UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 451 Posts | Combined Defence Services Examination

📅 Posted: 10/12/2025

Salary Stipend ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) during training

Location Central Govt

Short Information: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. A total of 451 vacancies are available for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Eligible unmarried candidates can apply online from 10th December 2025.

Quick Navigation:

📅 Dates & Fees 📦 Vacancy 💰 Salary 🎯 Selection 📝 Pattern 📏 Standards ❓ FAQs 🔗 Important Links

Important Dates

Notification Date10/12/2025
Application Begin10/12/2025
Last Date for Apply30/12/2025 (06:00 PM)
Correction Window31/12/2025 to 06/01/2026
CDS I Exam Date12/04/2026
Admit Card AvailableMarch 2026

Application Fee

General / OBC₹200/-
SC / ST / Female (All Categories)₹0/- (Nil)
Payment ModeOnline (Net Banking/Debit/Credit Card/UPI)

Payment: Online Mode (Net Banking/Card/UPI)

Vacancy Details & Age Limit

Age Limit: Check Notification for specific age criteria per academy.

(IMA: Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 (Unmarried Male), INA: Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 (Unmarried Male), AFA: 20-24 Years as on 01/01/2027 (Born 02/01/2003 to 01/01/2007), OTA (Men): Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008, OTA (Women): Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008)

Post Name	Total Post	Eligibility
Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun	100	Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University.
Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala	26	Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a recognized University.
Air Force Academy (AFA) Hyderabad	32	Bachelor's Degree (with Physics & Math at 10+2) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Men)	275	Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University.
Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Women)	18	Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University.
Total Vacancy	451

Course Wise Vacancy Details (Total: 451 Posts)

Course Name	Total Posts	Gender
IMA Dehradun	100	Male Only
INA Ezhimala	26	Male Only
AFA Hyderabad	32	Male Only
OTA Chennai (SSC Men)	275	Male Only
OTA Chennai (SSC Women)	18	Female Only
Total	451	-

Important Note on Preferences

Candidates must specify their preferences for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA clearly in the application.
Female candidates are eligible ONLY for OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical) Course.
Candidates who desire to join Air Force Academy must indicate AFA as their first choice.

Pay Scale / Salary Structure

Stipend ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) during training

Selection Process Steps

Written Examination (IMA/INA/AFA: 300 Marks, OTA: 200 Marks)
SSB Interview / Intelligence & Personality Test
Medical Examination
Document Verification

Detailed Exam Pattern

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in.
Step 2: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if not already done.
Step 3: Login and click on 'Latest Notifications' -> 'Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026'.
Step 4: Fill Part-I (Basic Details) and Part-II (Payment, Center Selection, Photo/Sign Upload) of the application.
Step 5: Pay the examination fee of ₹200 online (exempted for Female/SC/ST).
Step 6: Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications.
Step 7: Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.