UPSC CDS 1 Exam Notification 2026 is out. This is a perfect opportunity for candidates willing to be a part of the Indian Army Navy and Air Force as officers. The test admits women and men to IMA INA AFA and OTA. There are around 451 vacancies. Application is online and the last date is 30 December 2025.
Key points of UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026:
Applicants must understand the following highlights carefully before submitting the application form:
| Examination | CDS 1 2026 Combined Defence Services |
| Total vacancies | 451 |
| Exam date | 12 April 2026 |
| Application mode | online |
| Post wise vacancy details | Indian Military Academy IMA Dehradun 100 vacancies. Indian Naval Academy INA Ezhimala 26 posts. AFA Hyderabad Air Force Academy 32 vacancies. Officers Training Academy OTA OTA Men 275 posts. OTA Women 18 |
| Salary and pay scale | Stipend during training: approximately 56000 per month. After commissioning as Lieutenant pay level 10 Basic pay Rs 56100 Military service pay Rs 15500 Other allowances – DA & HRA. |
| Application fee | OBC and general candidates Rs 200. SC ST and all female applicants no fees |
Major dates to remember:
The important dates for application process are:
| Notification release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application start date | 10 December 2025 |
| Closing date of online applications | 30 December 2025 before 6 PM. |
| Exam date | 12 April 2026 |
Who can apply for UPSC CDS Posts?
The candidates who fulfill the following eligibility criteria can apply:
| Nationality | candidate must be Indian citizen or subject of Nepal or Indian origin person settled in India with eligibility certificate. |
| Age limit and marital status | IMA unmarried male born on 2 January 2003 until 1 January 2008. INA unmarried male born on 2 January 2003 to 1 January 2008. AFA age 20 to 24 years between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2007. Holders receive relaxation until 26 years. OTA Men unmarried male born 2 January 2002 -1 January 2008. OTA Women unmarried women /widow divorcees born on 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008 |
| Education | IMA and OTA bachelors degree in a certified university. INA degree in engineering in a recognized university. AFA 10 plus 2 level graduate in physics and mathematics.or engineering degree Note: students in final year may apply but will have to submit at SSB. |
| Physical standards | candidates must meet the medical and physical requirements as required by defence services. |
How are the candidates recruited for UPSC CDS Examination 2026?
- Written examination
- Interview by respective service boards.
- Medical examination
- Final merit list
What is the Exam pattern and subjects of UPSC CDS Exam 2026?
| For OTA | English duration 2 hours marks 100 General Knowledge duration 2 hours marks 100 Total written marks 200 SSB interview marks 200 All questions are objective. Negative marking is applicable- 1/3rd marks will be deducted |
| For IMA, INA, AFA | English duration 2 hours marks 100 General Knowledge duration 2 hours marks 100 Elementary Mathematics duration 2 hours marks 100 Total written marks 300 SSB interview marks 300 |
How to apply online for UPSC CDS 1 Exam Recruitment 2026 ?
- Go to the official website.
- Open an account and get a URN.
- Fill Common Application Form
- Select CDS 1 Exam 2026
- Upload picture signature and documents.
- Pay application fee wherever necessary
- Submit the form.
Important links
| Official website | Click here |
| Army SSB updates | Click here |
| Navy updates | Click here |
| Apply online | Click here |
Conclusion
UPSC CDS is one of the most reputable Defence exams in India. It has a clear cut selection process to recruit applicants as commissioning officers for the armed forces for has 451 vacancies . Hence, apply before last date and secure your chance in the recruitment process.
Also Read Related Articles:
UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026 – Apply Online for 394 Posts
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Result 2025
FAQs- UPSC CDS 1 Exam Notification 2026
Maths is mandatory for IMA INA and AFA.OTA exam lacks maths paper.
Only women can apply for OTA Women post.
Yes final year students are allowed to apply but have to submit degree proof at SSB.
Yes, CDS is graduate oriented while NDA is 10+2 levels.
No there is no attempt limit
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