UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026 OUT! Apply online for 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA & OTA. Check exam date, eligibility, age limit & salary details here.
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UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026 Out: Apply Online for 451 Posts, Exam Date, Eligibility & Syllabus
Post Date: 12 December 2025 | Category: Defence Jobs, UPSC Recruitment
Short Description
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Examination 2026 notification for 451 vacancies. Eligible graduates can apply online from 10 Dec 2025 to 30 Dec 2025. The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Read full details below.
Click here for UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification Out: 394 Posts, Apply Online
Overview: UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 451 officer vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Exam (I), 2026 |
| Notification Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Salary/Pay Scale | Level 10 (Starting ₹56,100/- pm) |
| Official Website |
Vacancy Details: 451 Posts
The total number of 451 vacancies is distributed among the different academies as follows:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 Posts
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 26 Posts
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32 Posts
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 275 Posts
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 18 Posts
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 1 2026
Candidates must ensure they strictly meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
1. Educational Qualification
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Note: Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course can also apply.
2. Age Limit & Marital Status
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as of 1st Jan 2027 (Born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2007).
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 200/-
- SC / ST / Female Candidates: Nil (Exempted)
- Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI).
Selection Process
The selection for UPSC CDS 1 2026 will be based on the following stages:
- Written Examination: Offline (OMR Based).
- SSB Interview: Intelligence and Personality Test (5 Days).
- Document Verification.
- Medical Examination.
Pay Scale / Salary
Selected candidates will be commissioned as Officers in the Indian Armed Forces with a starting salary under Level 10 of the Pay Matrix.
- Rank: Lieutenant (or equivalent)
- Pay Scale: ₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500 + MSP + Allowances.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
Follow these steps to submit your application form:
- Visit the official website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on "One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations" if you are not registered yet.
- Login using your Email/Phone and OTP.
- Go to the "Latest Notifications" tab and select "Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026".
- Fill in Part-I and Part-II of the application form carefully.
- Upload scanned Qualification details, Photograph, and Signature.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Select your preferred Exam Centre.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (Till 06:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 08 January – 14 January 2026 |
| UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card | March/April 2026 |
| UPSC CDS 1 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
Important Links
- Apply Online:
Click Here to Apply - Download Official Notification PDF:
Click Here to Download - Official Website:
Click here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the exam date for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
Ans. The written exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are there in CDS 1 2026?
Ans. There are a total of 451 vacancies.
Q3. Can final year students apply for CDS 1 2026?
Ans. Yes, candidates in the final year of their graduation can apply.
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