About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the recruitment process for Combined Defence Services Examination First 2024. A total of 457 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive. Selected candidates will be posted across All India.
Candidates can apply online through the official website. According to the notification, applications begin on 20/12/2023.
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 457 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Passed/Appearing Bachelor Degree in Any Stream at Any Recognized University | — |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 | Passed/Appearing Bachelor Degree in Engineering at Any Recognized University | — |
| Air Force | 32 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics, Mathematics in 10+2 Level OR Bachelor Degree in Engineering | — |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 275 | Passed/Appearing Bachelor Degree in Any Stream at Any Recognized University | — |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 | Passed/Appearing Bachelor Degree in Any Stream at Any Recognized University | — |
📊 Category-wise Reservation
Important Dates
| Application Start | 20/12/2023 |
| Exam Date | 21/04/2024 |
| Last Date To Apply | 09/01/2024 |
| Last Date Fee Payment | 09/01/2024 |
| Form Modification Window | 10-16 January 2024 |
| Admit Card Available | 12/04/2024 |
| Result Declared | 09/05/2024 |
| Final Result Declared | 21/10/2024 |
| Final Marks Available | 13/01/2025 |
✏️ Correction Window: 10-16 January 2024
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 | 01/01/2006 |
| Relaxation (OBC) | 3 years |
| Relaxation (SC) | 5 years |
| Relaxation (ST) | 5 years |
| Relaxation (PWD) | 10 years |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream (or Engineering for INA/Air Force) from a recognized university. For Air Force, candidates must have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
Selection Process
Written Examination
Interview (SSB)
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
Physical Standards & Medical Requirements
| Minimum Height | For IMA/INA/Air Force: 157.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women). For OTA: 157.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women). |
| Chest Measurement | For IMA/INA/Air Force: 81 cm (minimum), 5 cm expansion. For OTA: 81 cm (minimum), 5 cm expansion. |
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 First 2024.
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 UPSC CDS I 2024?
The last date to apply online is 09 January 2024 till 06:00 PM.
What is the application fee for General and OBC candidates?
The application fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹200.
Are SC/ST/Female candidates exempted from paying the application fee?
Yes, SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the age limit for UPSC CDS I 2024?
The age limit is 20 to 24 years as of 01 January 2006. Relaxation is provided for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwD (10 years).
What is the educational qualification required for the Air Force post?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
When was the UPSC CDS I 2024 exam conducted?
The UPSC CDS I 2024 exam was conducted on 21 April 2024.
When were the final marks for UPSC CDS I 2024 released?
The final marks for UPSC CDS I 2024 were released on 13 January 2025.
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS I 2024?
The selection process includes a Written Examination, Interview (SSB), Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
What is the negative marking scheme in the UPSC CDS I 2024 exam?
One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for wrong answers.
What are the physical requirements for the Air Force post?
For the Air Force, the minimum height is 157.5 cm (Men) and 152 cm (Women). The chest must be 81 cm with a 5 cm expansion. Candidates must also meet running standards: 1.6 km in 6 minutes 30 seconds (Men) and 800 meters in 4 minutes (Women).
What documents are required to apply for UPSC CDS I 2024?
Required documents include passport-sized photograph, signature, ID proof, birth certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, marksheets of Class 10, 12, and graduation, degree certificate (if passed), NCC certificate (if applicable), and sports certificate (if applicable).
Where can I apply for UPSC CDS I 2024?
Applications can be submitted online at the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in.
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS I 2024?
The total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS I 2024 is 457.
Is there a correction window for the UPSC CDS I 2024 application form?
Yes, the correction window for the application form is from 10 to 16 January 2024.
What is the exam pattern for UPSC CDS I 2024?
The exam consists of three subjects: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks). Each paper is of 2 hours duration. The total marks are 300, and there is a negative marking scheme of one-third of the marks for wrong answers.