About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the recruitment process for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2017. A total of 463 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive. Selected candidates will be posted across All India (Dehradun, Hyderabad, and other training academies).
Candidates can apply online through the official website. According to the notification, applications begin on 09/11/2016.
Key highlights: age requirement is 20 to 24 years, the application fee varies by category (see fee table below). Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and other requirements before applying.
Key Highlights
Vacancy Details — Total 463 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 150 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream | — |
| Indian Naval Academy | 45 | Bachelor Degree in Engineering | — |
| Air Force Academy (Hyderabad) | 32 | Bachelor Degree with Physics and Math in 10+2 Level | — |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | 225 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream | — |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) Women | 11 | Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent | — |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 09/11/2016 |
| Exam Date | 05/02/2017 |
| Last Date Part1 | 02/12/2016 |
| Last Date Part2 | 02/12/2016 |
Application Fee
| General | 200 |
| OBC | 200 |
| SC | 0 |
| ST | 0 |
| 0 |
Age Limit & Relaxation
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| Age Cutoff Date | 01/01/2018 |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream (for IMA, OTA, OTA Women) or Bachelor Degree in Engineering (for Naval Academy) or Bachelor Degree with Physics and Math in 10+2 Level (for Air Force Academy)
Selection Process
Written Exam
Interview (SSB)
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | — |
| General Knowledge | 100 | — |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | — |
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
Physical Standards & Medical Requirements
| Minimum Height | 162.5 cm (for IMA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy); 152 cm (for OTA) |
| Chest Measurement | Minimum expansion of 5 cm (for IMA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy) |
How To Apply
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission — https://www.upsc.gov.in.
Read the official notification carefully and check your eligibility.
Click on the "Apply Online" / "Registration" link for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2017.
Complete the registration by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in all required details: personal information, educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and address.
Upload scanned copies of your photograph (passport size), signature, and required documents as per the specifications.
Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway (if applicable).
Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application form and take a printout / save a PDF copy for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for CDS I 2017?
The last date for Part I and Part II of the application was 02 December 2016 (06:00 PM).
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹200.
Is there any fee for SC/ST/Female candidates?
No, SC, ST, and Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the eligibility criteria for the Air Force Academy?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
What is the age limit for the Officer Training Academy (OTA)?
Candidates must be born between 02 January 1993 and 01 January 1999.
What is the exam pattern for CDS I 2017?
The exam consists of three subjects: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks), totaling 300 marks. There is a negative marking of one-third for each wrong answer.
When was the CDS I 2017 exam conducted?
The CDS I 2017 exam was conducted on 05 February 2017.
What is the height requirement for the Indian Military Academy (IMA)?
The minimum height requirement for IMA is 162.5 cm.
What documents are required for the CDS I 2017 application?
Required documents include Matriculation Certificate, Degree Certificate, Marksheets, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Domicile Certificate, Passport-sized Photographs, Signature, and ID Proof.
How can I pay the application fee?
The application fee can be paid via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or E Challan.
What is the total number of vacancies for CDS I 2017?
The total number of vacancies for CDS I 2017 is 463.
What is the selection process for CDS I 2017?
The selection process includes a Written Exam, Interview (SSB), Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
Where can I download the admit card for CDS I 2017?
The admit card can be downloaded from the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in.
What is the syllabus for the CDS I 2017 exam?
The syllabus includes English (Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary), General Knowledge (Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science), and Elementary Mathematics (Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics).
What is the probation period for selected candidates?
The probation period is as per the rules of the respective training academy, typically ranging from 1 to 2 years.