The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced UPSC CDS 1 the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2026 for a total of 451 vacancies. This national-level exam offers a great opportunity for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The online registration process starts on 10 December 2025 and will remain open till 30 December 2025. Eligible applicants can submit their forms through the official UPSC portal.
This post covers the complete details of the UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026, including vacancy breakup, eligibility conditions, age criteria, salary structure, selection stages, and step-by-step application procedure.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 – Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Salary Range | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10) |
| Qualification | Degree/Engineering (depending on course) |
| Online Registration | 10 December 2025 |
| Registration Ends | 30 December 2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 1 2026 – Vacancy Distribution
UPSC has released course-wise vacancies as follows:
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Men | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualifications
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering.
- Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics and Maths at 10+2 level or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- Final-year candidates can also apply.
Nationality Requirements
The applicant must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Age Limit (as of 01-01-2027)
- IMA: 19–24 years
- INA: 19–24 years
- AFA: 20–24 years (relaxable up to 26 for CPL holders)
- OTA Men: 19–25 years
- OTA Women: 19–25 years (unmarried or certain categories of widows/divorcees)
Birth date proof will be accepted only from recognized board certificates.
UPSC CDS Salary & Benefits
- During Training: Stipend of ₹56,100/-
- After Commissioning (Lieutenant): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10)
- Additional benefits include:
- Military Service Pay: ₹15,500
- DA, Transport Allowance
- Children’s Education Allowance
- Free ration & uniform allowances
UPSC CDS Application Fee
- General/OBC Male: ₹200
- Female & SC/ST: No fee
Payment can be made through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Registration Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Registration Last Date | 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Result | May 2026 (expected) |
| Training (IMA/INA/AFA) | January 2027 |
| Training (OTA) | April 2027 |
Selection Process (UPSC CDS 2026)
- Written Examination
- IMA/INA/AFA: English, General Knowledge, Mathematics – 300 Marks
- OTA: English & General Knowledge – 200 Marks
- 0.33 negative marking for wrong answers.
- SSB Interview
- Psychological Tests
- GTO Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- Only medically fit candidates will be considered for final merit.
Final selection is based on Written Marks + SSB Marks.
General Instructions
- Applications must be submitted at upsconline.nic.in.
- URN (Universal Registration Number) is mandatory.
- Live photo capture required during form submission.
- Admit cards will not be sent by post.
- Candidates must carry Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License to the exam center.
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the venue.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Create an account & generate URN
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload photo, signature & documents
- Choose exam center preference
- Pay the application fee if applicable
- Submit the form and save your application number
- Take a printout for future reference
Important Links
- Apply Online – Click Here
- Official Website – Click Here
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