The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to release the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 very soon on its official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates who have successfully submitted the UPSC CDS 1 Application Form 2026 between 10 December and 30 December 2025 should now stay alert, as the admit card is a mandatory document to appear in the examination.
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 12 April 2026. With the exam date approaching, UPSC is likely to activate the CDS 1 hall ticket download link a few weeks before the exam.
What is UPSC CDS 1 Exam?
The UPSC CDS exam is conducted twice a year to recruit officers for the prestigious defence academies of India, including:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officer Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)
Through UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026, a total of 451 vacancies will be filled across these academies.
UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 – Expected Date
Although UPSC has not announced an official release date yet, based on previous years’ trends, the CDS 1 admit card is usually released 2–3 weeks before the exam.
Expected Admit Card Release: March 2026
Exam Date: 12 April 2026
Candidates are advised to regularly check the UPSC website to avoid missing any important update.
UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026: Overview
| Details | Information |
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Status | Expected Soon |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026?
Once released, candidates can download the admit card by following these steps:
- Visit the official website upsc.gov.in
- Click on “Admit Cards” section
- Select “E-Admit Card for CDS 1 Examination 2026”
- Choose login method:
- Registration ID, or
- Roll Number
- Enter Date of Birth
- Submit details
- Download and print the admit card
UPSC does not send admit cards by post. Downloading online is the only method.
Details Mentioned on UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card
After downloading the hall ticket, candidates must carefully verify the following details:
- Candidate’s Name
- Roll Number & Registration ID
- Exam Date & Timing
- Examination Centre Address
- Photograph & Signature
- Important exam instructions
If any discrepancy is found, candidates should immediately contact UPSC authorities.
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Centres
The CDS exam is conducted across multiple cities in India. The exact exam centre details will be mentioned on the admit card. Candidates should visit the centre at least one day in advance to avoid last-minute confusion.
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
Candidates must carry the following documents to the exam centre:
- Printed UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card
- Original Photo ID Proof, such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Without a valid admit card and ID proof, entry will be strictly prohibited.
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Pattern 2026 (Brief)
For IMA, INA & AFA
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
For OTA (Men & Women)
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Duration: 2 hours per paper
Negative marking applies for wrong answers
UPSC CDS 1 Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Only candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview, which carries 300 marks (200 for OTA).
What to Do If You Forget Registration ID?
If a candidate forgets their registration ID:
- Visit the UPSC website
- Click on “Forgot Registration ID”
- Enter registered email ID and date of birth
- Retrieve details easily
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Reach the exam centre well before reporting time
- Do not carry electronic gadgets, calculators, or smart devices
- Follow all instructions printed on the admit card
- Carry a black ballpoint pen for OMR sheet
Why UPSC CDS is a Prestigious Exam?
- Direct entry into Indian Armed Forces as an officer
- High respect and leadership role
- Attractive salary and allowances
- Opportunity to serve the nation
Candidates preparing for UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 should keep checking the official UPSC website for admit card updates and continue their final revision seriously. The admit card release is the final step before the exam, so stay prepared.
FAQs – UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026
When will UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 be released?
The admit card is expected to be released in March 2026.
What is the official website to download CDS 1 admit card?
Candidates can download it from upsc.gov.in.
Is CDS 1 exam date confirmed?
Yes, the exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
Can I enter the exam hall without an admit card?
No, entry is strictly prohibited without the admit card.
