Description
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I) 2026. Eligible aspirants can now submit their applications online through the official portals. The notification outlines complete information on vacancies, eligibility requirements, application fees, and the recruitment stages.
The CDS (I) 2026 notification invites applications for various defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates must ensure they meet the required age and educational qualifications before applying.
UPSC CDS (I) 2026: Vacancy Breakdown
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for different academies and courses. The academy-wise distribution is as follows:
| S. No. | Course | Vacancies |
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 162nd (DE) Jan 2027 [13 NCC] | 100 |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Jan 2027 Exec/Hydro [6 NCC + 1 Hydro] | 26 |
| 3 | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 221 F(P) Jan 2027 [3 NCC] | 32 |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 125th SSC (Men) Apr 2027 | 275 |
| 5 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 125th SSC (Women) Apr 2027 | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria for CDS (I) 2026
Age Limit:
IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2008.
OTA (Men): Unmarried males born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008.
AFA: Applicants must be 20 to 24 years old as on January 1, 2027.
Educational Qualification:
Academic eligibility varies for each academy. Candidates must possess the required degree or equivalent qualification as specified in the official notification.
Application Fee for UPSC CDS 2026
General/OBC/EWS: Rs 200
SC/ST and all female candidates: No fee
The fee must be paid online via net banking, UPI, debit/credit card, or other available options.
UPSC CDS (I) 2026: Selection Procedure
The recruitment process includes four major stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Direct link to official UPSC CDS (1) 2026 notification
Direct link to apply online for the UPSC CDS (1) recruitment 2026
How To Apply For UPSC CDS (I) 2026
Follow the steps below to complete your application:
First visit the UPSC official website.
Complete the One-Time Registration using a valid mobile number and email ID.
Fill in the CDS (I) 2026 application form with accurate personal, academic, and course details.
Upload a recent photograph, signature, and required documents in the prescribed format.
Pay the applicable application fee and submit the form.
Ensure the final submission is done before the deadline — December 30, 2025 (6:00 PM).
Candidates should carefully review all details before final submission to avoid errors that may lead to rejection.
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