guide

CDS 1 2027: Which Academy Fits You, IMA, INA, AFA or OTA?

SBy SahayakGPT TeamVerified ✓5 min read6 October 2026

CDS 1 2027 Academy Guide

Most candidates fill the CDS form without knowing which academy suits them. This is the part nobody tells you. The four academies have different seats, different qualifications and different rules for women. Most aspirants miss this and apply for an academy they are not eligible for. Choosing the right academy early saves your preparation and your application.

What Is the Latest Update

UPSC has confirmed that the CDS 1 2027 notification will come on 2 December 2026. Applications will stay open until 22 December 2026, and the written exam is on 11 April 2027. That is only a 20 day window to apply. The last cycle, CDS 2 2026, was notified on 20 May 2026 and its written exam was held on 13 September 2026.

Seats in the Last Cycle

The CDS 2 2026 notification announced 451 vacancies in total. The Indian Military Academy had 100 seats and the Indian Naval Academy had 26 seats. The Air Force Academy had 32 seats, and the Officers Training Academy had 275 seats for men and 18 for women. The seat count for CDS 1 2027 will be announced only in the December notification, so treat these numbers as a reference, not a promise. SahayakGPT will update this page when UPSC publishes the new notification.

Who Can Apply Where

IMA and OTA need a graduation degree, and final year students can usually apply. INA needs an engineering degree, and AFA needs Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level or an engineering degree. Women can apply only to OTA, so the 18 women seats are the target for female candidates. Based on recent notifications, IMA and INA ask for 19 to 24 years and AFA asks for 20 to 24 years, but confirm the exact age rules in the official notification.

What to Do Now

Complete your UPSC One Time Registration before 2 December, so you only fill the exam form later. Decide your academy based on your degree and your age. Start your English, General Knowledge and Mathematics practice now, since the written exam is in April.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here is where people get confused. They think a high written score is enough. After the written exam, you still need to clear the SSB interview and the medical test. Do not leave your registration for the last days of December, since the window is short.

3 Questions Everyone Asks

Cds 1 2027 ka exam kab hai? The written exam is on 11 April 2027, as per the UPSC calendar, and the notification comes on 2 December 2026.

Can women apply for IMA, INA or AFA through CDS? No. Women can apply only for the Officers Training Academy, which had 18 women seats in the last cycle.

How many vacancies will CDS 1 2027 have? It is not announced yet. The last cycle had 451 vacancies, and the new number will come with the December notification.

Final Words

Choose your academy by your degree, your age and your target. A clear choice makes your whole preparation sharper. Track all deadlines free at sahayakgpt.in. No spam, no calls, ever.

Explore CDS 1 2027 Exam Details | Read Complete CDS 1 2027 Guide | Check Required Documents Checklist

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