Are you aspiring to serve your nation through a prestigious career in the armed forces? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the official recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 1, 2026. This comprehensive job opportunity involves recruiting a total of 451 talented candidates across various esteemed academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academies. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are eager to take the next step toward a distinguished military career, this detailed job description will guide you through the entire process, including qualification requirements, selection procedures, application guidelines, and important dates.
UPSC CDS-1 2026 Recruitment Overview
The UPSC CDS-1 examination is a highly competitive exam conducted annually to select candidates for officer training in the Indian Armed Forces. The 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacant posts across multiple academies, offering an opportunity for young men and women to serve the nation with honor and pride.
| Advertisement Details | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) CDS-1 Recruitment 2026 |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Total No. of Posts | 451 |
| Salary Range | Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 per month (Level 10) |
| Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details by Course and Category
Detailed Breakdown of Vacancies
| Course Name | Total Vacancies | Specific Details |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 162nd (DE) Course | 100 | Including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Army Wing holders |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 | Including 6 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Naval Wing holders and 1 for Hydro |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 | Pre-Flying Training Course 221 F(P); including 3 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Air Wing holders |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – SSC (Men) (NT) | 275 | |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – SSC Women (NT) | 18 | |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
The minimum academic qualifications vary based on the specific academy and course:
| Academy / Course | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (Chennai) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering; Final year/semester students can also apply |
Professional and technical qualifications recognized by the government as equivalent are also acceptable.
Nationality
- Citizens of India
- Subjects of Nepal
- Persons of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India
Age Limit and Relaxation
Age limits are calculated as of 01-01-2027, with specific requirements for each academy:
| Academy / Category | Age Limits (Born Between) | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| IMA & INA | 02-01-2003 to 01-01-2008 | 24 years |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 02-01-2003 to 01-01-2007 | 20 to 24 years; up to 26 years for candidates holding valid CPL |
| OTA (Men) | 02-01-2002 to 01-01-2008 | Unmarried male candidates |
| OTA (Women) | 02-01-2002 to 01-01-2008 | Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees |
Note: The date of birth accepted is only from the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate. No subsequent change is permissible.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee Amount | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC Male Candidates | Rs. 200/- | Payment via Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Internet Banking |
| Female Candidates | No Fee | |
| SC/ST Candidates | No Fee |
Please note that the fee once paid is non-refundable. No fee exemptions are applicable for OBC candidates.
Key Dates to Remember
- Notification Release Date: 10th December 2025
- Start Date for Application: 10th December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM)
- Examination Date: 12th April 2026
- Written Result Declaration: Tentatively May 2026
- Course Commencement: IMA/INA/AFA – January 2027, OTA – April 2027
Selection Procedure
The selection for UPSC CDS-1 2026 comprises three main stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
This objective-type test is conducted by UPSC and includes the following papers:
| For IMA/INA/AFA | Number of Papers | Subjects | Marks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 1 | English Language | 100 | |
| General Knowledge | 1 | Current Affairs, General Science, History, Geography, Civics | 100 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 1 | Basic Mathematics | 100 | |
| Total | 300 marks | |||
| For OTA | 2 Papers | Marks | ||
| English | Subject as above | 100 | ||
| General Knowledge | 100 | |||
| Total | 200 marks | |||
Stage 2: Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
The shortlisted candidates based on written exams will undergo a two-stage SSB interview, which assesses personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities:
- Stage I: Outdoor Personnel and Psychological Tests (OIR, PP&DT)
- Stage II: Personal Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychological Tests, and Conference
Total marks for SSB are equal to those obtained in the written exam, i.e., 300 for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 for OTA.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
The final step involves a thorough medical examination conducted by designated armed forces medical boards to ensure fitness standards are met.
Only candidates who clear all three stages and meet medical fitness criteria will be eligible for final selection based on combined scores.
Important Instructions & Guidelines
- Candidates must apply only through the official portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- All applicants are required to have a valid Aadhaar Card and a recent passport-sized photograph.
- A live photo capture is mandatory while filling the application form.
- Applicants must choose an examination center from available options.
- Application fee must be paid online; no offline mode is available.
- Applications, once submitted, cannot be corrected or withdrawn.
- Admit cards will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the examination. Candidates must carry valid ID proof, face authentication is mandatory, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited during examination.
- Use only black ballpoint pens for marking answers on OMR sheets.
- Contact UPSC helpdesk at 011-24041001 or via email for queries during working hours (10:00 AM – 5:30 PM).
- Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, enhancing gender diversity in the armed forces.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS-1 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Create an account and generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details and educational qualifications.
- Upload recent passport-sized photograph and capture your live photo as required.
- Select your preferred services (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
- Upload supporting documents such as date of birth proof, education certificates, etc.
- Choose your examination center from available options.
- Pay the application fee via online payment modes.
- Review and submit your application, then note down your application number for future reference.
- Print the completed application form for your records.
Note: After submission, no corrections can be made. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.
Official Links & Resources
- Apply Online
- Official Notification PDF
- Sarkari Result Vacancy
- Follow Us on Twitter
- Download Mobile App for updates and notifications
FAQs about UPSC CDS-1 2026
1. When is the application window open?
From 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025 (up to 6:00 PM).
2. What are the eligibility criteria?
Degree from a recognized university or equivalent, with age limits as specified for each academy. Final year students can apply.
3. How many vacancies are available?
Total of 451 vacancies across different academies and courses.
4. How is selection conducted?
Through written exams, SSB interviews, and medical fitness tests.
5. What is the exam date?
The written examination is scheduled for 12th April 2026.
6. Is there any reservation or fee exemption?
SC/ST candidates and female candidates are exempt from application fee. OBC candidates need to pay Rs. 200/-; no fee exemption for them.
7. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year students can apply but must submit proof of passing the degree before the specified cut-off date.
8. How to get help or support?
Contact the UPSC helpline at 011-24041001 or email [email protected] during working hours.
This comprehensive guide is aimed at assisting aspiring candidates efficiently navigate the UPSC CDS-1 2026 recruitment process. Prepare well, stay updated on important dates, and ensure your application is complete and error-free for a successful chance at one of the most prestigious careers in the Indian defense services.