UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Notification Released for 451 Posts, Apply Online
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the official notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I 2026 under Examination Notice No. 04/2026.CDS-I, dated 10 December 2025. This exam is conducted for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for courses beginning in January 2027 and April 2027.
The online application window is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 (6 PM). Candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, including age, educational qualifications, and marital status. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026, followed by SSB interviews for shortlisted candidates.
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | CDS I 2026 |
| Adv. No. | 04/2026.CDS-I |
| Vacancies | 451 |
| Job Location | All India |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 56100-177500/- |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Category | UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
- Notification Date: 10 December 2025
- Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM)
- Fee Payment Last Date: 30 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
- SC / ST / Sons of JCOs / ORs: ₹0/-
- All Female Candidates: ₹0/-
- Payment Mode: Online
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2007
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor’s Degree
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): B.E./B.Tech Degree
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Class 12 with Physics & Mathematics + Graduation in any discipline OR a B.E./B.Tech Degree
- Officers’ Training Academy (Men & Women): Bachelor’s Degree
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Total : 451 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (Men), Chennai | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (Women), Chennai | 18 |
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection will be done in the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern – IMA, INA, AFA – Negative Marking: 1/3rd
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 Hours |
Exam Pattern – OTA – Negative Marking: 1/3rd
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 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 |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will begin the online application process for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 from 10 December 2025. Candidates can follow the steps below to complete their online registration:
- First, read the official UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026 carefully.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link provided below or visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Fill out the UPSC CDS 1 Online Application Form 2026 with accurate details.
- Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment options.
- After submission, download and print the completed application form for future reference.
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF & Apply Online Form Link
FAQs for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
- Q. When does the UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2025 start?
- The online application process begins on 10 December 2025.
- Q. What is the official website for UPSC CDS 1 2025?
- The official website is upsc.gov.in.
- Q. What is the last date to submit the UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2025?
- The last date to apply online is 30 December 2025.
- Q. When will the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025 be conducted?
- The written exam will be held on 12 April 2026.
