UPSC CDS: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I), 2026. This national-level defence examination offers a prestigious opportunity for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. Conducted twice every year, the CDS examination remains one of the most respected pathways into India’s defence services.
What is UPSC CDS-I 2026?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by UPSC to select candidates for training at premier defence academies. Candidates qualifying this examination are admitted into institutions where they are trained to become officers and leaders of the Indian Armed Forces. CDS-I 2026 represents the first examination cycle for the year and attracts thousands of defence aspirants nationwide.
Important Dates
Below are the key dates related to the UPSC CDS-I 2026 examination:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | As per schedule |
| Written Examination Date | April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 (Tentative) |
Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline.
Vacancies and Academy-Wise Posts
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 recruitment includes approximately 451 vacancies across various defence academies:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy – Men | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy – Women | 18 |
The final number of vacancies may vary based on official requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline
Degrees must be from a recognised university.
Age Limit (As on 1 January 2026)
- IMA: 19 to 24 years
- INA: 19 to 24 years
- AFA: 20 to 24 years
- OTA (Men & Women): 19 to 25 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹200
- SC / ST / Female / PwBD Candidates: No fee
The fee must be paid online during the application process.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS-I 2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Complete One-Time Registration using valid details
- Fill the CDS-I 2026 application form carefully
- Upload recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Pay the application fee, if applicable
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page
No physical documents are required to be sent at the application stage.
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 selection process consists of multiple stages:
Written Examination
- Objective-type questions
- IMA / INA / AFA: English, General Knowledge, Mathematics
- OTA: English and General Knowledge
- Each paper is of 2 hours duration
SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for a five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses personality, leadership qualities, and officer-like traits.
Document Verification
Original certificates and eligibility documents are verified.
Medical Examination
Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards to be finally selected.
Salary and Allowances
Candidates selected through CDS receive officer rank pay under the Defence Pay Matrix. The starting pay is approximately ₹56,100 per month, excluding allowances. Officers are also entitled to benefits such as Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, leave travel concessions, and pension benefits.
Why UPSC CDS-I 2026 Is a Great Opportunity
UPSC CDS-I 2026 offers a chance to serve the nation with pride while enjoying a respected career, disciplined lifestyle, and strong financial security. The examination is ideal for graduates who aspire to become defence officers and lead from the front.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Dates, eligibility criteria, and vacancies are subject to change as per official notifications. Candidates should rely on official UPSC communications for the most accurate and updated information.
Important Link’s
| Apply Online | Click Hare |
| Official Notification | Click Hare |
| Official Site | Click Hare |
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