UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: released for 451 posts. Apply online for IMA, INA, AFA & OTA. Check eligibility, age limit, fees, syllabus. Last date 30 December 2025.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 Notification for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA courses. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online until 30 December 2025. This recruitment offers permanent and short service commission opportunities in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026
Job Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement Number | Examination Notice No. 4/2026 CDS-I |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS-I) 2026 |
| Job Opening Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date | 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in / upsc.gov.in |
Post Details
| Course Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility, Education Qualification, Experience
Educational qualifications vary by academy:
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Degree in Engineering.
- AFA:
- Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
- Bachelor of Engineering.
Final-year candidates may apply but must submit proof of passing before the course commencement dates.
Age Limit
As per notification:
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008.
- AFA:
- Age 20–24 years as on 1 Jan 2027
- CPL holders: upper age limit 26 years.
- OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born between 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008.
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees born between 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008.
Age relaxation not applicable.
Salary
Training stipend and salary as per Defence Pay Matrix:
- IMA/INA/AFA Officers: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)
- OTA Officers (SSC): Level 10
Additional allowances as per service rules
Application
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200
- Female / SC / ST: No Fee
Payment mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI / Net Banking.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1 week before exam |
Selection Process & Syllabus
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Written Exam Pattern
- IMA/INA/AFA: English (100), GK (100), Maths (100)
- OTA: English (100), GK (100)
All papers are objective type.
Syllabus Includes
- English comprehension & usage
- General Knowledge: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Science
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete URN registration (one-time).
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photo, live photo, and signature.
- Fill the CDS-I 2026 exam-specific module.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the application confirmation.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Candidates must apply only through the official UPSC website. Read the notification carefully before submitting the form. No correction window is available after submission.
