The CDS 1 2027 exam date is scheduled for 11 April 2027, according to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is scheduled to release the CDS 1 2027 notification on 2 December 2026, with the application deadline on 22 December 2026.

CDS 1 2027: Exam Date, Notification Date, Application Deadline

Candidates preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination should note these dates and begin their preparation in advance.

The CDS examination offers eligible graduates an opportunity to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), subject to the eligibility conditions for each academy. Major Kalshi Classes (MKC) provides defence exam preparation support to aspirants aiming to qualify for the written examination and prepare for the subsequent selection process.

CDS 1 2027 Exam Date and Important Dates

According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, the following dates are scheduled for CDS 1 2027. Candidates should check the official notification for detailed application instructions and any subsequent changes.

Note: These dates are based on the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027. Candidates should verify the final details in the official examination notification before applying.

CDS 1 2027 Notification Date

The CDS 1 2027 notification is scheduled to be released on 2 December 2026 on the official UPSC website. The notification will provide important information about vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limits, educational qualifications, application procedures, examination rules and academy preferences.

Candidates should read the notification carefully before submitting their applications. They must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for their preferred academy and provide accurate information in the application form.

CDS 1 2027 Application Form and Last Date

The online application process for CDS 1 2027 is scheduled to begin on 2 December 2026, and the last date to submit the application is 22 December 2026.

Candidates should complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

How to apply for CDS 1 2027

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/ 
2. Open the examination notifications section and locate CDS 1 2027.
3. Read the official notification and check the eligibility requirements.
4. Follow the instructions provided for online registration and application.
5. Enter the required personal and educational details accurately.
6. Upload the documents and photograph or other information required by the application system.
7. Review the application before final submission and retain a copy for future reference.

Candidates should follow the application instructions and submission requirements specified in the official notification.

CDS 1 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates planning to apply for CDS 1 2027 should check the educational qualifications, age limits, marital status requirements and other conditions prescribed by UPSC. The detailed eligibility criteria will be available in the official notification.

The general educational qualifications for the different academies are as follows:

These are general educational requirements. Additional conditions, including age, marital status and academy-specific eligibility, apply. Candidates must consult the official CDS 1 2027 notification before applying.

CDS 1 2027 Exam Pattern

The CDS written examination consists of objective-type papers. The subjects and maximum marks differ depending on the academy for which a candidate is applying.

For IMA, INA and AFA, each paper is generally two hours long. For OTA, the English and General Knowledge papers are each two hours long.

UPSC applies negative marking for incorrect answers in objective-type papers. Candidates should check the official examination instructions for the applicable marking rules and other details.

CDS 1 2027 Selection Process

The CDS selection process generally consists of the following stages:

1. Written Examination: Candidates appear for the papers prescribed for their chosen academy.
2. SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify in the written examination and meet the relevant requirements are called for the Services Selection Board process.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo the prescribed medical examination.
4. Final Merit List: Final selection depends on the applicable merit, eligibility, medical fitness and vacancy requirements.

Qualifying the written examination does not guarantee final selection. Candidates must satisfy the requirements of the subsequent stages.

How to Prepare for CDS 1 2027

With the examination scheduled for 11 April 2027, candidates should plan their preparation around the official examination date. A structured study plan can help aspirants cover the syllabus, revise important topics, and improve their performance in mock tests.

1. Understand the syllabus: Review the English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics syllabus applicable to your chosen academy.

2. Strengthen the basics: Build a clear understanding of grammar, vocabulary, mathematics concepts, current affairs, history, geography, science and other relevant General Knowledge topics.

3. Practise previous-year question papers: Previous-year papers help candidates understand the examination pattern, question types and level of difficulty.

4. Take regular mock tests: Timed mock tests help improve speed, accuracy and time management. Analyse mistakes after every test and revise weak areas.

5. Revise consistently: Maintain short notes for important facts, formulas, vocabulary and current affairs. Regular revision helps improve retention.

6. Prepare for the SSB interview: Written examination preparation should be accompanied by an understanding of the SSB process, communication skills, awareness and personality development.

Prepare for CDS 1 2027 with Major Kalshi Classes

Major Kalshi Classes (MKC) supports defence aspirants preparing for examinations such as CDS, NDA, AFCAT and other defence recruitment tests. Candidates preparing for CDS 1 2027 should focus on strengthening their concepts, practising previous-year papers, taking mock tests and maintaining a consistent revision schedule.

A planned approach to written examination preparation, followed by focused SSB preparation, can help candidates work towards their goal of joining the Indian Armed Forces.

Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for the CDS 1 2027 notification, application updates, admit card and examination-related announcements.