About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the recruitment process for Combined Defence Services Examination I 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 For 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: 162.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women). For OTA: 157.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women) |
| Chest Measurement | For Men: 81 cm (unexpanded), 5 cm expansion. For Women: Not specified |
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 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 INR 200.
Are SC/ST/Female candidates exempted from the application fee?
Yes, SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the age limit for Indian Military Academy (IMA) posts?
The age limit for IMA posts is between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2006.
What is the educational qualification required for Indian Naval Academy (INA) posts?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
What is the exam date for UPSC CDS I 2024?
The exam date for UPSC CDS I 2024 is 21 April 2024.
When will the admit card for the exam be available?
The admit card for the exam will be available from 12 April 2024.
When was the final result for UPSC CDS I 2024 declared?
The final result for UPSC CDS I 2024 was declared on 21 October 2024.
When will the final marks for UPSC CDS I 2024 be available?
The final marks for UPSC CDS I 2024 will be available from 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 exam?
There is a negative marking of one-third of the marks allotted to the question for incorrect answers.
What are the subjects in the UPSC CDS I 2024 exam?
The subjects are English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks).
What is the duration of each subject in the exam?
Each subject has a duration of 2 hours.
What is the height requirement for male candidates in IMA?
The height requirement for male candidates in IMA is 162.5 cm.
What is the running requirement for female candidates in OTA?
Female candidates in OTA must complete a 1.6 km run in 8.5 minutes.