CDS 2026 Notification: Key Dates and Preparation Roadmap The Lakshya Academy

Are you aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam? The CDS 2026 notification is around the corner, and staying updated on key dates is crucial for your preparation. At The Lakshya Academy, we specialize in defence exam coaching and are here to guide you through the process. In this blog, we’ll break down the expected key dates for CDS 2026, followed by a comprehensive preparation roadmap to help you ace the exam.

CDS 2026 Notification: Overview and Key Dates

The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS 2026 exam (likely the first one in 2026) is expected to follow the standard pattern. Here’s a tentative timeline based on previous years’ schedules:

Notification Release: Expected in October-November 2025. The official notification will be published on the UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and in leading newspapers.

Application Start Date: Shortly after notification, around mid-November 2025.
Application Deadline: Typically 4-6 weeks after release, expected in December 2025. Late applications are not accepted.

Exam Date: The written exam is usually held in February 2026 (for the first CDS of the year).

Result Declaration: Preliminary results for the written exam are announced in April-May 2026.

SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates undergo SSB interviews from May-June 2026 onwards.

Final Results: Overall merit list and final selections are declared by August-September 2026.

Note: These are projected dates based on the CDS 2024 and 2025 cycles. Always check the official UPSC website for the latest updates, as dates can vary slightly.

Eligibility criteria

(i) For IMA— Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than
1st January, 2008 only are eligible.

(ii) For Indian Naval Academy— Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January,
2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible.

(iii) For Air Force Academy—
Age: 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later
than 1st January 2007. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot
Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2001
and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible.

(iv) For Officers’ Training Academy—(SSC Course for men) Unmarried male candidate born not
earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008 only are eligible.

(v) For Officers’ Training Academy—(SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women,
issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce
documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd
January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008.

Preparation Roadmap for CDS 2026

Cracking CDS requires a structured approach, focusing on the written exam (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics) and the SSB interview. At The Lakshya Academy, our expert faculty provides tailored coaching to build your skills. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern (Months 1-2)

Written Exam: Objective-type questions (100 each for English and GK, 100 for Maths). Total marks: 300. Negative marking applies.

SSB Interview: A 5-day process testing intelligence, personality, and leadership.
Start by reviewing previous years’ papers from UPSC’s website.

2. Build a Strong Foundation (Months 3-6)

English: Focus on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and antonyms/synonyms. Practice daily reading (e.g., newspapers like The Hindu).

General Knowledge: Cover history, geography, polity, economics, science, and current affairs. Use NCERT books and apps like Current Affairs Today.

Mathematics: Master topics like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics. Solve problems from R.S. Aggarwal or similar.
Enroll in a coaching program like The Lakshya Academy for personalized guidance and mock tests.

3. Intensive Practice and Revision (Months 7-10)

Take weekly mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.
For SSB, practice group discussions, psychological tests, and physical fitness (e.g., running, obstacle courses).

4. Final Preparation and Application (Months 11-12)

Revise key formulas, facts, and strategies.

Apply online once the notification is out. Ensure all documents (ID, photos) are ready.

Stay updated on current affairs up to the exam date.

Tips for Success

Consistency: Study 4-6 hours daily, balancing all subjects.
Resources: Books like Pathfinder for CDS, Manorama Yearbook, and online platforms.
Health and Fitness: Maintain physical fitness for SSB; include yoga and exercise in your routine.
Join a Community: Connect with peers and mentors at The Lakshya Academy for motivation and doubt-clearing sessions.

Why Choose The Lakshya Academy?

At The Lakshya Academy, we offer comprehensive CDS coaching with experienced faculty, study materials, and regular assessments. Our track record of successful candidates speaks for itself. If you’re serious about your defence career, contact us today for enrollment details and free counseling.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on defence exams. Best of luck with CDS 2026!