The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This examination is a golden opportunity for graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers. The commission has announced a total of 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The online application process has started on 10 December 2025 and will remain open until 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM). Eligible candidates are required to apply online through the official website upsconline.nic.in. The written examination is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026. In this article, we provide detailed information regarding vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, and the application process. 🚀
💡 Key Highlights: UPSC CDS (I) 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Notification No. | 4/2026 CDS-I |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Dates | 10 Dec 2025 to 30 Dec 2025 (06:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
📋 Vacancy Details
The 451 vacancies are distributed among the various academies as follows:
| Academy | Course Details | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 162nd (DE) Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 125th (SSC) Men (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April 2027 | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 125th (SSC) Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April 2027 | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the specific educational and age requirements for the academy they wish to apply for.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- For IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent
- For INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution
- For AFA: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering
Note: Candidates studying in the final year/semester of a degree course can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing by the specified deadline
🎂 Age Limit & Marital Status
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2008
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2008
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years as on 1st January 2027 (Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2007). Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders
- OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows, and divorcees born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008
💰 Application Fees
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST | Exempted |
Payment Mode: Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or Internet Banking
📝 Scheme of Examination
The examination consists of a Written Exam followed by an Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test
For Admission to IMA, INA, and AFA
| Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| 2. General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| 3. Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For Admission to OTA:
| Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| 2. General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
Note: There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers
🖥️ How to Apply: UPSC CDS 1 2026
- OTR Registration: Candidates must register on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform at upsconline.nic.in.
- Fill Application: After OTR, fill the application form which has two parts.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photograph and signature as per the instructions
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Photo ID: Provide details of one Photo ID Card (Aadhaar/Voter Card/PAN Card, etc.)
- Submit: Submit the application before the deadline. Note: No facility for correction in the application form will be extended after the closure of the window.
🔗 Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Maru Gujarat Official Website | Click Here |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
❓ FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
Ans. The last date to apply is 30 December 2025 till 6:00 PM.
Q2. Can final year students apply for CDS 1 2026?
Ans. Yes, candidates studying in the final year/semester of their degree course can apply, provided they do not have any present backlog and can produce the degree by the specified dates.
Q3. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Ans. Yes, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Q4. How many vacancies are there in CDS 1 2026?
Ans. There are a total of 451 vacancies.
💡 Final Thoughts
The Combined Defence Services Examination is one of the most prestigious exams for joining the Indian Armed Forces. Aspirants are advised to read the notification carefully, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, and submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. Good luck! 🇮🇳
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