UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 450+ Posts, eligibility , fees, Important Dates

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: UPSC has released the official notification for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 for 450+ vacancies across prestigious defence academies including IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. Candidates possessing a graduate degree or equivalent qualification can apply for these highly competitive posts.

This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. The online/offline application process starts from 10 December 2025 and the last date to submit the form is 30 December 2025. The article covers eligibility, age limit, vacancies, fees, exam pattern, selection process and application guidelines in detail. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification before applying.

The CDS I 2026 notification includes a total of 451 vacancies divided among IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. Candidates who clear the written exam are shortlisted for the SSB Interview, followed by a mandatory medical assessment. Final selection is based on merit combining written exam and SSB performance.

The UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 is one of the most prestigious opportunities for young aspirants aiming to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Through this exam, UPSC selects eligible candidates for training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates with a graduate degree or engineering qualification can apply, making this recruitment ideal for defence-minded individuals with leadership qualities.

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Overview

DetailsInformation
Organization NameUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post NameCombined Defence Services (CDS I) Officer Posts
Total Vacancies450+
Salary / Pay Scale₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10 & above)
Educational QualificationGraduation / Engineering Degree
Age Limit19–25 years (as per academy)
Application Start Date10 December 2025
Application End Date30 December 2025
Application ModeOnline
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026

 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

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Important DatesApplication Fees
  • Notification Release: 10 December 2025

  • Online Registration Begins: 10 December 2025

  • Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025

  • Admit Card Release: Before exam date

  • CDS I 2026 Exam Date: 12 April 2026

  • Result Declaration: To be notified

  • SSB Interview: After written result

  • General: ₹200

  • OBC/EWS: ₹200

  • SC/ST: No Fee

  • PwBD: No Fee

  • Female Candidates: No Fee

  • Payment Mode: Online 

Also Check: Indian Air Force Apprentice Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for 144 Posts, Important Dates

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026  : Age Limit

Total Posts
  • IMA: 19–24 years

  • INA: 19–24 years

  • AFA: 19–24 years

  • OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years

  • Age Relaxations: As per defence rules for reserved categories.
  •  450+ Posts

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: Eligibilty Criteria

  • IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

  • INA: Engineering degree.

  • AFA: Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Degree in Engineering.

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details

Course / AcademyVacanciesRequired Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun100Graduation in any discipline
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala26Engineering Degree
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad32Graduation with Physics & Maths at 12th OR B.E/B.Tech
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Men275Graduation in any discipline
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Women18Graduation in any discipline

 Salary

  • Selected candidates receive a starting salary of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10) along with various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA) and other military service benefits. Upon successful commissioning, officers receive substantial increments, free medical facilities, canteen privileges, accommodation benefits, travel concessions, and lifelong pension under applicable schemes. The defence services offer job security, honour, and opportunities for rapid career progression.

Required Documents for Application

  • Recent Passport-size Photograph

  • Signature

  • ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving Licence)

  • Class 10 & 12 Marksheet

  • Graduation/Engineering Certificate

  • Category Certificate (if applicable)

  • Domicile Certificate

  • NCC Certificate (if applicable)

  • Experience Certificate (if required)

 How To Fill UPSC CDS I Recruitment Online Form 2025?

  • Visit the official UPSC website.

  • Go to the Examination section and select CDS I 2026.

  • Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).

  • Login and fill the CDS application form.

  • Enter personal, academic and communication details.

  • Upload required documents in correct format.

  • Pay the application fee through online mode.

  • Preview the filled form carefully.

  • Submit the application.

  • Download and print the confirmation page for future use.

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 : Mode Of Selection 

  • Written Examination

  • SSB Interview (Stage I & II)

  • Document Verification

  • Medical Examination

  • Final Merit List

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SOME USEFUL IMPORTANT LINKS

NotificationNotification PDF
Apply Online Apply Online
Official WebsiteWebsite Link
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UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 : FAQ;s

Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
30 December 2025.

Q2. How many vacancies are available?
450+ posts.

Q3. What is the age limit for CDS 2026?
19–25 years depending on academy.

Q4. What is the application fee?
₹200 for General/OBC/EWS; no fee for SC/ST/Female/PwBD.

Q5. What qualifications are required?
Graduation or Engineering degree depending on academy.

Q6. Is there negative marking in CDS?
Yes, as per UPSC exam rules.

Q7. What is the selection process?
Written exam, SSB interview, document verification, and medical exam.

Q8. When will the CDS I 2026 exam be conducted?
12 April 2026.

Q9. Are final-year students eligible?
Yes, if they can present proof of passing before SSB.

Q10. Can candidates from any state apply?
Yes, CDS is a national-level recruitment.

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