Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

UPSC CDS Examination 2026

Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026

Total Vacancies

451

Last Date

30/12/2025

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The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the notification for UPSC CDS Examination 2026 to fill vacancies in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy. The Combined Defence Services Examination 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for graduates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Vacancy Details

The UPSC CDS Examination 2026 announces course-wise vacancies for Permanent and Short Service Commission entries.

Course Name	No. of Posts	Pay Scale
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	100	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	26	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
Air Force Academy (AFA)	32	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men)	275	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women)	18	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)

Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for UPSC CDS Examination 2026 must possess the prescribed educational qualifications as per the selected academy.

IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university.
Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised institution.
Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
Final-year degree candidates are also eligible to apply.

Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for detailed educational requirements.

Age Limit

The age criteria for UPSC CDS Examination 2026 varies according to the academy.

Indian Military Academy (IMA): Candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008.
Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008.
Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men): Candidates must be born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women): Candidates must be born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008.
Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for all courses.

Application Fee

The application fee for UPSC CDS Examination 2026 is detailed below.

General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹ 200/-
SC / ST / Female Candidates: No Fee
Mode of Payment: Online Mode

How to Apply

Eligible candidates can apply online for UPSC CDS Examination 2026 by following the steps below.

Click on the Apply link given below; or
Visit the UPSC online application portal
Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
Fill the CDS Examination (I) 2026 application form
Upload photograph and required documents
Pay the application fee and submit the form

Important Dates

Candidates should carefully note the key schedule of the UPSC CDS Examination 2026.

Notification Release Date: 10/12/2025
Last Date to Apply Online: 30/12/2025
Written Examination Date: 12/04/2026
SSB Interview: August – December 2026 (Tentative)