UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 under Examination Notice No. 04/2026.CDS-I, dated 10 December 2025. This examination will be conducted for admission to prestigious defence academies such as Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for the courses commencing in January 2027 / April 2027.
The online application process is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 (6 PM). Candidates must carefully verify their eligibility in terms of age, educational qualification and marital status. The written examination will be held on 12 April 2026, followed by SSB interviews for the successful candidates.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Overview
Details
Information
Organization
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name
CDS I 2026
Notification No.
04/2026.CDS-I
Courses
IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
Exam Date
12 April 2026
Mode of Application
Online
Course Start
Jan 2027 / Apr 2027
UPSC CDS I 2026 Important Dates
Event
Date
Notification Release
10 December 2025
Application Start
10 December 2025
Application Last Date
30 December 2025
Exam Date
12 April 2026
Result (Written)
May 2026 (expected)
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
Category
Fee
General / OBC
₹200/-
SC / ST
Nil
Female Candidates
Nil
UPSC CDS I 2026 Vacancies & Qualification
Course
Vacancies
Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
100
Graduation in any discipline
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
26
Engineering Degree
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
32
Graduation with Physics & Maths at 12th OR B.E./B.Tech
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men)
275
Graduation in any discipline
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women)
18
Graduation in any discipline
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
Courses have different age requirements:
IMA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
INA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
AFA: 20–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008)
OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years (Born between 2 Jan 2001 – 1 Jan 2006)
UPSC CDS I 2026 Selection Process
The selection process comprises:
Written Examination by UPSC
SSB Interview by Armed Forces Selection Boards
Document Verification & Medical Examination
Final Merit List based on marks in written exam + SSB interview
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2026
Candidates must apply online via https://upsconline.nic.in. First, complete the Universal Registration Number (URN), then fill the Common Application Form (CAF). Upload photo, signature, ID proof and pay fees if applicable. No corrections are allowed after submission, so applicants must verify all details carefully before finalizing.
