UPSC CDS 2026 Exam: Apply Online for 451 Defence Posts

Total Vacancies

451 Posts

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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

1. Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
2. Register and generate Universal Registration Number (URN)
3. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details
4. Upload a photograph and capture a live photo
5. Select preferred services (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA)
6. Upload required documents (DOB proof, degree certificates)
7. Choose an exam center.
8. Pay fee online (if applicable)
9. Apply and note the Application Number
10. 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

1. Written Examination
   1. IMA/INA/AFA: English, GK, Mathematics (300 marks)
   1. OTA: English, GK (200 marks)
   1. Negative marking: 0.33 marks per wrong answer
2. SSB Interview
   1. Stage I: OIR tests + PP&DT
   1. Stage II: Interview, GTO tasks, Psychology tests, Conference
   1. Marks equal to the written exam (300/200)
3. Medical Examination
   1. Conducted at the Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals
4. Final Merit List
   1. 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

Important Links

• Apply Online
• Official Notification PDF
• UPSC Official Website

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