UPSC CDS I Posts 2026 – Know eligibility, age limit, salary & how to apply online.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 – The official announcement for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 has been made public by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Examination Notice No. 04/2026.CDS-I, dated December 10, 2025. Prestigious defense colleges like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) will administer this test for admission to courses starting in January and April of 2027.
The deadline for online applications is December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025 (6 PM). Candidates must carefully confirm that they are eligible based on their age, marital status, and level of education. On April 12, 2026, the written exam will take place. Those who pass will then be interviewed by the SSB.
Table of Contents
UPSC CDS I Government Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | CDS I 2026 |
| Notification No. | 04/2026.CDS-I |
| Courses | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Course Start | Jan 2027 / Apr 2027 |
UPSC CDS I Bharti 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result (Written) | May 2026 (expected) |
New UPSC CDS I Vacancy 2026 – Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST | Nil |
| Female Candidates | Nil |
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 – Vacancies & Qualification
| Course | Vacancies | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Graduation in any discipline |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Engineering Degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | Graduation with Physics & Maths at 12th OR B.E./B.Tech |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 | Graduation in any discipline |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 | Graduation in any discipline |
UPSC CDS I Sarkari Vacancy 2026 – Age Limit
Courses have different age requirements:
- IMA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- INA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- AFA: 20–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008)
- OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years (Born between 2 Jan 2001 – 1 Jan 2006)
UPSC CDS I Latest Job 2026 – Selection Process
The selection process comprises:
- Written Examination by UPSC
- SSB Interview by Armed Forces Selection Boards
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
- Final Merit List based on marks in written exam + SSB interview
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2026
Applications must be submitted online at https://upsconline.nic.in. Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) after completing the Universal Registration Number (URN). Add a photo, a signature, identification, and any necessary costs. Applicants must carefully check all information before concluding because there are no revisions permitted after submission.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC CDS I 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online |
| UPSC CDS I 2026 Official Notification | Notifica tion |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS I 2026?
IMA/INA: 19–24 yrs, AFA: 20–24 yrs, OTA: 19–25 yrs.
2. What qualifications are required for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Graduation (IMA/OTA), Engineering Degree (INA), Graduation with Physics & Maths at 12th or B.Tech (AFA).
3. How many vacancies are released for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Total vacancies: IMA – 100, INA – 26, AFA – 32, OTA Men – 275, OTA Women – 18.
4. What is the application fee for CDS 2026?
General/OBC: ₹200, SC/ST/Female: Nil.
5. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply is 30 December 2025 (6 PM).
