The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 1 2026 Final Merit List for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. The final result was declared on 2 November 2026 for candidates who appeared in the written examination and subsequently participated in the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
According to the official announcement, 243 candidates have been recommended for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA). Candidates can check the academy-wise merit lists and their roll numbers in the official result PDF.
For CDS aspirants, this announcement is an important update. It also highlights the importance of preparing for both stages of the CDS selection process: the written examination and the SSB interview.
CDS 1 2026 Final Merit List: Latest Updates
The CDS 1 2026 final result includes separate merit lists for three defence academies.
Exam name: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
Conducting authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Final result date: 2 November 2026
Total recommendations across the three lists: 243
IMA merit list: 155 candidates
INA merit list: 63 candidates
AFA merit list: 25 candidates
Next step: Follow the applicable instructions for document verification, medical requirements and admission.
Some candidates appear in more than one academy list, so the three figures should not be treated as 243 unique individuals.
Candidates should also note that the released lists do not incorporate medical examination results, and verification of educational qualifications and dates of birth remains in progress. The recommendations are therefore provisional in these respects.
CDS 1 2026 Merit List PDF: Where to Check the Result
Candidates can access the official CDS 1 2026 final result through the UPSC website.
Official result announcement:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2331786&lang=1®=1
UPSC official website:
https://www.upsc.gov.in/
The result document contains separate merit lists for IMA, INA and AFA. Candidates should check the relevant list or lists according to their academy preferences.
How to Download the CDS 1 2026 Final Merit List
Follow these steps to check the CDS 1 2026 final result:
Visit the official UPSC website.
Open the relevant result announcement for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026.
Open the final result PDF.
Locate the merit list for IMA, INA or AFA.
Use Ctrl + F on a computer, or the search option in your PDF viewer, to find your roll number.
Check the result carefully and save a copy for reference.
Candidates should use the official result document to confirm their selection status rather than relying on unofficial screenshots or social media posts.
CDS 1 2026 Academy-Wise Merit List
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
The UPSC has recommended 155 candidates in the IMA merit list for admission to the 162nd Direct Entry Course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
The IMA trains officer cadets for commissioning into the Indian Army. Candidates aspiring to become Army officers should understand the importance of academic preparation, leadership, physical fitness and the SSB selection process.
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
The INA merit list includes 63 candidates recommended for the relevant Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro course at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala.
The academy prepares candidates for officer careers in the Indian Navy. Aspirants should carefully review the applicable educational, medical and service-specific requirements.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
The AFA merit list includes 25 candidates recommended for the No. 221 Flying (Pre-Flying) Training Course at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
Candidates interested in joining the Indian Air Force through CDS should understand the applicable eligibility criteria, flying branch requirements and medical standards.
The recommendations are subject to the relevant conditions and verification procedures. Candidates should follow official instructions for their respective academies.
Who Topped the CDS 1 2026 Merit Lists?
Lohitaksh Mahajan secured the first position in the published merit lists for IMA, INA and AFA, according to the released result information.
His achievement is an important highlight of the CDS 1 2026 final result. However, candidates should remember that selection is the outcome of the prescribed process, including the written examination and SSB interview, along with applicable eligibility and medical requirements.
Aspirants should use such results as motivation to build a consistent preparation routine rather than compare their progress with others.
What Happens After the CDS 1 2026 Final Merit List?
The declaration of the final merit list is a major milestone, but candidates whose names appear in the lists must still follow the applicable official instructions.
Document Verification
The UPSC announcement states that verification of candidates’ dates of birth and educational qualifications is still under process. Candidates should submit the required original certificates and attested copies to the appropriate Army, Naval or Air Headquarters according to the official instructions and their first preference.
Medical Examination
The medical examination results have not been taken into account in preparing the published merit lists. Candidates must follow the relevant medical and admission requirements.
Academy Admission
Final admission depends on the applicable conditions, including vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and completion of the required formalities. Inclusion in a merit list should not be interpreted as unconditional admission.
Marks Declaration
According to the UPSC announcement, candidates’ marks will be made available on the UPSC website after the final result for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) course of CDS 1 2026 is declared.
Candidates should monitor official UPSC updates for further announcements.
What Can Future CDS Aspirants Learn from the CDS 1 2026 Result?
The CDS 1 2026 final result is also a useful reminder for candidates preparing for upcoming CDS examinations. Clearing the written examination is an important achievement, but aspirants must prepare for the next stage from the beginning of their preparation journey.
1. Build a Strong Written Examination Strategy
Candidates should understand the CDS English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers according to their course and examination requirements. Regular practice, revision, mock tests and analysis of mistakes can help improve performance.
2. Start SSB Preparation Early
Do not wait until the written result is declared to understand the SSB process. Learn about screening, psychological tests, GTO tasks, personal interviews and the conference.
Early preparation gives you more time to identify weaknesses and improve your communication, reasoning and decision-making skills.
3. Develop Officer-Like Qualities
SSB is not simply a test of memorised answers. Candidates should work on responsibility, initiative, cooperation, effective intelligence, determination, social adaptability and the ability to work in a team.
These qualities can be developed through everyday responsibilities, sports, group activities, constructive habits and honest self-assessment.
4. Improve Communication and General Awareness
Read reliable news sources, understand important national and international developments, and practise expressing your views clearly. Good communication involves listening carefully, presenting logical points and respecting other people’s opinions.
5. Maintain Physical Fitness and Discipline
A regular routine involving exercise, adequate rest and consistent daily habits can help candidates prepare for the demands of defence selection. Always follow the official medical and physical standards applicable to your entry.
Prepare for CDS and SSB with The Lakshya Academy
The Lakshya Academy supports aspirants preparing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT and SSB interviews. Candidates preparing for upcoming CDS examinations should focus on both written exam preparation and personality development.
Structured guidance can help aspirants understand the examination pattern, practise psychological tests, prepare for GTO tasks, improve interview responses and develop a more systematic preparation routine.
For candidates who have cleared the written examination, SSB preparation requires a clear understanding of the selection process and regular practice. For future aspirants, building these habits early can make preparation more organised.
The Lakshya Academy focuses on helping defence aspirants prepare with direction, consistency and self-awareness.
We train your mind, you take the decision.
For CDS and SSB preparation details, contact The Lakshya Academy.
Website: https://www.lakshyaacademy.co.in/
Contact: 7827363838
Conclusion
The CDS 1 2026 final merit list was released by UPSC on 2 November 2026. The published lists recommend 155 candidates for IMA, 63 for INA and 25 for AFA, with some candidates appearing in multiple lists.
Candidates should download the official result, check their roll numbers and carefully follow the instructions regarding document verification, medical requirements and admission.
For aspirants preparing for upcoming CDS examinations, the result is a reminder that success requires more than written exam preparation. Consistent academic practice, early SSB preparation, communication skills, self-awareness and genuine personality development all play important roles in the journey towards becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
Stay connected with The Lakshya Academy for CDS result updates, defence exam preparation guidance and SSB interview preparation resources.
