The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 schedule, bringing clarity for defence aspirants preparing for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026. Candidates appearing for the exam can now check and download the detailed schedule from the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in. This national-level examination is a gateway for entry into prestigious defence academies and will be conducted to fill 451 vacancies across various services.
UPSC CDS I Exam Date and Shift Timings 2026
As per the official notification, the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination will be held on April 12, 2026, in three shifts on the same day. Each shift is dedicated to a specific subject, allowing candidates adequate time and clarity during the exam.
- First Shift (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): English
- Second Shift (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM): General Knowledge
- Third Shift (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Elementary Mathematics
Candidates are advised to reach their exam centres well in advance as per reporting instructions mentioned in the admit card.
UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 – Important Highlights
The registration process for CDS I 2026 commenced on December 11, 2025, and concluded on December 30, 2025. Only candidates who successfully completed the application process will be eligible to appear for the examination.
This recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacancies in:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
How to Check UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Schedule
Candidates can follow the steps below to download the exam schedule:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Schedule” link available on the homepage.
- A new page will open displaying the exam date and shift details.
- Download the page and take a printout for future reference.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Exam Shifts | 3 Shifts |
| Subjects | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Why CDS I 2026 is Important for Aspirants
The CDS examination is one of the most sought-after defence exams in India, offering candidates the opportunity to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Clearing CDS opens doors to rigorous training at premier defence academies and a prestigious career in the armed forces.
Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS I 2026
- Revise English grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary regularly.
- Focus on current affairs, history, geography, and polity for General Knowledge.
- Strengthen basic mathematics concepts including arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry.
- Practice previous years’ CDS question papers and mock tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When will UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be conducted? |
| The exam will be held on April 12, 2026. |
| How many shifts are there in CDS I 2026? |
| There will be three shifts on the same day. |
| Which subject is conducted in the first shift? |
| English will be conducted from 9 AM to 11 AM. |
| What is the exam timing for General Knowledge? |
| General Knowledge will be held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. |
| What is the timing for Elementary Mathematics? |
| Elementary Mathematics will be conducted from 4 PM to 6 PM. |
| How many vacancies are announced for CDS I 2026? |
| A total of 451 vacancies have been announced. |
| Where can I download the CDS I 2026 schedule? |
| From the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. |
| When did CDS I 2026 registration end? |
| The registration process concluded on December 30, 2025. |
The release of the UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 schedule marks a crucial milestone for defence aspirants preparing for the April examination. Candidates should download the official schedule from upsc.gov.in, plan their preparation according to shift timings, and stay updated with further notifications such as admit card release. Bookmark this page and regularly visit the official UPSC website for the latest updates and announcements, for more details CLICK HERE
