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 — age limit: 19–25 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 — Total 394 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India | — |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree from Any Recognized University in India | — |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level OR Engineering Degree | — |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India | — |
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 | — |
| 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 | For IMA/INA/AFA: 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 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 ₹100.
Is there any application fee for SC/ST/Female candidates?
No, SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the minimum educational qualification required for IMA post?
Candidates need a Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognized university in India.
What is the age limit for Air Force Academy (AFA) post?
The age limit for AFA is 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027.
When will the UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be conducted?
The exam is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026.
When will the admit card for UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be available?
The admit card will be available from 02 April 2026.
When will the result of UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 be declared?
The result will be declared on 08 May 2026.
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 exam pattern for UPSC CDS I Written Exam?
The written 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 of the marks assigned to each wrong answer.
What are the physical requirements for UPSC CDS I posts?
For men, the minimum height is 162.5 cm (157.5 cm for OTA) and chest expansion is 5 cm. For women, the minimum height is 152 cm. Running standards are 2.4 km in 15 minutes for men and 1.6 km in 8 minutes for women.
What documents are required to apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
Required documents include Matriculation Certificate, Degree Certificate, Marksheets, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Domicile Certificate, Passport-sized Photograph, Signature, Photo ID Proof, Medical Certificate (if applicable), NCC Certificate (if applicable), and Sports Certificate (if applicable).
Where can I apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website (https://upsconline.nic.in).
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
The total number of vacancies is 394.
Is there any age relaxation for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026?
Age relaxation is as per UPSC CDS I Recruitment Rules. Specific age limits are mentioned for IMA/INA (19-24 years), Air Force (20-24 years), and OTA (19-25 years).