UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam Date Out, Complete Schedule (Released), Shift & Timing

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the UPSC CDS 1 2026 exam date, the entire exam schedule, shift details, and paper-wise timings. Candidates who are planning to prepare for their career in the Indian Armed Forces can now plan their preparation in a structured and focused manner. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious national-level defence examinations conducted twice every year by UPSC.

The CDS 1 2026 examination is one of the key opportunities for those who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). With the release of the official timetable, candidates can now align their revision strategy better, plan their mock test and become ready for the exam.

In this article, you will get all the details of UPSC CDS 2026 schedule, date of exam, timing of shift, exam pattern, admit card details, and other important guidelines. 

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam Notification Overview

The notification of UPSC CDS 1 2026 was officially released on 10 December 2025. The notification affirms that the written examination will be held on 12 April 2026 (Sunday). The exam will be conducted offline in different exam centres in India.

The CDS examination is conducted for the recruitment of candidates for:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Air Force Academy (AFA)

Officers' Training Academy (OTA)

The notification of the exam date helps the candidates to revise the syllabus very well and make their preparation as per the final date.

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam Date and Schedule Information

The date of the UPSC CDS 2026 exam for CDS 1 is fixed at 12 April 2026. The examination will be conducted in three shifts on the same day. Each paper will be of two hours duration and the questions will be of objective nature (MCQs).

The UPSC CDS 2026 schedule was officially announced on 7 January 2026 giving enough time for the candidates to prepare based on the confirmed timings.

CDS 1 2026 Exam Date Overview

This table gives a quick snapshot of the CDS 1 2026 exam structure and important highlights.

CDS 1 2026 Shift Timing and Exam Schedule

The CDS 1 2026 exam will be conducted in three shifts on the same day. Candidates must strictly follow the reporting time mentioned on their admit card. Reaching the exam centre early is highly recommended to avoid last-minute stress.

The UPSC CDS 2026 shift timing has been officially confirmed, and no changes are expected unless notified by UPSC.

CDS 1 2026 Shift Timing Table

The CDS 2026 exam timing clearly shows sufficient breaks between papers, allowing candidates to rest and refocus before the next session.

Understanding CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern

To perform well in the CDS examination, the candidates must have a clear idea of the exam pattern. The written examination comprises three papers for the IMA, INA and AFA candidates, and for the OTA candidates, they have to appear for only two papers.

•English: Tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and usage

•General Knowledge: Covers current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, and general science

•Elementary Mathematics: Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics

Each paper carries 100 marks so a total of 300 marks for 3 papers. Negative marking is applicable for wrong answers.

Importance of Knowing UPSC CDS 2026 Schedule

Awareness about the UPSC CDS 2026 schedule helps candidates in a number of ways:

• Correct time-management during preparation

• Structured revision each subject before each paper

• Better planning of mock tests

• Reduced anxiety on exam day

• Improved performance because of clarity in timing

Candidates preparing using reference to previous years often use CDS Books and practice papers to get an idea of the level of the exam, but it is equally important to align preparation with the official schedule.

CDS 1 2026 Admit Card Details

The CDS 1 2026 admit card or call letter will be released in late March 2026, two weeks before the exam date. The admit card will only be available in online mode from the UPSC official website.

Candidates must download it with the help of their registration ID or roll number, along with their date of birth. No physical copy will be sent through the post.

The admit card, which contains important details such as:

• Name of candidate and candidate's photograph

• Roll number

• Exam centre details

• Paper-wise CDS 2026 exam timing

• Important instructions on the day of the exam

• Carrying a printed admit card with a valid photo ID is compulsory.

Read More: Is static GK asked in CDS?

CDS 1 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

UPSC has also issued some specific instructions which must be followed by the candidates on the day of the examination. Ignoring these rules may disqualify you.

Some important instructions are:

• Carry a printed CDS 1 2026 admit card

• Bring a valid photo ID proof

• The photograph on the admit card should be clear and recent

• Electronic devices are strictly prohibited

• Books, notes and written material are not permitted

• Follow the instructions printed on the question paper

• Fill the OMR sheet carefully and accurately

• Reach the exam centre well in time before reporting time

Following these guidelines will help to ensure a smooth and stress-free exam experience.

Preparation Strategy Post Exam Date Announcement

Once the UPSC CDS 2026 exam date is announced, it is advised that candidates should work on their weak areas and revise important topics. Practising previous year question papers helps in understanding the trend and the difficulty level of the exam. Many aspirants look for the best book for CDS previous year papers for accuracy and time management, but this is not the case; effective planning and disciplined practice are the key.

Understanding the UPSC CDS 2026 Shift Timing is also helpful for candidates to get used to the actual exam conditions by doing mock tests.

Why CDS Exam Important for Defence Aspirants?

The CDS exam provides a golden chance to serve the country as a member of the defence forces by joining as a commissioned officer. It is a test not just of academic knowledge, but of discipline, consistency and mental strength.

Candidates who match the written exam are further called for the SSB interview which tests personality, leadership qualities and officer-like traits.

Final Words

The announcement of the UPSC CDS 1 2026 exam date and full schedule is a very important stage for the aspirants. With the exam date for 12 April 2026, candidates are now in the phase of structured preparation work, regular revision and exam day preparation. Staying updated with official notifications and having a grasp on the CDS 2026 schedule and CDS 2026 exam timing will help candidates stay confident and organized.

Bookmark this page for quick reference and make sure that your preparation is in line with the official exam timeline.

FAQs – CDS 1 2026 Exam Date

Q1. What is the UPSC CDS 1 2026 exam date?
The CDS 1 2026 examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026 (Sunday).

Q2. How many shifts are there in the CDS 1 2026 exam?
The exam is conducted in three shifts on the same day.

Q3. What is the CDS 2026 exam timing for the English paper?
The English paper will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Q4. Is the CDS 1 2026 exam conducted in online or offline mode?
The CDS examination is conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode.

Q5. When will the CDS 1 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card is expected to be released in late March 2026.

Q6. Where can candidates check the official UPSC CDS 2026 schedule?
Candidates can check the official schedule on the UPSC website – www.upsc.gov.in.

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