UPSC CDS (I) 2026 Notification Out : Notification for 451 vacancies. Apply online for CDS 2026 before 30 December 2025. Check eligibility, age limit, selection process and exam pattern.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2026 Notification (CDS-I) for a total of 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The last date to apply online is 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM).
The exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
UPSC CDS (I) 2026 Notification Out
Job Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026 |
| Notification No. | Examination Notice No. 4/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Post Name | IMA, INA, AFA & OTA |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Post Details
| Course / Academy | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| OTA (Men), Chennai | 275 |
| OTA (Women), Chennai | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidate must be:
- Indian citizen OR
- Subject of Nepal OR
- PIO migrated from eligible countries with intent to permanently settle in India.
Educational Qualification
| Course | Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognized University |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Final-year students can also apply but must submit proof before course commencement.
Age Limit
| Course | Age Range |
|---|---|
| IMA | Unmarried male, 02/01/2003 – 01/01/2008 |
| INA | Unmarried male, 02/01/2003 – 01/01/2008 |
| AFA | 20–24 years as on 01/01/2027 (extended to 26 years for CPL holders) |
| OTA (Men) | 02/01/2002 – 01/01/2008 |
| OTA (Women) | 02/01/2002 – 01/01/2008 |
Important: Marriage is not permitted during training for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards prescribed in Appendix-III of the notification.
(Height, weight, vision standards, etc.)
Application Fees
| Category | Fees |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / Female | No Fee |
Payment Mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI / Net Banking.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Apply Online Starts | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| CDS 2026 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Selection involves:
1. Written Examination
For IMA, INA & AFA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA (Men & Women):
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd per wrong answer)
SSB Interview
- Two-stage process:
Stage-I: OIR + PPDT
Stage-II: GTO, Psychology Test, Interview - Total Marks:
IMA/INA/AFA – 300
OTA – 200
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) process once.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photo and live photo capture as instructed.
- Fill the Exam-Specific Module for CDS 2026.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download confirmation.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Applicants are advised to apply only through the official UPSC website and read the notification carefully before applying. All details in this article are based on the official UPSC CDS 2026 notification.
