UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 451 Posts | Combined Defence Services Examination
📅 Post: 10/12/2025
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.
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Table of Contents:
Important Dates
- Notification Date10/12/2025
- Application Begin10/12/2025
- Last Date for Apply30/12/2025 (06:00 PM)
- Correction Window31/12/2025 to 06/01/2026
- CDS I Exam Date12/04/2026
- Admit Card AvailableMarch 2026
Application Fee
- General / OBC₹200/-
- SC / ST / Female (All Categories)₹0/- (Nil)
- Payment ModeOnline (Net Banking/Debit/Credit Card/UPI)
Pay via: Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI
Vacancy Details & Age Limit
Age Limit: Check Notification for specific age criteria per academy.
(IMA: Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 (Unmarried Male)INA: Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 (Unmarried Male)AFA: 20-24 Years as on 01/01/2027 (Born 02/01/2003 to 01/01/2007)OTA (Men): Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008OTA (Women): Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008)
| Post Name | Total | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Total | 451 |
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 |
| Total | 451 | - |
Pay Scale / Salary
Stipend ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) during training
Selection Process
- Written Examination (IMA/INA/AFA: 300 Marks, OTA: 200 Marks)
- SSB Interview / Intelligence & Personality Test
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
- 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) |
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
| Apply Online | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Notification | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
Disclaimer: Please verify all details from the official website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What is the exam date for UPSC CDS 1 2026? ▼
Ans: The exam is scheduled for 12th April 2026.
Q.2 Can final year students apply for CDS? ▼
Ans: Yes, candidates appearing in the final year/semester degree exam can apply.
Q.3 Can females apply for IMA or AFA? ▼
Ans: No, female candidates are eligible only for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA).
Q.4 Is there any negative marking in CDS Exam? ▼
Ans: Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for a wrong answer.