UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 Notification Released for 451 Posts: Apply Online Now
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the commencement of the online application process for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) – I 2026. This highly anticipated recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacancies across prestigious military institutions in India, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
For aspiring defence personnel, the UPSC CDS I 2026 notification presents a significant opportunity to join the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. The online application window officially opened on December 10, 2025, and candidates have until December 30, 2025, to submit their applications. As of today, December 14, 2025, eligible candidates are strongly advised to complete their registration process promptly via the official UPSC website to avoid last-minute rush and technical issues. The selection process involves a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and a medical examination.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UPSC CDS I 2026 recruitment process, including critical dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy details, application procedure, and a detailed examination pattern. Candidates looking to apply for these 451 posts should carefully review all details before proceeding with the online application.
Key Recruitment Dates for UPSC CDS I 2026
Candidates must ensure they meet all deadlines specified by the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC CDS I 2026 application process began in early December 2025, and all applicants must submit their forms and required fees before the final deadline. The table below outlines the important dates for this recruitment cycle:
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date (Online) | 30 December 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date (Offline Challan) | Not Available (Check Notification) |
| Application Correction Window | Not Available (Check Notification) |
| UPSC CDS I 2026 Exam Date | Scheduled for April 2026 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not Available (Before exam) |
| Final Result Declaration | Not Available |
It is crucial for candidates to note the application window closure date of December 30, 2025. No applications will be accepted after this deadline. The UPSC CDS I 2026 online form submission process requires candidates to first register in Part-I, followed by Part-II for fee payment and choice selection. The entire process must be completed before the stipulated time.
UPSC CDS I 2026 Vacancy Details and Post Distribution
A total of 451 posts have been announced for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026. These vacancies are distributed among four different training academies, each leading to a different career path in the defence forces. Candidates must carefully select their preference during the application process based on their eligibility and career goals. The distribution of vacancies is detailed below:
| Name of Academy | Type of Commission | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | Permanent Commission | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Permanent Commission | 40 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | Permanent Commission | 31 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (SSC Men) | Short Service Commission | 180 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (SSC Women) | Short Service Commission | 100 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
Candidates should pay attention to the type of commission offered by each academy. The Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) offer permanent commission, which leads to a lifelong career in the armed forces. The Officers Training Academy (OTA) offers Short Service Commission (SSC), which is a 10-year service period with the option for extension or permanent commission based on performance and vacancies. The 451 posts include a significant number of vacancies for both male and female candidates, primarily within the OTA.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I 2026
To be eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS I 2026 recruitment, candidates must meet specific requirements related to age, educational qualification, and physical standards. These criteria vary depending on the chosen academy. A summary of the key eligibility requirements is provided below:
Age Limit Criteria:
The age limits are calculated as per specific cut-off dates mentioned in the official notification. Candidates must fall within the specified age brackets to be eligible for selection. The general age limits for different academies are:
- For IMA: Candidates must be between 19 and 24 years of age as on January 1, 2027.
- For INA: Candidates must be between 19 and 24 years of age as on January 1, 2027.
- For AFA: Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age as on January 1, 2027.
- For OTA: Candidates must be between 19 and 25 years of age as on January 1, 2027.
Candidates should carefully calculate their age based on the specific cut-off date provided in the detailed notification PDF to ensure compliance. Age relaxation rules for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) apply as per government regulations.
Educational Qualification Requirement:
The educational prerequisites also differ based on the chosen academy. Candidates must possess the required educational qualifications at the time of joining the respective training academy. The qualifications for each academy are as follows:
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA): Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. Any graduate degree in any stream is accepted.
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must hold an Engineering degree from a recognized university/institution.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, OR an Engineering degree from a recognized university/institution.
It is important for candidates in their final year of graduation to be aware that they are provisionally eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination. However, they must furnish proof of passing their degree examination at the time of SSB interview or before the commencement of the course, as specified in the official notification.
Application Fee Details and Payment Methods
The application process for the UPSC CDS I 2026 online form requires candidates to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee structure varies based on the candidate's category. Candidates must ensure that payment is completed before the deadline of December 30, 2025.
Fee Structure:
- General / OBC Candidates: INR 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only)
- SC / ST / Women Candidates: No Fee (Exempted)
Mode of Payment:
Candidates can pay the application fee through both online and offline modes. The available online methods are:
- Net Banking (via SBI branches)
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- UPI Payment (if available through the payment gateway)
Offline payment can be made by generating a bank challan during the application process and paying the fee at any branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). However, online payment is generally recommended for faster processing and to ensure payment is received before the deadline.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS I 2026 Recruitment
The UPSC CDS I 2026 selection process is rigorous and multifaceted, designed to assess candidates on their academic knowledge, personality traits, and physical fitness. The process consists of three main stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
All candidates must first appear for a written examination conducted by UPSC. The examination pattern varies slightly depending on whether the candidate has applied for IMA/INA/AFA or OTA. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is held across various centres nationwide.
- For IMA, INA, and AFA Candidates: The written exam includes three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper carries a maximum of 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours. The total marks for the written exam are 300.
- For OTA Candidates: The written exam includes two papers: English and General Knowledge. There is no Elementary Mathematics paper for OTA applicants. Each paper carries a maximum of 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours. The total marks for the written exam are 200.
Candidates must achieve minimum qualifying marks in each paper as determined by UPSC. Those who successfully clear the written exam are shortlisted for the next stage.
Stage 2: Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Shortlisted candidates undergo the SSB interview, which spans over five days. This stage assesses a candidate's officer-like qualities (OLQs) through various psychological tests, group activities, and personal interviews. The SSB interview aims to determine the candidate's suitability for a leadership role in the Indian Armed Forces. The interview process includes:
- Day 1: Screening Tests: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT).
- Day 2: Psychological Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test (SDT).
- Days 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race), and Final Group Task (FGT).
- Days 3, 4, & 5: Personal Interview: A one-on-one interaction with the Interviewing Officer (IO) to assess the candidate's personality, background, and motivation.
- Day 5: Conference: A final meeting where the assessors decide on the candidate's recommendation.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a detailed medical examination by a military medical board. The medical standards for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA vary, and candidates must meet these specific physical requirements to be declared fit for service. This stage confirms the candidate's physical fitness and overall health. Only candidates who successfully clear all three stages—written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination—are included in the final merit list for selection.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS I 2026
The application process for the UPSC CDS I 2026 online form is conducted entirely online through the official UPSC website. Candidates are advised to follow the steps outlined below to ensure accurate submission of their application before December 30, 2025.
Step 1: Access the Official Website
Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at www.upsconline.nic.in. Look for the "Online Application for Various Examinations" link. Alternatively, candidates can visit the Sarkari Result All website and find the direct link to the UPSC CDS I 2026 Online Form section. Click on the link to proceed to the registration portal.
Step 2: Complete Part-I Registration
The application process for UPSC CDS I 2026 is typically divided into two parts. In Part-I registration, candidates must provide basic personal information. This includes details such as their name, date of birth, father's name, mother's name, address, and educational qualifications. It is crucial to enter correct information as future verification will be based on these details. Candidates will receive a unique registration ID after successfully completing Part-I.
Step 3: Fee Payment (Part-II)
After completing Part-I registration, candidates must proceed to pay the examination fee. The payment options include online modes (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card) or offline mode (SBI Challan). Select the preferred payment method and complete the transaction. Note that SC/ST/Women candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
Step 4: Upload Photograph and Signature
In Part-II of the application, candidates are required to upload scanned images of their recent passport-size photograph and signature. Ensure that the images comply with the specifications mentioned in the official notification regarding file format, size, and dimensions. The photograph should be clear and recent, and the signature should be in black ink on a white background.
Step 5: Select Examination Centre and Final Submission
Candidates must then select their preferred examination centre from the available options. After selecting the centre, carefully review all details entered in the application form. Once satisfied, click on the final submission button. An application ID and receipt will be generated. Candidates should print a copy of the final application form for future reference. The entire process must be completed by December 30, 2025.
Important Instructions and Recommendations
Candidates applying for the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination should keep the following points in mind:
- Read the official notification PDF thoroughly before applying. The full PDF contains detailed information on eligibility, specific age calculation dates, medical standards, and selection criteria.
- Keep all necessary documents ready before starting the online application, including educational certificates, proof of identity, and recent photographs.
- Ensure that the contact information (phone number and email ID) provided during registration remains active throughout the recruitment process, as all communication from UPSC will be sent to these contacts.
- Final-year students must be prepared to provide proof of passing their degree before the specified deadline.
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 offers a prestigious career path for young graduates seeking to serve the nation. With 451 posts available, candidates are encouraged to prepare diligently for both the written examination and the rigorous SSB interview process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UPSC CDS I 2026
1. Who is eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination?
Candidates who have completed a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university are eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination. However, specific requirements apply to different academies. For IMA and OTA, any graduate degree is sufficient. For INA, an engineering degree is required, and for AFA, candidates must either have an engineering degree or a Bachelor's degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
2. What is the age limit for applying to the various academies under CDS I 2026?
The age limit varies depending on the academy. For the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), candidates must generally be between 19 and 24 years of age. For the Officers Training Academy (OTA), the age limit extends to 25 years. The precise calculation date for age eligibility must be checked in the official notification PDF.
3. How many vacancies are announced in the UPSC CDS I 2026 notification?
The UPSC CDS I 2026 notification has announced a total of 451 vacancies. These posts are distributed across four academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for both men and women.
4. What is the application fee for the UPSC CDS I 2026 online form?
The application fee for General and OBC candidates is INR 200. Candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and Women categories are exempted from paying any fee for the UPSC CDS I 2026 online application.
5. What is the selection process for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination?
The selection process for UPSC CDS I 2026 consists of three main stages: first, a written examination conducted by UPSC. Second, candidates who pass the written exam undergo a five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Third, recommended candidates must clear a medical examination to be selected for training.
6. Can final-year students apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Yes, final-year degree students are eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination. However, they must be able to provide proof of passing their degree examination at the time of the SSB interview or before the commencement of the course, as specified in the official notification.
7. When is the last date to apply online for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The last date to apply online for the UPSC CDS I 2026 online form is December 30, 2025. Candidates must complete both Part-I and Part-II registration processes before this deadline.
8. What is the difference between IMA/INA/AFA selection and OTA selection criteria?
The primary difference in selection criteria for UPSC CDS I 2026 lies in the written examination pattern. Candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA must appear for three papers (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics), while candidates applying only for OTA appear for only two papers (English and General Knowledge), as there is no Mathematics paper for OTA applicants.
9. Where can I find the official notification PDF for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The official notification PDF for UPSC CDS I 2026 can be downloaded from the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at www.upsconline.nic.in. The notification provides detailed rules, eligibility criteria, and examination instructions for the Combined Defence Services Examination.