What's in this article?
The UPSC CDS I 2026 Notification has been released for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates can apply online from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 at upsconline.nic.in. The exam will be held on 12 April 2026. Check eligibility, age limit, fees, salary, and selection process before applying.
UPSC CDS I 2026 Vacancy Overview
ProJobAlert.com |
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|---|---|
| UPSC CDS I 2026 Notification Advertisement No.:- 4/2026 CDS-I | |
| Recruitment Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Job Location | All India |
| Start Date to Apply | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree (Engineering for INA, Physics & Math at 10+2 for AFA) |
| Age Limit | 19–25 years (varies by academy) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month + allowances |
| Application Fees |
General/OBC/EWS: ₹200 SC/ST/Female: Nil Payment via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or E-Challan |
| Application Mode | Online via upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
| 👉 Apply Online Now | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Application Start: 10 December 2025
- Last Date : 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
- Correction Date: Not Applicable (No correction allowed after submission)
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- Admit Card: First week of April 2026
- Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA): January 2027
- Course Commencement (OTA): April 2027
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 19 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- Air Force Academy: Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India).
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
- SC / ST / Female: Nil
- Payment Mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / E-Challan
Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduate Degree from a recognized University.
- INA: Engineering Degree from a recognized University/Institution.
- AFA: Graduate Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Full Eligibility
Candidates applying for UPSC CDS I 2026 must be Indian citizens or eligible categories, meet the prescribed age limits, and hold the required educational qualifications. Final year students can also apply but must submit proof of passing before course commencement.
| Academy | Age Limit | Qualification | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 years | Graduate Degree | Unmarried Male |
| INA | 19–24 years | Engineering Degree | Unmarried Male |
| AFA | 20–24 years (26 with CPL) | Graduate with Physics & Math OR B.E. | Unmarried (Married allowed if 25+ but no family accommodation) |
| OTA (Men) | 19–25 years | Graduate Degree | Unmarried Male |
| OTA (Women) | 19–25 years | Graduate Degree | Unmarried / Issueless Widow / Issueless Divorcee |
Physical Test Criteria
Candidates must meet prescribed physical standards for admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The UPSC CDS I 2026 notification specifies medical fitness, eyesight, and height/weight requirements as per academy guidelines.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 157.5 cm (Army), 162.5 cm (Air Force) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age |
| Vision | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other (correctable to 6/6) |
| Medical Fitness | As per SSB medical board standards |
Salary
Selected candidates through UPSC CDS I 2026 will receive a starting salary of ₹56,100 per month as per Level 10 of Defence Pay Matrix. With allowances, the CDS salary can go up to ₹1,77,500 per month along with perks like MSP, DA, TA, and uniform allowance.
| Rank | Pay Scale (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per government norms
- Kit/Uniform Allowance: ₹20,000 per year
- Other Perks: Free medical facilities, canteen, travel concessions
- CDS Salary includes fixed pay plus allowances.
- Defence officers also get pension benefits after retirement.
- UPSC CDS 2026 offers one of the most respected career opportunities in India.
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS I 2026 selection process involves a written exam followed by SSB Interview and medical examination. Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final merit list and appointment.
- Stage 1: Written Examination (Objective type)
- Stage 2: SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
- Stage 3: Medical Examination (Physical & Medical Standards)
- Stage 4: Final Merit List based on marks in written + SSB
Exam Pattern
The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern consists of objective type papers. For IMA, INA, and AFA, there are three papers, while OTA candidates appear for two papers. Each paper carries negative marking for wrong answers.
For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers.
- OMR Sheet: Use black ball pen only.
- SSB Interview: Conducted for candidates qualifying written exam.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The UPSC CDS I 2026 Notification announces a total of 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Vacancies are tentative and may change as per organizational requirements.
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
How To Apply
Candidates must apply online for UPSC CDS I 2026 through the official website upsconline.nic.in. Applications are accepted between 10 December 2025 and 30 December 2025. No offline mode is available.
- Step 1: Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Step 2: Complete Universal Registration Number (URN) profile
- Step 3: Fill Common Application Form (CAF) with live photo capture
- Step 4: Fill Examination Specific Module (fees, centre, preferences)
- Step 5: Upload documents and submit application
- Step 6: Download and save application number for future reference
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2025 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Madhya Pradesh Jobs | Click Here |
| Maharashtra Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The last date to apply online is 30 December 2025 till 6:00 PM.
How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CDS I 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies are announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
What is the exam date for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The written exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
What is the application fee for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The fee is ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.
What is the age limit for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Candidates must be between 19 to 25 years depending on the academy. CPL holders for AFA can apply up to 26 years.
Can final year students apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Yes, final year students can apply but must submit proof of passing before course commencement.
How can I download the UPSC CDS I 2026 admit card?
The admit card will be available on upsconline.nic.in in the first week of April 2026.