CDS 1 2026 Exam Date, Schedule PDF, Shift & Timing

CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: The UPSC CDS 1 2026 notification, released on December 10, 2025, and the Examination on April 12, 2026, opening doors to careers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA. This comprehensive guide details the official exam schedule, shift timings, city allocations, and direct download link for the Schedule PDF from upsc.gov.in. With months to prepare, understanding the exact date, multiple shifts, and reporting times is crucial for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA aspirants. Stay ahead by bookmarking this resource for seamless exam day planning.

CDS 1 2026 Exam Date Overview

CDS Exam is a graduate-level exam for candidates to get into the defence forces to serve the nation. The Union Public Service Commission is responsible for conducting the CDS exam twice a year. This time CDS 1 will be conducted on 12 April 2026 as mentioned in the UPSC Exam Calendar 2025. A table is provided with information on the CDS 1 2026 Exam Date. 

 CDS 1 2026 Exam Schedule

CDS 1 2026 exam is on 12 April 2026 (Sunday). Notification has been released on 10 December 2025, with applications from 10-30 December. Admit cards come in late March, results in June, followed by SSB interviews. Plan prep around this timeline for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA entries.​

CDS 1 2026 Exam Schedule PDF: Click To Download

CDS 1 2026 Shift Timing

Earlier, CDS exam was conducted in three shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening. CDS 1 2026 Shift Timing information has been updated after the official notification. UPSC authorities have informed candidates of any changes happened in the shift timing for the exam. Students are advised to reach the centres early to complete the security process. Test-Taking Students get breaks between the three shifts for the CDS Exam for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Maths. CDS Paper Duration is 2 hours each for the three subjects. CDS 1 2026 Shift will start from 9 am and will end at 5:30 pm on12 April 2026 paper day. English Paper Time is 9 am to 11 am, GK Paper Time is 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and Elementary Mathematics Paper Time is 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. A table is provided for the candidates covering information on the CDS 1 2026 Shift Timing. Students should arrive early on the CDS 2 Exam Day to complete the entry-related formalities and sit for the exam. 

CDS 1 2026 Call Letter

CDS 1 2026 call letter, or admit card, releases in late March 2026 on upsc.gov.in, about two weeks before the exam on 12 April 2026. Download it using your registration ID, roll number, and date of birth, no physical copy is sent by post. It lists your name, photo, exam center, timings for English, GK, and Maths papers, plus rules. Carry a printed version with photo ID to enter the hall, or you can't sit for the test. Check the site often after applications close on December 30.​

CDS 1 2026 Important Exam Day Guidelines

The Union Public Service Commission has set some guidelines related to the CDS 1 2026 Exam.

• Candidates should carry the CDS 1 2026 Admit Card with ID Proof and a Photograph. 

• The candidate’s name and photograph should be visible in the call letter. 

• The photograph should not be at least 10 days old. 

• The valid ID proofs accepted are PAN Card, Adhaar Card, Driving License, Voter Card, and Passport. 

• No electronic devices, books, or study materials are allowed to be carried into the exam hall. 

• Students should reach the exam hall early to complete the security process. 

• Follow all the instructions provided in the question paper. 

• Fill out the OMR sheet correctly in the CDS exam.