UPSC CDS-I Combined Defence Service Recruitment 2026
A Golden Opportunity to Become an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces!
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Service (CDS-I) Examination 2026, offering a chance to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as a Commissioned Officer. This is a prestigious opportunity for all graduate candidates who are passionate about serving the nation.
🗓️ Important Dates
| Event | CDS-I 2026 Date |
| Notification Release Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | December 30, 2025 |
| Written Examination Date | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Release Date | Approx. 3 weeks before the exam |
🎯 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria vary for the different Academies.
1. Educational Qualification
| Academy | Required Qualification |
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) & OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | A Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) or equivalent from a recognized University. |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | A Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution. |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. |
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Note: Candidates in the final year/semester can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing their degree before the commencement of the SSB Interview.
2. Age Limit and Marital Status
The age for all Academies is calculated as of January 1, 2027, except for AFA where the age calculation date is also January 1, 2027.
| Academy | Age Limit (Expected Age Range) | Marital Status |
| IMA | 19 – 24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008) | Unmarried Male |
| INA | 19 – 24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008) | Unmarried Male |
| AFA | 20 – 24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007) | Unmarried (Under 25 years) |
| OTA (Male) | 19 – 25 years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2008) | Unmarried |
| OTA (Female) | 19 – 25 years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2008) | Unmarried/Unmarried Repaired Widows/Unmarried Repaired Divorcees |
💸 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC (Male) | ₹ 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST | ₹ 0/- (Fee Exempted) |
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Payment Mode: The fee can be paid online (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card) or through an SBI Bank Challan.
IMPORTANT LINKS: UPSC CDS-I Combined Defence Service Recruitment 2026
Apply Online Link |
Click Here |
Official Notification |
Click Here |
UPSC Official Website |
Click Here |
📝 Selection Process
The selection for the CDS examination is based on the following stages:
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Written Examination:
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For IMA, INA, AFA: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Total 300 Marks).
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For OTA: English and General Knowledge (Total 200 Marks).
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SSB Interview (Services Selection Board Interview):
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This is a 5-day evaluation process including Stage-I (Screening Test) and Stage-II (Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview, and Conference).
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Document Verification
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Medical Examination
💻 How to Apply
UPSC CDS-I Combined Defence Service Recruitment 2026
Eligible and interested candidates can apply only online through the official UPSC website.
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Complete OTR (One Time Registration): First, complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the official UPSC website upsconline.nic.in via ‘New Registration’.
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Login and Fill Part-I: Login with your OTR ID/Email ID/Mobile Number and fill in the personal and academic details in Part-I of the CDS-I 2026 application.
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Complete Part-II: In Part-II of the application, pay the fee (if applicable), select the examination center, and upload the scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and Photo ID PDF.
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Final Submission: Carefully check all the details and submit the form. Keep a printout for future reference.
🌐 Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Apply Online | https://upsconline.nic.in/ |
| UPSC Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in/ |
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Advice: Apply as soon as possible without waiting for the last date and be sure to check the official notification for detailed information.