About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has invited applications for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026. There are 394 vacancies to be filled through this drive. The appointed candidates will be posted in All India. The official notification is available on www.upsc.gov.in.
Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal. the application window opens on 10/12/2025. It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Key highlights โ age limit: 19โ25 years; application fee varies by category. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Detailed information about the selection process, exam pattern, and syllabus is available in the sections below.
Key Highlights
Vacancy Details โ Total 394 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India | โ |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree from Any Recognized University in India | โ |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level OR Engineering Degree | โ |
| Officersโ Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India | โ |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 10/12/2025 |
| Exam Date | 12/04/2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 30/12/2025 |
| Last Date To Pay Fee | 30/12/2025 |
| Admit Card Available | 02/04/2026 |
| Result Available | 08/05/2026 |
Application Fee
| General | 100 |
| OBC | 100 |
| EWS | 100 |
| SC | 0 |
| ST | 0 |
| 0 |
Age Limit & Relaxation
| Minimum Age | 19 Years |
| Maximum Age | 25 Years |
| Age Cutoff Date | 01/01/2027 |
| Relaxation (IMA & INA) | 19-24 Years |
| Relaxation (AIR FORCE) | 20-24 Years |
| Relaxation (OTA) | 19-25 Years |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India (specific qualifications for INA and AFA as mentioned)
Selection Process
Written Exam
Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | โ |
| General Knowledge | 100 | โ |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | โ |
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/AFA: 157.5 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force). For OTA: 157.5 cm (162.5 cm for Flying Branch). |
| Chest Measurement | For IMA/INA/AFA: 81 cm (expansion 5 cm). For OTA: 81 cm (expansion 5 cm). |
How To Apply
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission โ 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 2026.
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 are the important dates for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Application Start: 10/12/2025
Exam Date: 12/04/2026
What is the minimum educational qualification for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India (specific qualifications for INA and AFA as mentioned)
What is the age limit for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Minimum Age: 19 years.
Maximum Age: 25 years.
Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
What is the application fee for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
General: 100
OBC: 100
EWS: 100
SC: 0
ST: 0
Female: 0
What is the selection process for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Written Exam
Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 30 December 2025.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General/OBC/EWS category candidates is INR 100.
Is there any age relaxation for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
Yes, age relaxation is provided as per UPSC CDS I Recruitment Rules. For example, IMA & INA candidates must be aged 19-24 years as of 01 January 2027.
What is the educational qualification required for Indian Naval Academy (INA)?
Candidates must have an Engineering Degree from any recognized university in India.
When will the UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be conducted?
The UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The total number of vacancies is 394 posts.
What is the exam pattern for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The exam consists of three subjects: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks), totaling 300 marks. There is negative marking of one-third of the marks for each wrong answer.
When will the admit card for UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be available?
The admit card will be available from 2 April 2026.
What is the application fee for SC/ST candidates?
The application fee for SC/ST candidates is INR 0.
What are the physical requirements for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
For IMA/INA/AFA, the minimum height is 157.5 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force), chest expansion of 5 cm, and running 2.4 km in 15 minutes. For OTA, the minimum height is 157.5 cm (162.5 cm for Flying Branch), chest expansion of 5 cm, and running 2.4 km in 16 minutes.
What documents are required to apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
Required documents include Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate, Degree Certificate, Marksheets, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Domicile Certificate, Passport-sized Photographs, Signature, Photo ID Proof, Medical Certificate (if applicable), NCC Certificate (if applicable), and Sports Certificate (if applicable).
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The selection process includes a Written Exam, Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
What is the educational qualification required for Air Force Academy (AFA)?
Candidates must have a Bachelor Degree in any stream with Physics and Math at the 10+2 level OR an Engineering Degree.
What is the cutoff date for age calculation in UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The cutoff date for age calculation is 1 January 2027.
Where can I apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
Applications can be submitted online at the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in.
When will the result for UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be declared?
The result for UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 will be declared on 8 May 2026.