About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the recruitment process for Combined Defence Services First Examination 2024. A total of 457 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive. Selected candidates will be posted across Various Training Academies (IMA, INA, Air Force, OTA).
Candidates can apply online through the official website. Interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Key highlights: 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) - Men | 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. | — |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 20/12/2023 |
| Exam Date | 21/04/2024 |
| Admit Card Release | 12/04/2024 |
| Last Date Of Apply Online | 09/01/2024 Till 06:00 PM |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 09/01/2024 |
| Modify / Edit Form | 10-16 January 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 |
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
For IMA and OTA: Bachelor's degree in any stream. For INA: Bachelor's degree in Engineering. For Air Force: Bachelor's degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering degree. Candidates appearing in final year may also apply.
Selection Process
Written Exam
SSB Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
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 First Examination 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 total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS First Exam 2024?
A total of 457 vacancies are advertised: IMA-100, INA-32, Air Force-32, OTA (Men)-275, OTA (Women)-18.
What is the application fee for General and OBC candidates?
General and OBC candidates have to pay Rs 200 as application fee.
Is there any application fee for SC, ST, and Female candidates?
SC, ST, and Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee (Fee Rs 0).
What is the last date to apply for CDS I 2024?
The last date to apply online is 09 January 2024 till 06:00 PM.
When is the exam date for CDS I 2024?
The exam is scheduled for 21 April 2024.
When was the final result declared for CDS I 2024?
The final result was declared on 21 October 2024.
What is the age limit for IMA, INA, and Air Force?
Candidates must be born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2006.
What is the age limit for Officers Training Academy (OTA)?
Candidates must be born between 02 January 2000 and 01 January 2006.
What qualification is required for Indian Naval Academy (INA)?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
What is the selection process for CDS I 2024?
The selection process consists of Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
When was the admit card released for CDS I 2024?
The admit card was available from 12 April 2024.
How can I apply for CDS I 2024?
You need to first complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC website, then fill the application form from 20 December 2023 to 09 January 2024.