The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I), 2026 Notification for recruitment to prestigious defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
A total of 451 vacancies will be filled through this examination. Eligible unmarried men and women graduates can apply online before the last date.
About UPSC CDS Exam (I) 2026
UPSC conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination to select candidates for commissioning as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates selected through CDS undergo rigorous training and begin their careers at officer rank in the respective defence services.
UPSC CDS (I) 2026 Vacancy Details (Academy-wise)
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Course: 162nd DE Course (January 2027)
- Vacancies: 100
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing): 13 (reserved)
- Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognised university
- Age Limit: Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008
- Gender: Unmarried Male candidates only
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Branch: Executive (General Service) / Hydro
- Course Commencement: January 2027
- Vacancies: 26
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing): 6
- Hydro Cadre: 1
- Educational Qualification: Engineering Degree
- Age Limit: Born between 02 Jul 2002 and 01 Jul 2007
- Gender: Unmarried Male candidates only
3. Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Course: 221 F(P) Pre-Flying Course (January 2027)
- Vacancies: 32
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing): 3
- Educational Qualification:
- Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or
- BE / BTech
- Age Limit:
- 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027
- Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007
- CPL Holders: Eligible up to 26 years
4. Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – SSC (Men)
- Course: 125th SSC (Non-Technical), April 2027
- Vacancies: 275
- Educational Qualification: Graduation
- Age Limit: Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2008
5. Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – SSC (Women)
- Course: 125th SSC (Non-Technical), April 2027
- Vacancies: 18
- Educational Qualification: Graduation
- Eligible Categories:
- Unmarried women
- Childless widows (not remarried)
- Childless divorcees (valid divorce documents)
- Age Limit: Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2008
Important Eligibility Note
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing the degree at the time of selection.
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Selection is based on the combined marks of the written exam and the interview.
UPSC CDS (I) 2026 Exam Pattern
Written Examination
- Subjects:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
- OTA Candidates: No Mathematics paper
⚠️ Negative marking applies for wrong answers.
Interview (SSB)
- IMA / INA / AFA: 300 marks
- OTA: 200 marks
- Conducted in two stages
Training & Career Progression
- IMA: Training at Dehradun
- INA: Training at Ezhimala, Kerala
- AFA: Flying training at Hyderabad
- OTA: Training in Chennai
Rank After Training
- Army / OTA: Lieutenant
- Navy: Sub-Lieutenant
- Air Force: Flying Officer
Application Fee
- Women / SC / ST: No fee
- Others: ₹200
How to Apply for UPSC CDS Exam (I) 2026
Candidates must apply online only through the UPSC portal.
- Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in
- One Time Registration (OTR): Mandatory before application
Important Dates – CDS (I) 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| CDS Exam (I) 2026 | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | One week before the exam |
Exam Centres in Telugu States
- Hyderabad
- Hanumakonda (Warangal Urban)
- Visakhapatnam
- Vijayawada
- Tirupati
- Anantapur
Official Websites
- UPSC Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Download Notification
Final Words
The UPSC CDS Exam (I) 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates aspiring to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Eligible candidates should complete the application process well before the deadline and prepare strategically for both the written examination and the SSB interview.
