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.

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

Important Dates

Notification Date	10/12/2025
Application Begin	10/12/2025
Last Date for Apply	30/12/2025 (06:00 PM)
Correction Window	31/12/2025 to 06/01/2026
CDS I Exam Date	12/04/2026
Admit Card Available	March 2026

Application Fee

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

Payment: Online Mode

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

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

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

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.

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.

Important Official Links

Apply Online	Click Here ↗
Download Notification	Click Here ↗
Official Website	Click Here ↗

⚠️ Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.

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📌 Quick Overview

🚀 Recruitment Overview

Quick Summary of the Notification

Organization	Various Department
Post Name	UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 Apply Online
Total Vacancy	Check Notification
Salary	Stipend ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) during training
Job Location	Central Govt
Apply Mode	Online
Last Date	Available Soon
Official Website	Visit Website ↗