Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Last Date: 30/12/2025
Union Public Service Commission has issued a notification for 451 vacancies under the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online.
UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 – Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
Vacancy Details
Training Institute-wise Posts
| Training Institute | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras), 125th SSC (Men) (NT) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai, 125th SSC Women (NT) | 18 |
Helpline: 011-24041001 | upscsoap@nic.in
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026
Nationality
A candidate must be unmarried and fall under one of the following categories:
• Citizen of India
• Subject of Nepal
• Person of Indian origin migrated from select countries with permanent settlement intention
Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not require a certificate of eligibility.
Age Limits, Gender and Marital Status
| Course | Age Criteria | Gender & Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| IMA, Dehradun | Born between 02/01/2003 to 01/01/2008 | Unmarried male |
| Indian Naval Academy | Born between 02/01/2003 to 01/01/2008 | Unmarried male |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 01/01/2027 | Unmarried; CPL holders upper age limit 26 years |
| OTA (Men) | Born between 02/01/2002 to 01/01/2008 | Unmarried male |
| OTA (Women) | Born between 02/01/2002 to 01/01/2008 | Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees |
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognized University |
| Indian Naval Academy | Degree in Engineering |
| Air Force Academy | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs. 200 |
| Female / SC / ST | Nil |
Payment can be made using debit/credit card, UPI or internet banking.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026
- Scroll down to the Important Web-Links section.
- Click on Online Application Form.
- The portal will open. Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the form and take a printout for records.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Starting date of online application | 10 December 2025 |
| Last date of online application | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit card release | To be updated |
| Written exam date | 12 April 2026 |
Important Web-Links of UPSC CDS Examination
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs on UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026
1. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS I 2026?
The exam offers 451 posts across various defence academies.
2. What is the age limit for CDS I 2026?
The age limit varies by academy. For IMA and INA, candidates must be born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008. For AFA, the age is 20 to 24 years as on 01/01/2027.
3. Can female candidates apply for UPSC CDS?
Yes. Female candidates can apply for OTA (Women) under the SSC Non-Technical category.
4. Is there any application fee for women candidates?
No. Women, SC and ST candidates are exempt from the fee.
5. What is the selection process for CDS?
The selection includes a written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.
6. What educational qualifications are required?
A degree from a recognized university is required. For INA, an engineering degree is mandatory. For AFA, candidates must have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or hold an engineering degree.
Conclusion
UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 is a strong opportunity for candidates aiming for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies across top defence academies, eligible aspirants should complete their applications before 30 December 2025. Review the eligibility, prepare your documents and proceed with the online application using the link provided.
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