Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I). This exam is conducted to recruit candidates for prestigious defence academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The CDS 1 Exam 2026 will be held on 12 April 2026. Candidates who applied earlier can now download their admit card from the official website.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC)
UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
- Admit Card Release Date: Available Now
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
Application Fee
Age will be calculated based on 01 January 2027
Course Wise Age Limit:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA):
- Born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2008 (Unmarried Male)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA):
- Born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2008 (Unmarried Male)
- Air Force Academy (AFA):
- Age: 20 to 24 Years
- Born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007
- Up to 26 years for CPL holders (DGCA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men):
- Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – Women):
- Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008
- Eligible: Unmarried women / widows / divorcees (conditions apply)
Age Limit Details
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: As per JSSC rules
- Age Calculation Date: As per official notification (JANMCE 2025)
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for reserved categories as per Jharkhand government norms
Vacancy Details
| Course Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| 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 Posts |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
- IMA & OTA: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
- INA: Engineering Degree required
- AFA: Graduation with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 or Engineering Degree
👉 Final year students are also eligible to apply.
👉 Candidates must provide proof of qualification during SSB Interview.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS 1 2026 includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in
- Click on the “Admit Card” section
- Select CDS 1 Exam 2026 Admit Card
- Choose login option (Registration ID / Roll Number)
- Enter required details and submit
- Your admit card will appear on the screen
- Download and take a printout for exam use
IMPORTANT LINKS
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Download Admit Card Notice | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Download Exam Time Table | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
Note– All candidates are strongly advised to carefully read the official notification before submitting the application form. Make sure you fully understand all the instructions and eligibility conditions before completing the application process.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. When was UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 released?
The admit card has been released in April 2026.
Q2. What is the exam date of CDS 1 2026?
The exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
Q3. How many vacancies are available in CDS 1 2026?
A total of 451 posts are available.
Q4. Can final year students apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, final year students are eligible to apply.
Q5. What is the application fee for CDS 1 2026?
₹200 for General/OBC candidates, while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.
