UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Schedule: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I 2026 schedule on its official website. Candidates who are going to appear for the CDS I 2026 examination can now check the complete exam date and shift-wise timings online at upsc.gov.in.
The CDS I examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026 in three shifts on the same day.
UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Overview
This section provides a quick overview of the UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 including exam authority, exam date, and mode of examination.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2026 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Status | Schedule Released |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS I Exam Date 2026
The UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, 12 April 2026 across various exam centres in India. Candidates must report to the exam centre as per the reporting time mentioned in the admit card.
The examination will be held in three different shifts on the same day.
Also Read:- ICMAI CMA Foundation Result 2025
UPSC CDS I Exam Timings 2026
UPSC has announced the shift-wise exam timings along with subject details. Candidates must carefully note the timing of each paper.
| Shift | Time | Subject |
| First Shift | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM | English |
| Second Shift | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | General Knowledge |
| Third Shift | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Elementary Mathematics |
Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre well before the reporting time.
UPSC CDS I Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS I written examination consists of three objective-type papers. Each paper is conducted for a duration of 2 hours.
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
The syllabus and marking scheme are prescribed by UPSC in the official notification.
UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2026
The UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2026 will be released a few weeks before the examination on the official website. Candidates can download the admit card by logging in with their registration ID or roll number.
Admit card is mandatory to appear in the examination.
How to Check UPSC CDS I Exam Schedule 2026
Candidates can check the official CDS I Exam Schedule 2026 by following the steps given below.
- Visit the official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Go to the Examination section
- Click on UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Schedule
- Check exam date and shift timings
- Download or save for reference
UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Admit Card Download | Available Soon |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 FAQs
When will UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be conducted?
The CDS I Exam 2026 will be held on 12 April 2026.
How many shifts are there in CDS I Exam 2026?
The exam will be conducted in three shifts on the same day.
Which subject will be held in the first shift?
The English paper will be conducted in the first shift.
Where can I check official updates for CDS I Exam 2026?
All official updates are available on https://www.upsc.gov.in.