CDS 1 Application Form 2026 Live: Steps to Apply, Last Date & Official Online Link @upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)’s Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Application Form 2026 window is currently live and nearing its final hours, with aspirants urged to complete their applications before the deadline. The official application portal has been accepting forms since December 10, 2025, and will close on December 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM — marking the end of the registration period for one of the most sought‑after defence exams in the country.

The CDS examination is the gateway for eligible candidates to join prestigious training academies of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

CDS 1 Application Form 2026: Live & Closing Today

The application process for CDS 1 2026 began on December 10, 2025, with the official notification and online portal activation. Since then, eligible aspirants have been able to log on to upsconline.nic.in, complete the registration, and submit their application forms. The UPSC has made it clear that all applications must be submitted by 6:00 PM on December 30, 2025 — after which the online window will be deactivated.

With only hours left, candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute due to expected high traffic on the official servers. Technical issues or incomplete forms may lead to last‑minute missed opportunities.

CDS 1 Application Form 2026: Vacancies & Recruitment Details

The CDS 1 2026 notification outlines a total of 451 vacancies across the four academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

The breakdown includes seats for both male and female candidates where applicable, especially at the OTA. These vacancies represent an opportunity for young graduates and college students to pursue a career as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS 1 Application 2026: Eligibility & Who Can Apply

To fill the CDS 1 application form, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Age: Age limits vary depending on the academy — for example, IMA and INA candidates must be within a certain age bracket as specified in the official notification.

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required for most academies, while some branches have specialised educational prerequisites.

• Nationality: Indian citizenship and related defence exam eligibility conditions as per UPSC norms.

Candidates must ensure they check the detailed eligibility criteria in the official notification PDF before applying, as failing to meet the standards can lead to disqualification later in the process.

CDS 1 Application 2026: How to Apply Online? 

Filling out the CDS 1 2026 application form requires careful attention to detail. Below is a step‑by‑step guide:

1. Visit the Official UPSC Portal
   Head to upsconline.nic.in or the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in.
   These are the only authorised platforms to apply.

2. One‑Time Registration (OTR)
   New users must complete the One‑Time Registration with valid personal, contact, and educational details.

3. Generate Login Credentials
   Once registered, candidates receive a unique Registration ID and Password via email/SMS.

4. Select CDS 1 2026
   Log in using your credentials and choose “CDS 1 2026” from the list of available exams.

5. Fill in Personal & Academic Details
   Complete the application form with accurate information.

6. Upload Documents
   Upload required scanned images such as:

   • Passport‑size photograph,

   • Signature,

   • Photo ID proof,

   • Educational documents.

7. Pay Application Fees
   Pay the applicable fee (if required). General and OBC candidates usually pay a nominal fee, whereas SC/ST, female, and certain other categories may be exempt.

8. Submit and Print Acknowledgement
   After successful submission, print the confirmation page for future reference.

Applicants who complete these steps before the deadline will be eligible to appear for the CDS 1 exam scheduled for April 12, 2026.

CDS 1 Application Form 2026: Important Dates 

These are key calendar points every applicant must remember to avoid missing deadlines.

Selection Process: What Happens Next

Upon successful application submission and validation, candidates will receive admit cards a few weeks before the exam date. The selection process consists of:

• Written Examination (objective/pen‑and‑paper format)

• SSB Interview for candidates who clear written stages

• Medical and Document Verification

Candidates must prepare thoroughly for all stages to secure a commission in the Indian Armed Forces.

Final Reminder

As the CDS 1 application window goes offline today (December 30) at 6 PM, aspirants who have not yet completed their forms should do so urgently. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances. Be sure to double‑check your details, upload accurate documents, and submit your form well in time to avoid last‑minute technical disruptions.

For official forms and updates, always rely on upsconline.nic.in and upsc.gov.in.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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