UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 Released: Download Hall Ticket
UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the e-Admit Card for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. Candidates who applied for the 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA can now download their hall tickets from the official UPSC portal. The written examination is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026 (Sunday) at various centers across India.
UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 Overview
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (I) Exam, 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | 451 Posts |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 02 April 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | Expected May 2026 |
Vacancy Breakdown
The UPSC CDS (I) 2026 recruitment aims to fill vacancies in the following defense academies:
| Academy Name | Vacancies (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
Mandatory Documents for Exam Day
Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination hall. Entry will not be permitted without these:
- UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026: A clear printed copy.
- Valid Photo ID Proof: Original ID as mentioned in the application (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, etc.).
- Black Ballpoint Pen: For marking the OMR sheet.
- Photographs: Carry 2-3 recent passport-size photos if the photograph on the admit card is not clear.
How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on the link “e-Admit Cards for Various Examinations of UPSC”.
- Select “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”.
- Read the “Important Instructions” carefully and click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
- Choose to download via Registration ID or Roll Number.
- Enter your details and Date of Birth.
- Solve the Captcha and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
- Your CDS 1 Admit Card will appear. Download the PDF and take multiple printouts.
Exam Shift Timings
The exam is conducted in three shifts for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates, while OTA candidates appear for only the first two shifts.
| Subject | Shift Timing |
|---|---|
| English | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| General Knowledge | 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM |
| Elementary Mathematics | 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM |
Important Links
| Download e-Admit Card | Click Here |
| Check Admit Card Official Notice | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs –
1. When is the UPSC CDS 1 2026 exam?
The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
2. Is the CDS 1 Admit Card released?
Yes, UPSC released the admit card on 02 April 2026.
3. What if I forget my UPSC Registration ID?
You can retrieve your Registration ID by clicking the “Forgot RID” link on the upsconline.nic.in portal and entering your name, father’s name, mother’s name, and date of birth.
4. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. For each incorrect response, 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
5. What pen should I use for the OMR sheet?
Candidates are strictly advised to use only a Black Ballpoint Pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
