The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026, inviting applications for 451 posts under the Combined Defence Services exam (I). This recruitment drive offers a great opportunity for eligible graduates to join various prestigious academies including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy – and Officers’ Training Academy. Candidates possessing a degree from a recognized university can apply online, with the application window opening on 10 December 2025 and closing on 30 December 2025. interested candidates are encouraged to review the complete details, including qualification criteria, age limits, salary structure, and the selection, before proceeding with their online application through the official UPSC website.
UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 Quick Overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam/Post Name | Combined Defence Services exam (I). 2026 (CDS 1) |
| Advertisement No. | Check official notification |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Mode | Online |
| Pay Scale/Level | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- per month (Level 10) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 30 December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | 02/04/2026 |
| Answer Key Available | 16/04/2026 |
| Written Result Declaration | 08 May 2026 |
| Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA) | January 2027 |
| Course Commencement (OTA) | April 2027 |
UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy Details 2026
The vacancy distribution for this recruitment is as follows:
| Course Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 162nd (DE) Course (including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Army Wing holders) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro (including 06 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Naval Wing holders and 01 for Hydro) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy. Hyderabad – (Pre-Flying) Training Course 221 F(P) (including 03 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Air Wing holders) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 125th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Total Posts: 451
qualification Criteria for UPSC CDS 1 Jobs 2026
| Criterion | Details |
|---|
| Educational Qualifications (IMA & OTA) | Degree of a recognised University or equivalent |
| Educational Qualifications (Indian Naval Academy) | Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution |
| Educational Qualifications (Air Force Academy) | Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering |
| Nationality | Citizen of India. OR Subject of Nepal, OR Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia. Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with intention of permanent settlement in India |
Pay Scale and Benefits for UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Salary/Stipend During Training | Fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month (starting pay in Level 10) |
| Pay After Commissioning (Lieutenant) | Pay Level 10: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
| Pay After Commissioning (Captain) | Pay Level 10B: Rs. 61,300 – 1,93,900/- |
| Pay After Commissioning (Major) | Pay Level 11: Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200/- |
| Pay After Commissioning (Lieutenant Colonel) | Pay Level 12A: Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400/- |
| Pay After Commissioning (Colonel) | Pay Level 13: Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900/- |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | Rs. 15,500/- per month (fixed) from Lieutenant to Brigadier |
| Additional Allowances | Dearness Allowance, Dress Allowance (Rs. 20,000/- per year), Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance (Rs. 2,250/- per month), Free Ration in kind |
Age Limit for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
| Course | Age Criteria (as on 01 January 2027) |
|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2008 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years (born not earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2007). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – SSC Men) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02 January 2002 and not later than 01 January 2008 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – SSC Women) | Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees born not earlier than 02 January 2002 and not later than 01 January 2008 |
Date of birth is accepted only from the Matriculation/Secondary School exam Certificate; no subsequent change in date of birth is allowed.
required application fee for UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy 2026
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|
| General/OBC Male Candidates | Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only) |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| SC/ST Candidates | No Fee |
Payment can be made via Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI or Internet Banking. Fees once paid won’t be refunded under any circumstances. There is no fee exemption available for OBC candidates applying for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026.
selection for UPSC CDS 1 Jobs 2026
The selection for the Combined Defence Services exam (I), 2026 involves three distinct stages:
- Written exam: Conducted by UPSC, this stage consists of objective-type questions. For IMA/INA/AFA, candidates face three papers: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks), totaling 300 marks. For OTA, there are two papers: English (100 marks) and General Knowledge (100 marks), totaling 200 marks.
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview: This is an intelligence and personality test comprising two stages. Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Stage II involves an Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and a Conference. The SSB Interview carries marks equal to the written exam (300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA).
- Medical exam: Qualified candidates from the SSB interview undergo a Special Medical Board at designated Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals.
You must achieve minimum qualifying marks in both the written exam and the SSB test to be considered. The final selection is based on the combined marks from the written exam and SSB, subject to medical fitness. A negative marking of 0.33 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer in the written exam.
General Information and Instructions for UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026
Applicants for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 should adhere to the following general instructions:
- You must apply online only through upsconline. Nic. In. No other mode of application is permitted.
- A Universal Registration Number (URN) is required for all UPSC examinations.
- Live Photo Capture is mandatory when filling the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Aadhaar Card is strongly recommended as an ID document.
- One Photo ID Card (Aadhaar/Voter Card/PAN/Passport/Driving License) is mandatory.
- Applications can’t be withdrawn after submission.
- The e-Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the exam. No Admit Card will be sent by post or email.
- You must reach the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam.
- Face Authentication is mandatory at the exam venue.
- Mobile phones and other electronic devices are strictly banned inside the exam premises.
- Only Black Ball Pen should be used for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
- A Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) will be available for 7 days after the exam for candidates to submit representations.
- For assistance, candidates can contact the helpdesk at 011-24041001 or email helpdesk@upsc. Gov. In (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days).
- The Government actively strives for gender balance – and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026
Follow these steps carefully to successfully submit your online application for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026:
- Visit the official website:Check official websitehttps://upsconline. Nic. In.
- Create Account and generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with your personal details.
- Upload a recent photograph and capture a live photo as required.
- Fill the exam Specific Module – indicating your preferences for Services (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA).
- Upload all required documents, such as Date of Birth proof and educational certificates.
- Select your preferred exam Centre from the available options.
- Pay the required application fee online (if applicable) using a Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
- Submit your application and carefully note down the Application Number for future reference.
- Take Printout of the submitted application form for your records.
Note that no corrections will be allowed after the submission of the application. Candidates already in Government Service must inform their Head of Office/Department. Consider that those serving in the Armed Forces must inform their Commanding Officer and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the SSB interview.
Important Links for UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026
Additional Details for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
Candidates should be aware of these additional important details for the UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026:
- Candidates currently studying in their final year/semester of a degree course are also eligible to apply. However, they must submit proof of passing their degree by specific dates: 01 January 2027 for IMA/INA, 13 November 2026 for AFA, and 01 April 2027 for OTA.
- Professional and technical qualifications recognized by the Government as equivalent to a degree are also acceptable for qualification.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 presents a golden opportunity for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies across various prestigious academies, interested and eligible You must ensure their applications are submitted online by 30 December 2025. Adhering to the detailed qualification, application process, and exam guidelines outlined by the Union Public Service Commission at upsc. Gov. In is crucial for a successful application. Candidates are advised to prepare carefully for the written exam on 12 April 2026 and subsequent selection stages.
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