UPSC CDS 1 2027 Notification: Apply Online for 450+ Defence Officer Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially scheduled the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2027 for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA, Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (INA, Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (AFA, Hyderabad), and Officers Training Academy (OTA, Chennai). Through this premier national defense recruitment examination, over 450 vacancies will be filled for both Permanent and Short Service Commissions across the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Online applications open on 2nd December 2026 and close on 22nd December 2026 (6:00 PM) on the official portal upsconline.nic.in, with the written examination scheduled for 11th April 2027.
📌 UPSC CDS 1 2027 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2027 |
| Training Academies | IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, AFA Hyderabad, OTA Chennai |
| Commissioned Rank & Pay | Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer (Level-10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + MSP ₹15,500) |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 450+ Posts |
| Application Mode | Online (via UPSC OTR Portal) |
| Job Location | All India (Armed Forces Bases & Commands) |
📅 Important Dates
- Official Notification Release: 2 December 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 2 December 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 22 December 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Application Correction Window: 23 December to 29 December 2026
- Admit Card Release Date: March 2027
- Written Examination Date: 11 April 2027 (Sunday)
- SSB Interview Window: July – October 2027
- Course Commencement: January 2028 (April 2028 for OTA)
💰 Application Fee
Payment can be remitted online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or cash deposit via SBI challan:
- General and OBC (Male) Candidates: ₹200/- (Non-refundable)
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Completely Exempted (NIL)
- SC / ST Candidates: Completely Exempted (NIL)
🎯 Age Limit (as on 01/01/2028)
Age requirements differ depending on the training academy chosen:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 Years (Unmarried male candidates born between 02 January 2004 and 01 January 2009).
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 Years (Unmarried male candidates born between 02 January 2004 and 01 January 2009).
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 Years (Born between 02 January 2004 and 01 January 2008). Upper age limit relaxed up to 26 Years for holders of valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence.
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women): 19 to 25 Years (Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2009).
🎓 Educational Qualification
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Degree of a recognized University or equivalent qualification in any stream (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, B.Tech).
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) from a recognized University or Institution.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech).
- Final Year Eligibility: Candidates in the final year/semester of their degree can apply provisionally provided they have no backlogs and produce degree proof before academy reporting.
📊 Vacancy Details
- Total Vacancies: Approx. 450+ Posts
- Tentative Academy Distribution:
- Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (164th Regular Course): 100 Posts
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Executive General Service / Hydro): 32 Posts
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (223rd Flying Course): 32 Posts
- Officers Training Academy, Chennai (127th SSC Men Course): 275 Posts
- Officers Training Academy, Chennai (41st SSC Women Course): 18 Posts
🧪 Selection Process
- Stage 1 (Written Examination): Offline objective test conducted across designated nationwide centers by UPSC.
- Stage 2 (SSB Interview): Comprehensive 5-day evaluation at Services Selection Boards (Intelligence & Personality Test, Psychological Assessment, GTO Obstacles, and Personal Interview).
- Stage 3 (Medical Examination): Thorough medical fitness assessment by Special Military Medical Boards.
- Stage 4 (Final Merit List): Combined merit compiled on total marks secured in the Written Examination and SSB Interview.
📚 Exam Pattern
For admission to IMA, INA, and AFA, the examination consists of 3 objective papers (300 Marks). For OTA, only English and General Knowledge are tested (200 Marks):
| Academy Category | Subjects | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| For IMA, INA & AFA | 1. English | 2 Hours | 100 Marks |
| 2. General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 Marks | |
| 3. Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 Marks | |
| Total Marks (IMA, INA, AFA) | 6 Hours | 300 Marks | |
| For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 1. English | 2 Hours | 100 Marks |
| 2. General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 Marks | |
| Total Marks (OTA) | 4 Hours | 200 Marks | |
Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for every incorrect response.
🖥️ How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>upsconline.nic.in.
- Register on the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform or log in with your registered email/mobile and OTR password.
- Locate the notification link for Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2027.
- Fill in personal particulars, academic qualifications, and order of preference for the Armed Forces academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
- Upload clear digital copies of photograph and signature in accordance with UPSC specifications.
- Pay the ₹200 application fee online (exempted for Female and SC/ST applicants).
- Submit the form before 22nd December 2026 (6:00 PM) and print the registration receipt.
🔗 Important Links
👉 https://upsconline.nic.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Apply Online on UPSC OTR Portal
👉 https://www.upsc.gov.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Download Official Notification PDF
👉 https://www.upsc.gov.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>UPSC Official Website
📈 Why Apply?
- Direct Officer Commission: Elite permanent or short service commission in the Indian Armed Forces with rank of Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer.
- High Compensation & Military Perks: Starting basic pay of ₹56,100, Military Service Pay of ₹15,500, field allowances, subsidized officer housing, canteen (CSD) facilities, and military pensions.
- Leadership & National Service: Command troops, navigate warships, or pilot advanced combat aircraft defending the nation.
❓ FAQs
Q. What is the application deadline for UPSC CDS 1 2027?
The online application portal closes on 22nd December 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Q. Can female candidates apply for CDS 1 2027?
Yes, unmarried female candidates can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA, Chennai) with complete exemption from application fees.
Q. When is the UPSC CDS 1 2027 written exam scheduled?
The nationwide offline written examination will be held on Sunday, 11th April 2027.
🏁 Conclusion
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1 2027) represents the most prestigious commissioning avenue for college graduates seeking leadership careers in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates should complete their OTR profile and submit their application on https://upsconline.nic.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>upsconline.nic.in during the official December application window.
