Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is recruiting for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This recruitment is for the admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. There are total 451 vacancies available for these posts. The nature of this job is Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission. The notification was released on 10/12/2025. The job location is All India. The application process starts on 10/12/2025 and the last date to apply is 30/12/2025. Applicants from India are eligible to apply for this recruitment.
Recruitment Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS I) 2026 |
| Advt No. | 4/2026 CDS-I |
| Job Nature | Regular (Permanent & Short Service Commission) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Vacancies | 451 |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100 per month (Starting Level 10) |
| Applicant Eligible From | India |
| Job Location | All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
Post Details
| Post Name | Vacancies | Age Limit |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | 20 to 24 Years (Born 02/01/2003 to 01/01/2007) |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 | Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 |
Important Information: The total vacancies are 451. The vacancies are tentative and can change. For Air Force Academy, the upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence. Male candidates below 25 years must be unmarried. Marriage is not allowed during training. NCC 'C' Certificate holders have reserved vacancies in IMA, INA, and AFA.
Age Relaxation: The age limits mentioned above are strict. Candidates must be unmarried. For the Air Force, candidates with a Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA can apply up to 26 years of age.
Exam Fee
| Category | Exam Fee |
| General / OBC (Male) | Rs. 200 |
| Female / SC / ST | Rs. 0 (Nil) |
Essential Qualification
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers Training Academy (OTA):
You must have a Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. - Indian Naval Academy (INA):
You must have a Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution. - Air Force Academy (AFA):
You must have a Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR a Bachelor of Engineering.
Note: Candidates who are studying in the final year or semester of their degree course can also apply. They must submit proof of passing at the time of commencement of the course.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: This is an OMR based objective test. It tests English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who pass the written exam will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. This tests Intelligence and Personality.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB will undergo a medical check-up to ensure they are physically fit.
- Final Merit List: Selection is based on the total marks in the written exam and the SSB interview.
| Exam For | Subjects | Total Marks |
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 |
How to Apply
- First, visit the official website for application: Click Here to Apply.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you have not done it before.
- Log in and fill out the application form for CDS I Exam 2026.
- Enter your personal details and educational qualifications very carefully.
- Upload your Photograph and Signature as per the rules.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 200 (if applicable) using online methods or cash.
- Select your preferred Exam Centre.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future use.
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 10/12/2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10/12/2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | 30/12/2025 (Till 06:00 PM) |
| Correction Window Date | 08/01/2026 to 14/01/2026 (Expected) |
| Exam Date | 12/04/2026 |
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs
- What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The last date to apply is 30/12/2025 until 6:00 PM. - What is the exam date for CDS 1 2026?
The exam will be conducted on 12/04/2026.