UPSC CDS 1 2026 Hall Ticket Release Expected in Early April
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is gearing up to conduct the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 2026 examination on April 12, 2026. Candidates are eagerly awaiting the release of their admit cards, which is anticipated to occur in the first week of April 2026, approximately two weeks prior to the exam date. This recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacancies across prestigious institutions including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
Admit Card Details and Download Process
The CDS 1 2026 Admit Card will be available exclusively online through the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in. Candidates must download the document using their registration ID or roll number along with their date of birth. It is crucial to note that no physical copies will be sent via post. The hall ticket will contain essential information such as:
- Candidate's name and photograph
- Exam venue details
- Date and time for reporting to the venue
- Specific instructions for the exam day
To gain entry into the examination hall, candidates must present a printed version of the admit card along with a valid photo identification document. Failure to provide these documents will result in prohibition from taking the exam.
Examination Schedule and Structure
The CDS 1 2026 exam will be held in three sessions based on Indian Standard Time (IST), with the following schedule:
- English Paper: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge Paper: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Mathematics Paper: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The examination consists of 300 multiple-choice questions, totaling 300 marks. Candidates are allotted two hours for each of the three subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
Eligibility Criteria and Result Timeline
Eligibility for the CDS 1 2026 exam requires candidates to fall within a specific age range. Generally, applicants must be born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2008, for the Indian Military Academy and Indian Naval Academy, with slight variations for other academies. The results for the written examination are tentatively expected to be announced in April or May 2026, following the completion of the exam.
Background and Application Details
The notification for the CDS 1 2026 exam was released on December 10, 2025, with the application process open until December 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM. As the exam date approaches, candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for updates regarding the hall ticket release and other important announcements.
