The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the exam date for CDS I 2026. Candidates who have applied for the Combined Defence Services (CDS I) Exam 2026 can now check the exam schedule and important details.
The UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2026 will be available on the official UPSC portal before the exam. Candidates must download it to appear for the examination.
UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS I) Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Written Examination (Offline) |
| Admit Card Status | To Be Released Before Exam |
| Job Location | Indian Armed Forces |
| Official Portal | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Application Correction | 30 December 2025 |
| UPSC CDS I Exam Date 2026 | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
UPSC CDS I Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper III | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
✔ Objective Type Questions (Multiple Choice)
✔ Offline Pen-Paper Based
✔ Negative Marking Applicable
Note: Candidates appearing for IMA, OTA, AFA or NA have separate requirements after written exam for SSB interview.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Graduation / Degree as per UPSC CDS rules (varies for IMA, INA, OTA, AFA) |
| Age Limit | 19–24 Years (IMA), 19–25 Years (NA), 19–22 Years (OTA) – as per notification |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen (with some exceptions for subjects from Nepal/Bhutan) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online / Offline |
How to Check UPSC CDS I Exam Date 2026
- Visit the official UPSC portal
- Click on CDS I 2026 Notice / Schedule
- Check your exam date, venue, and reporting time
- Download the admit card once released
- Print a copy for exam entry
Details Mentioned on Admit Card
- Candidate Name
- Roll Number
- Exam Date & Time
- Exam Centre Address
- Reporting Time
- Instructions for Written Exam
Important Instructions for Candidates
✔ Admit card is mandatory for entry into the exam
✔ Reach the exam center 30 minutes before reporting time
✔ Carry a valid photo ID
✔ Follow all UPSC exam guidelines
✔ Electronic devices or calculators are not allowed
Important Links
| Check Exam Date Notice | Click Here |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 date has been officially announced. Candidates should download their admit cards when available, verify all details, and prepare according to the syllabus and exam pattern. Regularly check the official UPSC portal for updates regarding exam centers and instructions.