The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 for 451 vacancies under the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026. Eligible unmarried male and female candidates from all states can apply online through the official UPSC website.
The online application window is open from 10 December to 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) and the UPSC CDS Examination 2026 will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
Candidates qualifying CDS will be trained at prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) I 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 4/2026 CDS-I |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Job Location | All India |
| Mode of Apply | Online |
| Application Dates | 10–30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
| Course Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST / Women | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Age Limit
(As per course eligibility reference year 2027)
| Course | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 20–24 Years |
| INA | 20–24 Years |
| AFA | 20–24 Years |
| OTA (Men) | 19–25 Years |
| OTA (Women) | 19–25 Years |
✔ Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Educational Qualification
| Course | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Engineering Degree / Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
Selection includes:
✔ Written Examination
✔ SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
✔ Document Verification
✔ Medical Examination
Final merit list is prepared based on written + SSB marks.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 6 Hours | 300 Marks |
For OTA (Men & Women)
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 4 Hours | 200 Marks |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Visit upsc.gov.in
2️⃣ Open CDS-I 2026 Notification
3️⃣ Click Apply Online
4️⃣ Register & login
5️⃣ Fill application form correctly
6️⃣ Upload documents, photo & signature
7️⃣ Pay fee (if applicable)
8️⃣ Submit & print the form
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Notification | Download Here |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
