UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
📅 12th April 2026
•
📝 451 Vacancies
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification (Examination Notice No. 4/2026 CDS-I) for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This prestigious examination serves as a gateway for unmarried graduates to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced. The written examination is scheduled to be held on 12th April 2026.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details (Course Wise)
The detailed distribution of the 451 vacancies across different academies is as follows:
| Academy / Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit & Marital Status
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- AFA: 20 to 24 years as on 1st Jan 2027 (Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2007).
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
2. Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
- AFA: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process consists of two stages:
- Written Examination: Objective Type Questions (Offline).
- SSB Interview: Intelligence and Personality Test (5 Days).
Written Exam Pattern (IMA, INA, AFA)
| Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
Written Exam Pattern (OTA)
| Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹ 200/- |
| SC / ST / Female / All Categories | Nil (Exempted) |
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 10th December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 31st Dec 2025 to 6th Jan 2026 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
Important Links & Notification PDF
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can final year students apply for CDS 1 2026?
Yes, final year/semester students can apply provided they can submit proof of passing the degree at the time of commencement of the course.
What is the exam date for CDS 1 2026?
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 written examination will be conducted on 12th April 2026.
Is there negative marking in CDS Exam?
Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) of 1/3rd marks (0.33) for every wrong answer marked by the candidate.
Can women apply for IMA/INA/AFA?
No, women candidates are eligible only for the Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) course at OTA Chennai. There are 18 vacancies for women in OTA this year.