UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 451 Posts | Combined Defence Services Examination
📅 Posted: 10/12/2025
📍 State: Central Govt
⏳ Only 10 Days Left to Apply!
📝 Short Information
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. A total of 451 vacancies are available for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Eligible unmarried candidates can apply online from 10th December 2025.
📑 Table of Contents
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Important Dates
- Notification Date 10/12/2025
- Application Begin 10/12/2025
- Last Date for Apply 30/12/2025 (06:00 PM)
- Correction Window 31/12/2025 to 06/01/2026
- CDS I Exam Date 12/04/2026
- Admit Card Available March 2026
💸
Application Fee
- General / OBC ₹200/-
- SC / ST / Female (All Categories) ₹0/- (Nil)
- Payment Mode Online (Net Banking/Debit/Credit Card/UPI)
🎓 Vacancy Details, Age & Eligibility
🛡️ Age Limit: Check Notification for specific age criteria per academy. (Age Relaxation Extra as per Rules)
| Post Name | Total | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun | 100 | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala | 26 | Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a recognized University. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) Hyderabad | 32 | Bachelor's Degree (with Physics & Math at 10+2) OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Men) | 275 | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University. |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Women) | 18 | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University. |
💰
Pay Scale & Salary Details
✅ Salary: Stipend ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) during training
Course Wise Vacancy Details (Total: 451 Posts)
| Course Name | Total Posts | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| IMA Dehradun | 100 | Male Only |
| INA Ezhimala | 26 | Male Only |
| AFA Hyderabad | 32 | Male Only |
| OTA Chennai (SSC Men) | 275 | Male Only |
| OTA Chennai (SSC Women) | 18 | Female Only |
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Question Type: Objective Type (MCQ)
- Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers)
- Language: English & Hindi (except English paper)
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Qs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English (Code 01) | 120 | 100 (2 Hours) |
| General Knowledge (Code 02) | 120 | 100 (2 Hours) |
| Elementary Mathematics (Code 03) | 100 | 100 (2 Hours) |
Important Note on Preferences
- Candidates must specify their preferences for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA clearly in the application.
- Female candidates are eligible ONLY for OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical) Course.
- Candidates who desire to join Air Force Academy must indicate AFA as their first choice.
? How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 2: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if not already done.
- Step 3: Login and click on 'Latest Notifications' -> 'Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026'.
- Step 4: Fill Part-I (Basic Details) and Part-II (Payment, Center Selection, Photo/Sign Upload) of the application.
- Step 5: Pay the examination fee of ₹200 online (exempted for Female/SC/ST).
- Step 6: Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Step 7: Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
🔗 Important Links
Disclaimer: Verify details from official websites before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exam date for UPSC CDS 1 2026? ▼
The exam is scheduled for 12th April 2026.
Can final year students apply for CDS? ▼
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year/semester degree exam can apply.
Can females apply for IMA or AFA? ▼
No, female candidates are eligible only for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA).
Is there any negative marking in CDS Exam? ▼
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for a wrong answer.