UPSC CDS-I Admit Card 2026 - Download Now for Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS-I Admit Card 2026 for candidates appearing in the upcoming Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026. This is an important update for all aspirants who have applied for this prestigious recruitment. The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026, and candidates must download their admit cards to appear in the examination.
This admit card is a mandatory document for entry in the examination hall, and it contains crucial information like exam center details, timing, and candidate particulars. Candidates can download the admit card by visiting the official UPSC website. SarkariJobSetu (Sarkari Job Setu) brings you all the latest updates and direct links to download the admit card quickly and hassle-free.
Ensure you check all details on your admit card and keep it safe until the recruitment process concludes. Missing the admit card means you will not be allowed to sit for the exam. Read below for complete details on exam dates, application fee, eligibility, and how to download your admit card.
| Important Dates | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 02 April 2026 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Application Fee | Category Wise |
| General, OBC, EWS | ₹ 200/- |
| SC / ST | ₹ 0/- |
| All Female Category | ₹ 0/- |
UPSC CDS-I Exam 2026 - Vacancy Details
The CDS-I exam recruits candidates for various prestigious defense academies. Below is the vacancy distribution for different academies:
| Academy | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | 275 |
| Officer Training Academy (Women) | 18 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS-I 2026
Each academy has specific eligibility requirements in terms of education and age. Candidates must ensure they meet these before appearing for the exam.
| Academy | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university | Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognized university | Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognized university | Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university | Born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008 |
| Officer Training Academy (Women) | Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university | Born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008 |
Selection Process
The recruitment for CDS-I is based on a multi-stage selection process to assess candidates' aptitude, physical fitness, and suitability for defense services.
- Written Examination: Candidates must clear the written test as per the syllabus prescribed by UPSC.
- Interview: Qualified candidates are called for an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Medical Examination: Candidates need to pass a thorough medical fitness test.
- Physical Fitness Test: Physical standards must be met as defined by the commission.
How to Download UPSC CDS-I Admit Card 2026
Downloading the admit card is simple and can be done online by following these steps:
- Open any web browser on your device.
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the 'Examination' or 'Latest Notifications' section.
- Look for the link titled 'CDS-I Admit Card 2026'.
- Click on the link and enter your credentials such as Registration ID and Date of Birth.
- Submit the details to view your admit card.
- Download and save the PDF to your device.
- Print a hard copy for examination day.
About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier central recruiting agency responsible for appointments to and examinations for All India services and group A & B posts under the Union Government. Established in 1926, UPSC ensures transparent and merit-based recruitment processes for various prestigious government positions.
Important Links
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Admit Card Notice PDF | Click Here |
| Exam Date Notice | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Join SarkariJobSetu Community
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| Telegram | SarkariJobSetuTelegram Group |
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Sarkari Jobs by State and Year
Here you will find latest sarkari jobs, results, admit cards and much more by state name like sarkari jobs in Uttar Pradesh, sarkari jobs in Bihar, sarkari jobs in Rajasthan, sarkari jobs in Madhya Pradesh, sarkari jobs in Delhi, sarkari jobs in Jharkhand etc.
FAQs
The UPSC CDS-I Admit Card 2026 is an official hall ticket issued by UPSC to candidates who applied for the Combined Defence Services Examination-I. It allows candidates to appear for the exam.
The UPSC CDS-I exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
You can download the admit card from the official UPSC website by entering your registration details in the admit card download section.
No, downloading the admit card is completely free of cost.
Along with the admit card, candidates should carry a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID.
If you find any discrepancies on the admit card, immediately contact the UPSC helpdesk or exam authorities for correction before the exam date.
Yes, you can download the admit card and get it printed from a cyber cafe or any printing center.
The admit card is available from 02 April 2026 until the examination day. Candidates should download it well before the exam.
Yes, the admit card contains the exact exam center address along with reporting time and instructions.
The UPSC CDS exam is usually conducted twice a year: CDS-I and CDS-II, depending on the recruitment calendar.
Disclaimer: The information shared on this page regarding government jobs, public schemes, government services, exam updates, admit cards, results, and related details is provided only for general information. Although we try our best to keep the information accurate and updated, candidates are strongly advised to check the official government websites or authorized recruitment portals for final confirmation. We do not take responsibility for any mistakes, missing details, or changes in the information. Users should always verify the details on their own before taking any decision. Read Details