CDS (I) 2026 — Combined Defence Services Examination (I)
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — Official Notification
Total Vacancies: 451
Apply Online: 10 Dec 2025 — 30 Dec 2025
Exam Date: 12 Apr 2026
Quick summary: UPSC has released the CDS (I) 2026 notification for recruitment to IMA, INA, AFA and OTA — total 451 vacancies. Apply online only at upsconline.nic.in. Official PDF attached.
Vacancies: 451
Exam: 12 Apr 2026
Last Date: 30 Dec 2025 (6:00 PM)
Important Dates
- Notification: 10 December 2025
- Online application window: 10 Dec 2025 — 30 Dec 2025 (6:00 PM)
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- Admit card: Uploaded on UPSC website before exam
Vacancy Summary
| Course / Academy | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad (Pre-flying) | 32 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai — SSC (Men) | 275 |
| OTA Chennai — SSC Women (NT) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Vacancy numbers are tentative — refer to official PDF for possible service-wise changes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Eligibility — At a glance
- Nationality: Indian / subject of Nepal / PIO with certificate (where applicable).
- Age limits:
- IMA & INA: Born between 02-01-2003 and 01-01-2008 (Unmarried males).
- AFA: 20–24 years as on 01-01-2027 (born between 02-01-2003 & 01-01-2007). CPL holders: upto 26 yrs.
- OTA (Men): Born between 02-01-2002 and 01-01-2008 (Unmarried males).
- OTA (Women): Born between 02-01-2002 and 01-01-2008 (Unmarried / issueless widows / divorcees who have not remarried).
- Educational Qualification: Degree for IMA/OTA/AFA (AFA requires Physics & Maths at 10+2 or BE for flying); Engineering degree for INA. Final year students may apply provisionally.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet physical standards in Appendix-III of the notification.
Exam Pattern
Written exam: Objective type (OMR). Negative marking applies (1/3 marks). Papers and marks differ by course:
| For | Subjects | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics (each 100 marks) | 300 |
| OTA (Men/Women) | English, General Knowledge (each 100 marks) | 200 |
SSB Interview (stage I & II) and medicals follow for candidates who clear the written exam.
How to Apply
- Visit upsconline.nic.in and fill the online application (URN + CAF + Exam-specific module).
- Upload photographs and capture live photo as instructed on the portal.
- Pay fee (if applicable) — via card/UPI/netbanking. Fee is ₹200 for General/OBC (Female/SC/ST exempt).
- Retain URN, Application ID and payment details; download e-Admit card when released.
No other mode of application will be accepted. For application help contact UPSC Helpdesk: 011-24041001 or email upscsoap@nic.in. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Documents to keep ready (for SSB / verification)
- Matriculation/10th certificate (DOB proof).
- Degree / Provisional Degree Certificate & mark sheets.
- Photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter / PAN / Passport).
- NCC 'C' Certificate proof (if claiming reserved/NCC quota).
FAQs
Q: Can final year students apply?
A: Yes — provisionally. Must produce degree proof by the dates specified for the course.
A: Yes — provisionally. Must produce degree proof by the dates specified for the course.
Q: Are women eligible for IMA/INA/AFA?
A: Women are eligible only for OTA (SSC Women NT).
A: Women are eligible only for OTA (SSC Women NT).
Q: What is the exam date?
A: 12 April 2026 (as per notification).
A: 12 April 2026 (as per notification).
