UPSC CDS 2026 Exam: Apply Online for 451 Defence Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Table of Contents
Total Vacancies
451 Posts
Advertisement No.
UPSC CDS‑I Examination 2026
Short Description: UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS‑I) 2026 Notification for 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). This is a golden opportunity for graduates aspiring to serve the nation in the Armed Forces. Candidates can apply online from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 through the official UPSC portal.
Important Dates and Application Fee: UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Application Begins: 10/12/2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30/12/2025 (up to 06:00 PM)
- Admit Card Release: Last week before the exam (April 2026)
- Examination Date: 12/04/2026
- Application Fee:
- General/EWS/OBC Male Candidates: Rs. 200/-
- SC/ST/PH/Women Candidates: No Fee
- Mode of Payment: Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details: UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
| Post Name / Course | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification | Pay Scale |
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 162nd (DE) Course | 100 | Degree from a recognized University | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro | 26 | Degree in Engineering | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – (Pre‑Flying) Training Course 221 F(P) | 32 | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 OR Bachelor of Engineering | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 125th SSC (Men) (NT) | 275 | Degree from a recognized University | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 125th SSC Women (NT) | 18 | Degree from a recognized University | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
Note:
- Age Limit:
- IMA/INA: 19–24 years (Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008)
- AFA: 20–24 years (Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2007) – Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders
- OTA (Men/Women): 19–25 years (Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008)
- Age Relaxation: As per UPSC rules.
- Cut‑Off Date for Age Calculation: 01/01/2027
Salary Structure
- During Training: Rs. 56,100/- per month (stipend)
- Lieutenant: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10)
- Captain: Rs. 61,300 – 1,93,900 (Level 10B)
- Major: Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200 (Level 11)
- Lieutenant Colonel: Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 (Level 12A)
- Colonel: Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 (Level 13)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/- per month
- Other Allowances: DA, Dress Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children’s Education Allowance, Free Ration
How to Apply: UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Register and generate Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details
- Upload a photograph and capture a live photo
- Select preferred services (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA)
- Upload required documents (DOB proof, degree certificates)
- Choose an exam center.
- Pay fee online (if applicable)
- Apply and note the Application Number
- Print the application for future reference
Documents Required: UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
- Proof of Date of Birth (Matriculation Certificate)
- Degree/Provisional Certificate
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar/Voter/PAN/Passport/Driving License)
- Photograph and Live Photo Capture
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- NOC for Government/Armed Forces candidates
Selection Process: UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
- Written Examination
- IMA/INA/AFA: English, GK, Mathematics (300 marks)
- OTA: English, GK (200 marks)
- Negative marking: 0.33 marks per wrong answer
- SSB Interview
- Stage I: OIR tests + PP&DT
- Stage II: Interview, GTO tasks, Psychology tests, Conference
- Marks equal to the written exam (300/200)
- Medical Examination
- Conducted at the Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals
- Final Merit List
- Based on Written + SSB marks, subject to medical fitness
Important Instructions
- Apply only through the UPSC online portal.
- Aadhaar is strongly recommended as ID.
- No withdrawal of application after submission.
- Admit Card is downloadable only from the UPSC website.
- Face authentication is mandatory at the exam venue.
- Mobile phones/electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- Use Black Ball Pen for the OMR sheet.
- Reach the exam center 30 minutes before the exam.
- The government encourages women candidates to apply.
FAQs
Q1. Can final-year students apply for UPSC CDS‑I 2026?
Yes, candidates in the final year/semester of graduation can apply, provided they submit proof before SSB.
Q2. Is there any application fee exemption for OBC candidates?
No, fee exemption is only for SC/ST/PH/Women candidates. OBC male candidates must pay Rs. 200/-.
Q3. What is the exam pattern for OTA candidates?
OTA candidates appear for two papers—English and General Knowledge, each of 100 marks (total 200).
Important Links
You May Also Like
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Recruitment 2025