CDS-1 2026 Notification

CDS-1 2026 Notification Out: 450+ Vacancies Announced | Start Your Prep with Chanakya Career Institute

The opportunity to lead is here. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS-1 2026 Notification on 10th December 2025.

For graduates dreaming of the olive green, white, or blue uniforms, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is your direct gateway to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

With over 450+ vacancies announced, the competition will be fierce. To secure your commission, you need the expert guidance of Chanakya Career Institute, the Best CDS Coaching Institute in Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Kangra. Here is everything you need to know about the exam date, eligibility, and how to apply.

CDS-1 2026: Important Dates (Save These!)

The application window is strictly 20 days. We urge all Chanakya students and aspirants to apply early to avoid last-minute server failures.

Note: The exam will be conducted in offline mode (Pen and Paper).

Am I Eligible? CDS 2026 Age & Education Criteria

The eligibility for CDS is determined by your age at the time of course commencement (January 2027). Check carefully before applying at upsconline.nic.in.

1. Age Limit (Crucial for 2026 Cycle)

2. Educational Qualification

• IMA / OTA: Degree from a recognized University (Any Stream).
• INA: Degree in Engineering.
• AFA: Degree (with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.

Note: Final year students can also apply provided they submit proof of passing by the specified deadline.

Vacancy Breakdown: ~451 Seats

The number of vacancies often varies slightly, but the opportunities are immense for those who are prepared.

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): ~100
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): ~32
• Air Force Academy (AFA): ~32
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA Men): ~270
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA Women): ~17

Why Chanakya Career Institute is Your Best Bet for CDS

Clearing the CDS written exam is only half the battle; the real test is the SSB Interview. At Chanakya Career Institute, we offer an integrated approach that prepares you for both simultaneously.

1. Expert Faculty & Retired Officers

Guided by legends like Col. D.S. Cheema and Retd. Commander Manjeet Singh, our curriculum is designed to instill Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) while covering the vast syllabus of English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

2. High-Yield Study Material

Our research team analyzes the last 10 years of UPSC papers to create study material that hits the “bullseye.” We focus on high-scoring areas in Polity, Geography, and Modern History that many students ignore.

3. Specialized SSB Training

We don’t wait for the written result. Our students undergo regular Group Discussions (GD), Lecturettes, and Psychological Tests to ensure they are confident when they face the Service Selection Board.

4. Result-Oriented Strategy

• Weekly Mock Tests: Simulating the exact exam pressure.
• Doubt Sessions: Specialized classes for Maths tricks and English Grammar rules.
• Hostel Facility: Secure accommodation for students from Himachal Pradesh, J&K, and Punjab.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in.
2. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
3. Fill out the CDS-1 2026 Application Form (Part I & II).
4. Upload documents as per the new size regulations.
5. Pay the fee (₹200 for General/OBC males; Free for Females/SC/ST).

Join the League of Officers

The exam is on 12th April 2026. You have roughly 4 months to transform your preparation. Don’t settle for average coaching when you can learn from the best in North India.

Admissions Open for CDS-1 2026 Target Batch!

📞 Contact Us: 7888714322, 7009393460

Chanakya Career Institute – Mentoring Future Leaders.