The Combined Defence Services (CDS 1 2026) exam, conducted by UPSC, is one of the most sought-after exams for graduates who aspire to serve the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. It opens the gates to the IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), and OTA (Officers Training Academy).
Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for this exam — but only a disciplined few make it to the final merit list.
If you are aiming for CDS 1 2026, you have 6 months to prepare strategically and turn your dream into reality.
Let’s dive into the complete preparation roadmap, designed and recommended by Doon Defence Dreamers – Best CDS Coaching in Dehradun.
CDS 1 2026 – Important Dates (Expected)
Notification Release: December 2025 (last week)
Application Form Dates: December 2025 – January 2026
Exam Date: April 2026 (tentatively second Sunday)
Result Declaration: June 2026
SSB Interviews: July – October 2026
Final Merit List: December 2026
(These dates are based on UPSC’s official calendar and previous year patterns.)
CDS Exam Overview
The CDS exam consists of two stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
The written pattern varies slightly depending on the academy you apply for.
| Academy | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 (100 each) | 2 hours each |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 (100 each) | 2 hours each |
Each paper has negative marking (1/3 mark deduction per wrong answer).
CDS 1 2026 Syllabus Breakdown
English (100 Marks)
Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms, Vocabulary Usage
Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks
Reading Comprehension
Spotting Errors
Tip: Read editorials from newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express daily for improvement.
General Knowledge (100 Marks)
Current Affairs: Defence exercises, awards, government schemes, and international events
History: Indian National Movement, Freedom Struggle, Important Dynasties
Geography: India and World – physical, economic, and climatic aspects
Polity: Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, and Governance
Science: Everyday science, physics, chemistry, biology basics
Mathematics (100 Marks) (for IMA, INA, AFA only)
Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry (2D & 3D)
Trigonometry, Statistics, Probability
Mensuration, Time-Speed-Distance, Percentages, Ratios
CDS 1 2026 : 6 Month Target Plan
Preparing for CDS requires consistency, discipline, and revision.
Here’s a month-by-month target plan that works.
Phase 1 (Oct–Nov 2025): Build Foundation
Goal: Strengthen your basics and start subject-wise clarity.
Revise Class 10–12 Maths (Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry).
Start English grammar & vocabulary practice (daily).
Read a quality newspaper daily for GK + Current Affairs.
Create short notes for History, Polity & Geography.
Start reading monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan or Lucent Current Affairs.
Tip: Spend at least 6–7 hours daily; focus on understanding concepts before attempting questions.
Phase 2 (Dec 2025–Jan 2026): Practice & Application
Goal: Convert knowledge into exam-level accuracy.
Begin solving previous year CDS papers (at least 1 paper per week).
Attempt chapter-wise mock tests for English, Maths, and GK.
Focus on improving speed and time management.
Revise Science and Polity from NCERT 6–10th level books.
Read monthly current affairs (especially defence updates).
Tip: Make a weekly revision plan — every Sunday revise what you studied that week.
Phase 3 (Feb–Mar 2026): Intensive Practice & Revision
Goal: Simulate exam conditions & master accuracy.
Take 3 full mock tests per week and analyze mistakes.
Revise every formula and grammar rule.
Solve OMR-based tests to improve real exam timing.
Focus on weak areas while polishing strong topics.
Read short current affairs notes daily before sleeping.
Tip: Don’t learn new topics this month; focus only on revision and accuracy.
Success Formula:
2 Months Foundation + 2 Months Practice + 2 Months Revision = CDS 2026 Success
CDS 1 2026 Result Timeline
Written Result: June 2026
SSB Interviews: July – October 2026
Final Merit List: December 2026
Why Choose Doon Defence Dreamers (Dehradun)
At Doon Defence Dreamers, we believe that smart strategy and consistent mentorship can transform ordinary students into officers.
Our Strengths:
Proven Track Record: 650+ selections in CDS 2025 (Written + SSB)
Expert Faculty: Experienced mentors and ex-defence officers
Weekly Mock Tests & Doubt Sessions
Comprehensive Coverage of Written + SSB Preparation
Residential Campus with Military-Style Discipline
That’s why we are recognized as the Best CDS Coaching Institute in Dehradun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply for CDS 1 2026?
→ Graduates (or final year students) between 19–25 years of age.
→ For AFA/INA, Physics & Maths in Class 12 are compulsory.
Q: Can I prepare for CDS 1 2026 in 6 months?
→ Absolutely. With daily study, mock tests, and consistency, 6 months is enough.
Q: What’s the CDS 1 2026 cut-off?
→ Varies per academy; usually around 120–130 marks (IMA) and 95–100 marks (OTA) out of 300/200 respectively.
Q: Which books are best for CDS preparation?
→ Pathfinder (Arihant), NCERT (6–12), Lucent GK, and previous year question papers.
Final Words
The CDS 1 2026 exam isn’t just about clearing papers — it’s about proving your discipline, endurance, and leadership mindset.
Your 6-month journey will test your consistency more than your intelligence.
At Doon Defence Dreamers, our mission is to help aspirants like you stay motivated, focused, and ready for every stage — from the Written Exam to the SSB Interview.
Start your preparation today.
Every day you delay, someone else moves one step closer to the uniform.
Remember, success in defence exams is not about luck — it’s about persistence, planning, and patience.
Set your daily targets, stick to your schedule, and never lose sight of your ultimate goal.
The uniform you dream of demands dedication and discipline, and every effort you make brings you one step closer to it.
Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and let your actions reflect the officer within you.
At Doon Defence Dreamers, we don’t just build toppers — we build leaders for the nation
