The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026. This recruitment is conducted for admission into Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
A total of 451 vacancies are available. The online application process starts from 10 December 2025 and ends on 30 December 2025. Eligible graduate candidates can apply online. Detailed information regarding eligibility, age limit, syllabus, exam pattern, salary, and selection process is provided below.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 10-12-2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30-12-2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 30-12-2025 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 (Expected) |
| CDS I Exam Date | 12-04-2026 |
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS I Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs.200 |
| SC / ST | Rs.0 |
| All Category Female | Rs.0 |
Payment Mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI / Offline Mode
UPSC CDS I Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university
- INA: Engineering Degree from a recognized university
- AFA:
- Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR
- Engineering Degree
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2027)
- IMA & INA: 19 to 24 Years
- Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 Years
- OTA: 19 to 25 Years
Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC CDS I 2026 rules.
UPSC CDS I Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Nationality
- Candidate must be an Indian Citizen
UPSC CDS Salary / Stipend Details
| Rank | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 – Rs.56,100 to Rs.1,77,500 |
| Training Period | Stipend as per Government rules |
Additional allowances are applicable as per Defence Services norms.
UPSC CDS I Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Type: Objective (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: Yes
- Duration: 2 Hours per Paper
Subjects
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics (Except OTA)
OTA Candidates: English & General Knowledge only
Training Details
| Academy | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| IMA | 18 Months |
| INA | 18 Months |
| AFA | 18 Months |
| OTA | 49 Weeks |
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
- Click on “Apply Online” under CDS Examination (I) 2026
- Complete Part I & Part II Registration
- Upload photo, signature, and required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the application form
- Download and print the final confirmation page
UPSC CDS I 2026 Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Download Here |
| Download CDS I Syllabus | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Group | Join Now |
FAQs
-
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
30 December 2025.
-
What is the exam date for CDS I 2026?
12 April 2026.
-
How many vacancies are released in CDS I 2026?
A total of 451 posts.
