UPSC CDS-I Result 2026 Declared – 8826 Candidates Qualified | Download PDF @upsc.gov.in
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially declared the UPSC CDS-I Result 2026 on 08 May 2026. A total of 8,826 candidates have successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination-I (CDS-I) 2026 written test, which was conducted on 12 April 2026. Qualified candidates can download the result PDF from the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. This result is for the written examination only — shortlisted candidates will now proceed to the SSB Interview round.
UPSC CDS-I Result 2026 – Overview
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination-I (CDS-I) 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 04/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Written Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result Declared | 08 May 2026 |
| Total Candidates Qualified | 8,826 |
| Result Type | Written Exam Result (SSB Interview Shortlist) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates – UPSC CDS-I 2026
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Released | 02 April 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Answer Key Released | 16 April 2026 |
| Written Result Declared | 08 May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | To be Notified by Respective Services |
UPSC CDS-I 2026 – Vacancy Details
| Academy / Post | Vacancies | Eligibility |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Bachelor’s degree in any subject |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering degree) |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 | B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering degree) |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 275 | Bachelor’s degree in any stream |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 18 | Bachelor’s degree in any stream |
| Total | 451 |
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
- SC / ST: Nil (Exempt)
- All Female Candidates: Nil (Exempt)
Age Limit – UPSC CDS-I 2026
The age limit varies slightly by academy. Generally, candidates must have a date of birth falling between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 for IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy. For OTA (Men and Women), the range is 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008. Age relaxation is provided to SC/ST candidates as per UPSC regulations.
How to Download UPSC CDS-I Result 2026 PDF
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 Written Result is published in PDF format containing roll numbers of all qualified candidates. Follow these steps to check your result:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “What’s New” section on the homepage
- Look for the link titled “Written Result: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”
- Click on the result link — a PDF will open in your browser
- Press Ctrl+F (or use Find on mobile) and search for your Roll Number
- If your roll number appears — congratulations, you are shortlisted for SSB Interview!
- Download and save the PDF for future reference
Selection Process – UPSC CDS-I 2026
Clearing the written exam is just the first step. The complete selection process for UPSC CDS-I 2026 is as follows:
- Written Examination – Objective type (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics for IMA/INA/AFA; English and GK only for OTA)
- SSB Interview – Conducted by the Services Selection Board over 5 days. Tests Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs), psychological aptitude, group tasks and personal interview
- Medical Examination – Conducted after SSB qualification. Strict medical standards as per the respective service norms
- Document Verification – Original certificates checked before final merit list
- Final Merit List – Prepared based on SSB marks (written exam is qualifying only)
What to Do Next – If You Cleared the Written Exam
Cleared the UPSC CDS-I 2026 written exam? Here’s your action plan:
- Start SSB Prep Immediately: The SSB Interview tests your personality, leadership qualities, communication, and mental toughness. Begin practicing group discussions, WAT (Word Association Test), TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), and SRT (Situation Reaction Test).
- Physical Fitness: SSB also involves physical tasks and a medical exam. Start running, improve stamina, and get a thorough medical check-up in advance. Common rejection reasons include weak eyesight, flat feet, and low fitness levels — address these now.
- Keep Documents Ready: 10th/12th marksheets, degree certificate, DOB proof, category certificate if applicable, and recent passport-size photographs.
- Wait for SSB Call Letter: The respective service headquarters (IHQ of MoD) will send you an SSB interview call letter by post and email. Keep checking your registered email and postal address.
- Understand Each Academy: Research the lifestyle, training, and career prospects of IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA before the interview — interviewers often ask about your preference and reasons.
What to Do If You Did Not Qualify
Don’t be disheartened. The CDS exam is one of the most competitive defence exams in India. Here’s what you can do:
- Apply for CDS-II 2026: UPSC conducts CDS twice a year. CDS-II 2026 notification will be released soon. Prepare harder and attempt again.
- Check CDS-I 2026 Answer Key: Analyse where you went wrong. The provisional answer key was released on 16 April 2026 at upsc.gov.in.
- Explore NDA / AFCAT / TA: If you’re still within the age limit, consider NDA (for 10+2 students), AFCAT (for Air Force), or Territorial Army (TA) as alternative defence entry routes.
- Focus on weak subjects: English, GK, and Elementary Mathematics are the three papers. Identify which pulled your score down and work on it for the next attempt.
UPSC CDS-I 2026 – Expected Cut-Off (Written Exam)
UPSC does not officially release subject-wise cutoffs for the written exam. However, based on previous years’ trends and the number of candidates qualified (8,826 out of total appeared), the expected written exam cutoff for CDS-I 2026 is estimated as:
| Academy | Expected Cutoff (Written) |
| IMA Dehradun | 130–145 marks (out of 300) |
| Indian Naval Academy | 130–148 marks (out of 300) |
| Air Force Academy | 128–142 marks (out of 300) |
| OTA (Men) | 75–90 marks (out of 200) |
| OTA (Women) | 70–85 marks (out of 200) |
Note: These are estimated figures based on previous trends. Official cutoffs will be released by UPSC after the final result.
Important Links
| Download CDS-I Written Result 2026 PDF | Click Here to Download Result PDF |
| Download Answer Key | Download Answer Key |
| Download Admit Card | View Admit Card Notice |
| Apply Online (CDS-II) | Apply on UPSC Online Portal |
| Official Notification PDF | View Official Notification |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit upsc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many candidates cleared UPSC CDS-I 2026 written exam?
A total of 8,826 candidates have been shortlisted after clearing the UPSC CDS-I 2026 written examination.
What is the next step after clearing UPSC CDS-I 2026 written result?
Candidates who cleared the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview conducted by the Services Selection Board. The SSB call letter will be sent to the registered email and address.
How to check UPSC CDS-I 2026 result?
Visit upsc.gov.in, go to the What’s New section, find the CDS-I 2026 result link, download the PDF, and search for your roll number using Ctrl+F.
Is the CDS written exam result the final result?
No. This is only the written examination result. The final merit list is prepared after SSB Interview and Medical Examination. The written exam is qualifying in nature.
What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS-I 2026?
UPSC CDS-I 2026 has a total of 451 vacancies across IMA (100), INA (26), Air Force Academy (32), OTA Men (275), and OTA Women (18).
What is the official website for UPSC CDS result?
The official website is upsc.gov.in. Always check results directly from the official UPSC website to avoid misinformation.
Congratulations to all 8,826 candidates who have cleared the UPSC CDS-I 2026 written exam! 🎉 The journey to wearing the uniform has just begun — now give your best in the SSB Interview. To all aspirants who couldn’t make it this time — remember, every attempt makes you stronger. India’s defence forces need the best, and your time will come. जय हिन्द! 🇮🇳
