UPSC has released the official notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 to fill 451 vacancies for officer posts in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Any candidate holding a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is eligible to apply. The online application window opens on 10 December 2025 and closes on 30 December 2025. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) or directly via the online portal upsconline.nic.in. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Candidates are advised to read the full notification available on the UPSC website for complete details on eligibility, age limit, selection process, syllabus, and other instructions before applyin
UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Level-10) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university (requirements vary by academy/course) |
| Age Limit | 19 to 24 years (varies by course; relaxation as per rules) |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
- IMA & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):– Any Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university (or equivalent).
- Indian Naval Academy (INA):- B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering Degree) from a recognized university or institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA):- Any Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics in 12th standard OR Bachelor of Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech).
- Final-year degree students are eligible to apply (must complete degree before joining).
- Any professional or technical qualification recognized by the Government of India as equivalent is also accepted.
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Age Limit & Marital Status
| Academy / Course | Age Limit & Date of Birth | Marital Status / Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Born not earlier than 02 Jan 2003 and not later than 01 Jan 2008 | Unmarried Male |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Born not earlier than 02 Jan 2003 and not later than 01 Jan 2008 | Unmarried Male |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20–24 years (Born not earlier than 02 Jan 2003 and not later than 01 Jan 2007) → Up to 26 years for holders of valid Commercial Pilot Licence | Unmarried Male |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Men) | Born not earlier than 02 Jan 2002 and not later than 01 Jan 2008 | Unmarried Male |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical) | Born not earlier than 02 Jan 2002 and not later than 01 Jan 2008 | Unmarried Women, Issueless Widows, or Issueless Divorcees |
Note: Date of birth will be accepted only as per Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate. No changes allowed later.
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Application Fee
- General/OBC (Male) Candidates:- ₹200
- Female Candidates (All Categories):- No Fee
- SC/ST Candidates:- No Fee
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Important Dates
- Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Online Application Starts: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
- Written Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- Result Declaration: May 2026 (Tentative)
- Training Starts (IMA, INA, AFA): January 2027
- Training Starts (OTA): April 2027
Important Link
- Official Website:- Click Here To Visit
- Application Online:- Click Here
- Notification PDF:- To Get PDF
- For More Details:- Click Here
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Written Exam (Objective type)
→ IMA, INA, AFA: English (100) + GK (100) + Maths (100) = 300 marks
→ OTA: English (100) + GK (100) = 200 marks
→ 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer - Stage 2: SSB Interview
→ Tests your personality and intelligence (4–5 days)
→ Marks: 300 (IMA/INA/AFA) | 200 (OTA) - Stage 3: Medical Test
→ Full body check-up by Army/Navy/Air Force doctors
→ You must be 100% medically fit - Final Result
→ Written marks + SSB marks = Final score
→ Only medically fit candidates get selected
How To Apply Online Application
- Go to the official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Register (if new) and get your One-Time Registration (OTR) ID,Log in with your OTR ID and password
- click on “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”
- Fill in your personal details, address, and educational information
- Choose your preferred order of academies (IMA → INA → AFA → OTA)
- Upload your recent photo, signature, and live photograph, Upload required documents (10th certificate, degree certificate, etc.)
- Select your preferred exam city/centre
- Pay the fee online
- Submit the form and save your Application Number
- Download and print the application for future use
