 2026
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: Pre-Flying Training Course 220 F(P), starting July 2026
• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: 124th SSC (Men and Women) Non-Technical courses commencing October 2026

All admissions are provisional pending verification of original documents, including age proof, educational certificates, and NCC certificates.

What Candidates Should Do Next?

• Army Cadets Registration: Candidates opting for IMA/OTA as their first preference must register on the Indian Army’s official portal — joinindianarmy.nic.in to receive updates on SSB interviews. Previously registered candidates need not register again.
• Prepare for SSB Interviews: The SSB interview assesses candidates’ intelligence, leadership, and personality traits. Early preparation is recommended.
• Keep Documents Ready: Collect and verify all documents like mark sheets, identity proof, domicile, and NCC certificates for smooth verification.
• Stay Updated: Frequently visit the UPSC official website for announcements, interview dates, and guidelines.

For any queries about UPSC CDS 2026 Result, candidates can contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter during working hours at 011-23385271, 011-23381125, 011-23098591, or 011-23098543.

FAQs UPSC CDS 2026 Result

Q: Where to check UPSC CDS result 2026?
Check the result at the official UPSC portal upsc.gov.in under the ‘Written Results’ section.

Q: What does qualifying in the CDS written exam mean?
It means you are eligible for SSB interviews and further selection processes.

Q: What academies can I join through CDS 2026?
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Q: What are the next stages after clearing the written exam?
Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification.

Q: What documents are required for SSB interview and verification?
Original mark sheets, age proof, ID proof, NCC certificates, and other relevant documents.