UPSC CDS I 2026 Recruitment Out : notification for 451 vacancies. Check eligibility, age limit, selection process, syllabus, important dates, and apply online before 30 December 2025.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I, 2026. This exam is conducted for recruitment into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online till 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM).
This article provides detailed information about the CDS 2026 vacancies, eligibility, application process, syllabus, fees, and selection procedure.
UPSC CDS I 2026 Recruitment Out
Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 04/2026 CDS-I |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Apply Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date | 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Post Details
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidate must be:
- Citizen of India
- OR subject of Nepal
- OR PIO migrated from select countries with intention of permanent settlement
Age Limit
IMA
- Unmarried male candidates
- Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008
INA
- Unmarried male candidates
- Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008
AFA
- Age: 20–24 years on 01/01/2027
- CPL holders: up to 26 years
OTA (Men)
- Unmarried males
- Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008
OTA (Women)
- Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees
- Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008
Educational Qualification
IMA & OTA
- Bachelor’s degree from recognized university
INA
- Engineering degree
AFA
- Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 OR B.E/B.Tech
Application Fees
- General/OBC: ₹200
- SC/ST/Female: No Fee
Payment Mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI / Net Banking.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Apply Online Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card | Last week before exam |
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- IMA/INA/AFA: English, GK, Maths
- OTA: English, GK
- SSB Interview
- Stage I: OIR + PP&DT
- Stage II: Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Exam Pattern
IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Syllabus Summary
English
- Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar & Usage
General Knowledge
- Current Events
- History, Geography
- Science
- Defence-related knowledge
Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
How to Apply
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Complete Account Creation
- Fill Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload photo + live photo
- Fill Exam Module
- Pay the fee
- Submit and download application
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | upsc.gov.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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