The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers into the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). For aspirants targeting CDS 1 2026, knowing the notification details, eligibility criteria, and syllabus is the first step toward success.
In this blog, The Lakshya Academy brings you a comprehensive guide on CDS 1 2026 Notification, Age Limit, and Syllabus along with expert preparation support to help you achieve your dream.
CDS 1 2026 Notification
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification is expected to be released in December 2025 on the official UPSC website. The written exam will be conducted in April 2026. The notification will provide details such as:
- Number of vacancies for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
- Eligibility criteria (age, educational qualification, nationality).
- Important dates (application form, admit card, exam date).
- Exam pattern and syllabus.
👉 To stay updated, aspirants can join The Lakshya Academy’s Telegram and YouTube channels, where we provide real-time updates, preparation tips, and test series.
👉 [Telegram Channel Link – https://t.me/LAKSHYAACADEMYDEFENCE ]
👉 [YouTube Channel Link – https://www.youtube.com/@THELAKSHYAACADEMY ]
CDS 1 2026 Age Limit
The age criteria differ for each academy under CDS:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years (born between 2nd January 2002 to 1st January 2007).
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years (same as IMA).
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years (upper limit relaxed to 26 years for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA).
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years (born between 2nd January 2001 to 1st January 2007).
✅ Note: Candidates must be unmarried for IMA, INA, and AFA, while both unmarried male and female candidates can apply for OTA.
CDS 1 2026 Syllabus
The CDS Exam Syllabus is divided into three subjects (for IMA, INA, AFA) and two subjects (for OTA).
📘 For IMA, INA, and AFA:
- English
- Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension, Error Spotting, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Improvement.
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (National & International), Defence-related News, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Science, Awards, Sports.
- Elementary Mathematics
- Arithmetic: Number System, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Time & Work.
- Algebra: Basic Operations, Simple Factors, Linear & Quadratic Equations.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Areas & Volumes.
- Statistics: Graphs, Pie-Charts, Mean, Median, Mode.
📘 For OTA:
- English
- General Knowledge
📌 Exam Pattern:
- Each paper carries 100 marks (total 300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA, and 200 marks for OTA).
- Duration: 2 hours per paper.
- Negative Marking: -1/3rd marks for each wrong answer.
Why Choose The Lakshya Academy for CDS 2026?
Clearing CDS requires strategic preparation, expert guidance, and regular practice. This is where The Lakshya Academy stands out as the best CDS coaching in India.
Here’s how we help aspirants:
- ✅ Best Online & Offline CDS Coaching in India.
- ✅ Highly Experienced Faculty with defence exam expertise.
- ✅ UPSC-aligned Test Series for CDS 2026.
- ✅ 24×7 Doubt Support & Weekly Live Doubt Sessions.
- ✅ Result-Oriented Approach with maximum selections in India.
- ✅ Complete SSB Interview Preparation after the written exam.
Many CDS Toppers across India proudly belong to The Lakshya Academy, making us the most trusted name in defence exam coaching.
Conclusion
The CDS 1 2026 Notification, Age Limit, and Syllabus are crucial for aspirants who aim to join the Indian Armed Forces through this prestigious exam. With proper guidance, dedication, and the right resources, clearing CDS is absolutely achievable.
🚀 Join The Lakshya Academy today – India’s No.1 Defence Coaching Institute – and start your journey to becoming a future Officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
📌 Join The Lakshya Academy Community
👉 [Telegram Channel Link – https://t.me/LAKSHYAACADEMYDEFENCE ]
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