The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2026 for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA) courses, including SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course, commencing in January & April 2027.
This article provides comprehensive details about UPSC CDS (I) 2025-26, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, application fee, selection process, important dates, detailed notification PDF, and online application form link. The UPSC CDS (I ) 2026 Online Registration process start from 10th December to 30th December 2025.
UPSC CDS (I) 2026 – Notification Overview
www.indgovtjobs.in
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Name of the Exam |
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 |
|---|---|
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Total Vacancies |
451 |
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Age Limit |
Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 |
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Salary |
₹ 56,100/- per month during training |
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Educational Qualification |
Degree or equivalent |
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Selection Process |
Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
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Closing Date |
30/12/2025 |
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Exam Date |
12/04/2026 |
✅ UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Vacancy List
| Course | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
|
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (162nd DE Course, January 2027) |
100 |
|
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Executive Branch (General Service) /Hydro, January 2027) |
26 |
|
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying, 221 F(P) Course, January 2027) |
32 |
|
Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (125th SSC Men NT (UPSC) Course, April 2027) |
275 |
|
Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (125th SSC Women NT (UPSC) Course, April 2027) |
18 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
✔️ Nationality: Indian citizen, subject of Nepal, or person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, Vietnam) with intent to settle permanently. Certificate of eligibility required for non-Indian citizens (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal).
✔️ Age Limit & Marital Status:
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2008.
- Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2008.
- Air Force Academy: Ages 20–24 as of 1 Jan 2027; born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007.
- OTA (Men, SSC Course): Unmarried male candidates born between 2 Jan 2002 and 1 Jan 2008.
- OTA (Women, SSC Non-Technical): Unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees (not remarried), born between 2 Jan 2002 and 1 Jan 2008.
✔️ Educational Qualification:
- IMA/OTA: Degree from recognized university or equivalent.
- INA: Engineering degree from recognized university/institution.
- AFA: Degree (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2) or Bachelor of Engineering.
✅ Selection Process:
- Written Examination.
- SSB Interview.
- Medical Examination.
✅ Application Fee:
- ₹ 200/- for General/OBC/EWS category candidates.
- No fee for SC/ST or female candidates.
- The fee should be made through online payment mode (Credit / Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking).
✅ How to Apply for UPSC CDS (I) 2026:
➢ Eligible Candidates should apply online through UPSC Online Application Portal from 10/12/2025 to 30/12/2025.
➢ The candidates should fill basic / personal / educational details and upload scanned copy of all relevant documents.
➢ The final step to pay examination fee (if required) and submit your online application form.
➢ Take print out for completed application form for future reference.
➢ Contact helpline: 011-24041001 (10:00 AM–5:30 PM, working days) or email upscsoap@nic.in for queries.
✅ Important Links:
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UPSC CDS Detailed Notification |
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|
Online Application Form |
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UPSC Official Website |
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Join Our Free Govt Jobs Alert Channel |
✅ Important Dates:
|
Opening Date for Online Registration |
10/12/2025 |
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Closing Date for Online Registration |
30/12/2025 (up to 6:00 PM) |
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Written Examination Date |
12/04/2026 |
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SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA) |
to be notified |
|
SSB Interview (OTA) |
to be notified |
✅ Frequently Asked Questions:
How many total vacancies are announced for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
Total 451 vacancies across IMA (100), INA (26), AFA (32), OTA Men (275), and OTA Women (18).
What is the age limit for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008 for most courses; specific variations for AFA and OTA (up to 01/01/2007 or 01/01/2002 for OTA).
What is the educational qualification required for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
Degree from a recognized university for IMA/OTA; Engineering degree for INA; Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 for AFA.
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
Written Examination followed by SSB Interview and Medical Examination.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
30th December 2025 (up to 6:00 PM).
What is the application fee for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?
₹200/- for General/OBC/EWS; No fee for SC/ST/Female candidates.