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CDS I 2026 Online Form
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Apply Online: This page summarises the CDS I 2026 online form, CDS 2026 notification, CDS exam 2026 details, eligibility, vacancy structure, exam pattern, exam centres, and FAQs to help candidates prepare for the upcoming UPSC CDS recruitment.
Important Dates
The following dates are officially published for the CDS I 2026 online form. These dates also match the CDS 2026 notification schedule for the UPSC CDS exam 2026.
| Event | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date For Submission Of CDS Application Form 2026 | 30 Dec 2025 |
| CDS Exam Date 2026 (Written) | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Application Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for CDS I 2026 online form follows the UPSC CDS recruitment rules. Candidates must review all conditions before applying for the CDS exam 2026.
Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India, or subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, or a person of Indian origin migrating from selected countries.
Educational Qualifications
| Course | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy / OTA | Degree from a recognised University. |
| Indian Naval Academy | Degree in Engineering. |
| Air Force Academy | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering. |
Age & Conditions
Age limits vary for each academy as defined in the CDS 2026 notification. Final-year candidates are eligible if they submit proof of completion before the admission deadline.
Vacancy Details
The following CDS vacancy 2026 structure outlines the approximate number of seats available for each defence academy.
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA - Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA - Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Scheme Of Examination
The CDS exam pattern 2026 includes a written examination followed by an interview for intelligence and personality assessment. The CDS I 2026 exam structure is detailed below.
For IMA, INA And AFA
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 2 Hours | 100 |
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
Additional Examination Rules
The CDS selection process requires candidates to qualify written papers followed by SSB interview stages. All questions in written papers are objective type and calculators are not permitted.
Centres Of Examination
The CDS exam 2026 will be conducted across the following examination centres nationwide.
| No. | Centre | No. | Centre | No. | Centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AGARTALA | 28 | GHAZIABAD | 55 | NAVI MUMBAI |
| 2 | AGRA | 29 | GORAKHPUR | 56 | PANAJI (GOA) |
| 3 | AJMER | 30 | GURUGRAM | 57 | PATNA |
| 4 | AHMEDABAD | 31 | GWALIOR | 58 | PORT BLAIR |
| 5 | AIZAWL | 32 | HYDERABAD | 59 | PRAYAGRAJ |
| 6 | ALIGARH | 33 | IMPHAL | 60 | PUDUCHERRY |
| 7 | ALMORA | 34 | INDORE | 61 | PUNE |
| 8 | ANANTHAPUR | 35 | ITANAGAR | 62 | RAIPUR |
| 9 | AURANGABAD | 36 | JABALPUR | 63 | RAJKOT |
| 10 | BENGALURU | 37 | JAIPUR | 64 | RANCHI |
| 11 | BAREILLY | 38 | JAMMU | 65 | SAMBALPUR |
| 12 | BATHINDA | 39 | JORHAT | 66 | SHILLONG |
| 13 | BHOPAL | 40 | KOCHI | 67 | SHIMLA |
| 14 | BHUBANESWAR | 41 | KOLKATA | 68 | SRINAGAR (J&K) |
| 15 | BILASPUR | 42 | KOZHIKODE | 69 | SRINAGAR (UTTARAKHAND) |
| 16 | CHANDIGARH | 43 | LEH | 70 | THANE |
| 17 | CHENNAI | 44 | LUCKNOW | 71 | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM |
| 18 | COIMBATORE | 45 | LUDHIANA | 72 | TIRUCHIRAPPALLI |
| 19 | CUTTACK | 46 | MANDI | 73 | TIRUPATI |
| 20 | DEHRADUN | 47 | MEERUT | 74 | UDAIPUR |
| 21 | DELHI | 48 | MUMBAI | 75 | VARANASI |
| 22 | DHARAMSHALA | 49 | NAGPUR | 76 | VIJAYAWADA |
| 23 | DHUBRI | 50 | NASIK | 77 | VISHAKHAPATNAM |
| 24 | DIBRUGARH | 51 | MYSORE | 78 | HANUMAKONDA |
| 25 | DISPUR | 52 | NAGPUR | ||
| 26 | GANGTOK | 53 | MYSORE | ||
| 27 | GAUTAM BUDDHA NAGAR | 54 | NASHIK |
How To Apply Online
Follow these steps to complete the CDS application form 2026 on the official UPSC portal.
- Visit the UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Complete registration and create a profile.
- Select the CDS I 2026 online form and fill the required details.
- Upload documents and photographs as instructed.
- Pay the fee unless exempted.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
FAQ
Where Can I Apply For CDS I 2026?
Applications must be submitted online at https://upsconline.nic.in as per the CDS 2026 notification.
What Is The Last Date For CDS I 2026 Online Form?
The last date to apply for the CDS exam 2026 is 30 December 2025.
What Is The Exam Date?
The written examination for CDS 2026 will be held on 12 April 2026.
What Is The Application Fee?
The application fee is Rs. 200 for general candidates. Female, SC and ST candidates are exempt from paying fees.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes, final-year candidates may apply for CDS 2026 if they can submit proof of passing before the joining date.
Is Face Authentication Required?
Yes, face authentication or live photo capture may be required as part of the CDS exam 2026 verification system.
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Important Links & Downloads
| Type | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | |
| Download Notification PDF | |
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