The UPSC CDS (I) Examination 2026 has been officially announced with 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. This national-level defence recruitment exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), offering permanent commission opportunities for graduate candidates wishing to join the Indian Armed Forces. The online application process begins on 10 December 2025 and will continue until 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM).
The CDS exam is known for its highly competitive selection process consisting of a Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Each academy has specific age criteria and educational qualifications, making it essential for candidates to verify their eligibility before applying. With a lucrative pay scale starting at ₹56,100, CDS remains one of the most prestigious career gateways for defence aspirants in India. This article provides complete information to help candidates apply, prepare, and stay updated about the CDS 2026 recruitment cycle.
| Form Mode | Job Location | Monthly Pay | Job Basis |
| Online Form | All India | 56100-177500 | Permanent |
| Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defence Services I Exam 2026 Short Details Of Advt Notification WWW.THESARKARINETWORK.COM | |||
| Important Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notification Date : 10/12/2025 Form Starting Date : 10/12/2025 Last Date : 30/12/2025 06:00 PM Tentative Exam Date : 12/04/2026 Exam Admit Card : Before Exam | |||
| Application Fees | |||
| General / OBC / EWS : 200/- SC / ST / Sons of JCOs / ORs : 0/- All Category Female : 0/- (Nil) Payment Mode : Online Mode | |||
| Age Limit Details | |||
| For Indian Military Academy : 02/01/2003 To 01/01/2008 For Indian Naval Academy : 02/01/2003 To 01/01/2008 For Air Force Academy : 02/01/2003 To 01/01/2007 Officers Training Academy : 02/01/2002 To 01/01/2008 | |||
| Selection Process | |||
| Written Exam SSB Interview Document Verification Medical Examination | |||
| Qualification Details | |||
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) : Bachelor Degree. Indian Naval Academy (INA) : B.E. / B.Tech. Degree. Air Force Academy : 12th Passed in Physics, Maths with Degree in Any Stream OR B.E. / B.Tech Degree. Officers Training Academy (Men) : Bachelor Degree. Officers Training Academy (Women) : Bachelor Degree. |
| Post Wise Vacancies | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Name | Total | Post Name | Total |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Officers Training Academy (Men), Chennai | 275 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Officers Training Academy (Women), Chennai | 18 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 | Grand Total | 451 |
| IMA, INA, AFA Exam Pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| Negative Marking : 1/3rd | ||
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 02 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 02 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 02 Hours |
| Total | 300 | 06 Hours |
| Exam Pattern For OTA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Negative Marking : 1/3rd | ||
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 02 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 02 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 04 Hours |
| SSB / Interview Marks | |
|---|---|
| Academy Name | SSB Marks |
| Indian Military Academy | 300 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 300 |
| Indian Air Force Academy | 300 |
| Officers’ Training Academy | 200 |
| UPSC CDS I 2026 Related Links | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Type | Issued On | Content Link | |||||||||||
| Fill Online Form | 10/12/2025 | Click Here | |||||||||||
| Full Notification | 10/12/2025 | Click Here | |||||||||||
| Exam Calendar 2026 | 10/12/2025 | Click Here | |||||||||||
| Official Website | 10/12/2025 | Click Here | |||||||||||
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
The last date to submit the online form is 30 December 2025 at 06:00 PM. Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid technical delays.
2. How many vacancies are available in CDS (I) 2026?
There are 451 total vacancies, including:
- IMA: 100
- INA: 26
- AFA: 32
- OTA (Men): 275
- OTA (Women): 18
3. What is the application fee for CDS 2026?
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹200
- SC/ST/Sons of JCOs/ORs: ₹0
- All Female Candidates: ₹0
Payment must be made through online mode.
4. What is the exam pattern for CDS (IMA/INA/AFA) and OTA?
- IMA/INA/AFA: English (100), GK (100), Maths (100) → Total 300 Marks (6 Hours)
- OTA: English (100), GK (100) → Total 200 Marks (4 Hours)
Both exams have 1/3rd negative marking.
5. What are the educational qualifications required for CDS 2026?
- IMA/OTA: Bachelor’s Degree
- INA: B.E/B.Tech
- AFA: 12th with Physics & Maths + Graduation OR B.E/B.Tech
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS (I) 2026 recruitment offers a golden opportunity for Indian defence aspirants aiming to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as commissioned officers. With 451 vacancies, detailed eligibility criteria, and a well-structured selection process, the exam attracts lakhs of candidates every year. Aspirants should carefully review academy-wise qualifications, age limits, and exam patterns before submitting the online application.
As the exam date is scheduled for 12 April 2026, candidates should begin their preparation early, focusing on English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA). Clearing the written exam is only the first step, so candidates must also prepare for the highly challenging SSB Interview. Staying updated with official notifications, admit card releases, and answer key announcements will be crucial for a smooth recruitment journey.