UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2025-26: 394 Vacancies for IMA, INA, Air Force & OTA
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially commenced the online application process for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates seeking a challenging and honorable career as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Aspiring candidates must understand the eligibility criteria, age limits, and selection procedure before applying for this national-level defence exam.
Overview of the Recruitment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2026 |
| Vacancy Year | 2025-2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates are strongly advised to note the complete schedule to avoid missing any deadline related to the application or examination.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30th December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30th December 2025 |
| CDS I 2026 Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be announced soon |
Application Fees
The application fee varies according to the category of the applicant. Female and reserved category candidates are exempted from fee payment.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (GEN) / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | ₹0/- (Nil) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) or Offline E-Challan |
Age Limit
The minimum and maximum age limits vary depending on the academy you wish to join. The age calculation is based on the cut-off date of 1st July 2025.
| Academy Name | Age Limit (Years) | Born Between (Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 24 Years | 2nd Jan 2003 to 1st Jan 2008 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 Years | 2nd Jan 2002 to 1st Jan 2008 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 19 to 25 Years | 2nd Jan 2001 to 1st Jan 2006 |
Vacancy Details
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced across different training academies for the CDS I 2026 examination. Candidates must meet the specific educational requirements for their chosen academy.
| Academy / Course | Total Vacancies | Educational Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Bachelor’s degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 275 | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 18 | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
IMPORTANT LINKS
All candidates should use the direct links below to access the official application form, notification, and other important resources.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Exam Schedule | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to submit the UPSC CDS I 2026 application form?
The online application window closes on 30th December 2025.
2. What is the application fee for OBC candidates for the CDS exam?
Candidates from the OBC category are required to pay an application fee of ₹200/-.
3. Are female candidates eligible for all academies in the CDS I 2026?
No. Female candidates are eligible to apply only for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) , for which 18 vacancies are reserved.
4. What is the age limit to apply for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) through CDS?
The age limit for INA is 19 to 24 years as of 1st July 2025.
5. Can a B.Com graduate apply for the Air Force Academy?
Only if the candidate has studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level along with a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Otherwise, a B.E./B.Tech degree is required.
6. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CDS written exam?
Yes, for incorrect answers, a penalty of one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question is applied.
7. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The selection process consists of a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview and a medical examination.
8. When will the CDS I 2026 exam be conducted?
The written examination is scheduled to be held on 12th April 2026.
9. What is the educational qualification required for OTA (Men)?
Candidates applying for OTA (Men) must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
10. Can I pay the application fee through offline mode?
Yes, candidates can pay the fee offline via E-Challan at any SBI branch, in addition to online payment methods.
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