UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Notification & Complete Guide

1. Title

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 Notification

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2. Short Info Table

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3. Overview

The Combined Defence Services Examination (I)-2026, commonly referred to as UPSC CDS-I 2026, is a national-level defence recruitment exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Its purpose is to select candidates for permanent and short service commission as officers in the Indian Armed Forces through entry into the following academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men & Women)

This recruitment is for courses commencing January/April 2027 depending on the academy.

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4. Important Dates

Note: Dates are based on official notification and common UPSC timelines; candidates must refer to official UPSC announcements for any updates.

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5. Vacancy Details

Total 451 Vacancies have been notified for CDS-I 2026, distributed among academies as follows:

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6. Eligibility Criteria

a. Nationality

Candidates must be Indian citizens. Certain categories may include subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees/persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc., subject to government guidelines. (Refer official notification for full nationality rules.)

b. Age Limit

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years

• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years

• Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years

Exact age cut-offs are based on dates of birth specified in the official notification. Candidates should verify eligibility against the academy-wise age rules.

c. Educational Qualification

Candidates in the final year/semester may apply provisionally subject to passing the degree before commencement of training.

d. Physical & Medical Standards

Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per UPSC/Service Selection Board (SSB) norms. There may be academy-specific medical and physical criteria. Candidates should consult the official notification for details.

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7. Application Fee

Payment can typically be made online via credit/debit card, UPI, net banking, etc.

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8. How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit UPSC Portal: Access the official UPSC application site at upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in.

2. One-Time Registration (OTR): Complete the universal registration to obtain a URN.

3. Fill Exam-specific Form: Select CDS-I 2026 under the examinations list and enter required details.

4. Upload Documents: Provide scanned photos, signatures and relevant documents as per prescribed specifications.

5. Pay Fee: Submit the application fee where applicable before the deadline.

6. Submit & Print: Submit the application and download/print the confirmation for future reference.

Ensure all data entered (DOB, academic records, category status) matches official records to avoid discrepancies at verification stages.

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9. Selection Process

The CDS-I 2026 recruitment follows a multi-stage selection process:

1. Written Examination: Objective/subjective papers in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA).

2. SSB Interview/Officer Selection Board: Personality assessment, leadership evaluation, and officer-like attributes.

3. Document Verification: Academic and eligibility documents are scrutinised.

4. Medical Fitness Test: Candidates must clear detailed medical examination as per defence standards.

Final merit is based on written exam scores and SSB performance subject to medical clearance.

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10. Salary & Training

Selected candidates undergo training at their respective academies. During training, they receive stipends/salary as per Service Rules applicable to cadets/officer trainees. After commissioning, officers receive pay and allowances as per the 7th CPC Pay Scale (varies by service and rank).

Stipend figures and exact pay bands should be confirmed from official UPSC/Service recruitment documentation.

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11. FAQs

Q1. Is offline application accepted?
No. Registrations are strictly online through UPSC portals.

Q2. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, provided they complete the degree before commencement of training.

Q3. What is the exam pattern?
The CDS written exam generally includes papers on English, GK, and Elementary Mathematics (only for IMA/INA/AFA). Marks and duration are specified in the official notification.

Q4. Is there a negative marking?
Check the official notification or exam instructions for marking scheme details.

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12. Official Links

• Official UPSC Website: Click Here

• Apply Online: Click Here

• More job : Click Here

• Download Notification (PDF): Available on the official UPSC portal (Examination Notice No. 04/2026-CDS-I).

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13. Disclaimer

This document consolidates details from official UPSC notification and reputable sources. Candidates must refer to the official UPSC CDS-I 2026 notification and website for authoritative and updated information. Recruitment parameters like age limits, syllabus, vacancies, and dates are subject to change by the Commission without prior notice.

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026?

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 is a national-level defence examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officer-level candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

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Q2. Who conducts the CDS-I Examination?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice every year (CDS-I and CDS-II).

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Q3. When was the CDS-I 2026 notification released?

The official notification for UPSC CDS-I 2026 was released on 10 December 2025 on the UPSC website.

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Q4. What is the last date to apply for CDS-I 2026?

The last date to submit the online application form is 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM).

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Q5. What is the exam date for UPSC CDS-I 2026?

The CDS-I 2026 written examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026.

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Q6. How many vacancies are available in CDS-I 2026?

A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (Men & Women).

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Q7. What is the educational qualification for CDS-I 2026?

• IMA & OTA: Graduation degree from a recognised university

• INA: Engineering degree

• AFA: Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree

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Q8. Can final-year students apply for CDS-I 2026?

Yes, final-year or appearing candidates are eligible, provided they complete their degree before the commencement of training.

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Q9. What is the age limit for CDS-I 2026?

The age limit varies by academy:

• IMA / INA: 19–24 years

• AFA: 20–24 years

• OTA: 19–25 years
  Exact date-of-birth eligibility is mentioned in the official notification.

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Q10. Is there any application fee for CDS-I 2026?

• General/OBC Candidates: ₹200

• SC/ST & Female Candidates: No fee (Exempted)

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Q11. What is the mode of application for CDS-I 2026?

Applications are accepted only in online mode through the official UPSC website. Offline forms are not accepted.

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Q12. What is the selection process for CDS-I 2026?

The selection process includes:

1. Written Examination

2. SSB Interview

3. Document Verification

4. Medical Examination

Final selection is based on merit and medical fitness.

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Q13. Is the CDS exam conducted in online or offline mode?

The CDS written examination is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

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Q14. Is there negative marking in CDS-I 2026?

Yes, negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers in the written examination.

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Q15. Can women candidates apply for CDS-I 2026?

Yes, female candidates can apply for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) under CDS-I 2026.

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Q16. What documents are required during the application process?

Candidates need:

• Passport-size photograph

• Signature

• Photo identity proof

• Educational details

Original documents are required during SSB and verification stages.

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Q17. Where can I apply for UPSC CDS-I 2026?

Candidates can apply online through:

• upsc.gov.in

• upsconline.nic.in

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Q18. When will the CDS-I 2026 admit card be released?

The CDS-I 2026 admit card is expected to be released 1–2 weeks before the exam date, likely in early April 2026.

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Q19. What happens after clearing the CDS written exam?

Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, followed by medical tests and final merit list preparation.

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Q20. Is CDS a permanent commission?

• IMA, INA, AFA: Permanent Commission

• OTA: Short Service Commission (SSC)